Tips to Successfully Complete Dry January

New year, new you, right? We know it’s cliché, but as much as we hate to admit it, the New Year really is the perfect opportunity to make new goals and lifestyle changes!

Dry January isn’t just about ditching alcohol for a month – it’s a chance to reset, build healthier habits and even save money! With the average UK household spending a significant amount on alcohol annually, taking a break can lead to surprising financial benefits. But as with any challenge – sticking to it can be tough.

The good news is that with a bit of preparation and our top tips – you’ll sail through Dry January – all while enjoying the perks of a healthier lifestyle and a fuller wallet!

Create a Plan with Realistic Goals

The best way to kickstart your Dry January is to start with a plan! You might be wondering why, but planning your schedule ahead of time for January will mean you’re less likely to run into a situation where you’re tempted to break your new years resolution.

Understanding your motivation is key to staying on track! Are you doing this for health, to save money or as a personal challenge? Whether you’re saving up for a holiday, want to improve your sleep or lose weight – having a clear goal is the best way to stay motivated. We suggest writing your goals down and keeping them visible! Pop them on your fridge, around your desk and other places visible to you daily.

We also suggest you keep your expectations realistic! Focus on the small wins – like as sober weekend or opting for alcohol-free beverages at your next social event. Making progress is more important than perfection. Remind yourself that if you slip up, you can always get back on track.

Financial Perks of Dry January

It goes without saying that Dry January is the perfect chance to save some extra cash after the Christmas splurge. The average pint in the UK costing around £4.79, as of September 2024. And if you’re a wine or spirit drinker, this could be significantly more.

Imagine putting that money towards something more rewarding – like a weekend getaway, paying off debt or boosting your savings?

Replace Drinking with Budget-Friendly Alternatives

Sticking to Dry January doesn’t mean missing out on fun or flavour. There are plenty of creative and cost-effective ways to enjoy your month alcohol-free!

1. Try Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Swap your usual drink for alcohol-free options. Brands like Lucky Saint are home to a fantastic collection of tasty alcohol free beers. Seedlip, Heineken 0.0, and other alcohol-free wines and beers are also excellent substitutes. Or, get creative and make your own mocktails with simple ingredients like soda water, fresh fruit, and syrups.

2. Plan Alcohol-Free Social Activities

Instead of heading to the pub, why not organise a coffee date, a game night, or a long walk with friends? Hosting a potluck dinner is another great idea – everyone can bring a dish, and the focus stays on the food, not the booze.

3. Explore Free or Low-Cost Entertainment

Use this time to discover new activities or a new hobby! Try a fitness class, or join a community event. With the money you save, treat yourself to a cosy movie night, a new book, or a small indulgence that doesn’t involve alcohol.

Stay Motivated with These Tips

Let’s face it, challenges like Dry January can be hard to stick to, especially when life gets busy. But keeping yourself motivated is easier than you might think.

1. Track your Progress

There’s something satisfying about seeing your achievements add up. Use an app like Try Dry to log your alcohol-free days and track how much money you’ve saved. Celebrate milestones – like your first full week – with small, non-alcoholic rewards.

2. Find a Friend

Everything’s better with company! Partner up with a friend or family member who’s also doing Dry January. You’ll keep each other motivated, share tips, and have someone to celebrate with when you make it to the end.

3. Reward yourself with your Savings

At the end of January, take those savings and put them to good use. Whether it’s treating yourself to a fancy dinner, a new outfit, or a day out, using your saved cash as a reward makes all your effort feel worthwhile.

Budget Ways to Tackle Cravings

Cravings can be challenging, but with a little creativity, you can navigate them without breaking your Dry January commitment!

1. Keep Mocktail Ingredients on Hand

Simple ingredients like lemonade, soda water, and fresh fruit can work wonders for creating refreshing alternatives. They’re not only delicious but also a fraction of the cost of alcoholic drinks!

2. Distract yourself with Activities

Whenever a craving hits, try going for a walk, picking up a book, or starting a new hobby. Redirecting your focus can make a big difference, and using the money you’ve saved to try a low-cost class or workshop gives you something new to enjoy.

3. Make water your Best Friend

Staying hydrated is key. Drinking water not only helps curb cravings but also keeps you feeling fresh and energised. It’s the simplest and cheapest way to boost your health!

What to Do with Your Dry January Savings

By the end of the month, you’ll likely have a nice little stash of savings from not buying alcohol. Here are some ideas for what to do with it:

• Pay off Debt: Use the extra cash to chip away at credit card balances or other loans.
• Invest in Yourself: Put the money toward a fitness class, a creative hobby, or something else that helps you grow!
• Save for a Goal: Whether it’s a holiday, a new gadget, or just building up your rainy-day fund, every little bit counts.

If you’re struggling to keep on track this January – whatever your resolution or goals may be – we’ve got tons of tips to help you out! Check out our latest guide for sticking to your New Year’s Resolutions on a Budget. Maybe your goal is to get fit in 2025? Have you thought about whether gym memberships could be worth it? We have! And lucky for you, we’ve listed all the pros and cons in our guide right here.