Anyone doing Dry January 2021?

[MyGhastIsFlabbered]

I was going to go sober this year...but for various reasons (excuses) it didn't happen. DP and I have agreed to try Dry January as we are both drinking too much. Anyone else fancy coming along for the ride?

I've been fine so far but I think that's because we're still in the weird 'don't know what day it is' bit between Christmas and starting back at work! I think I'll notice it once I start work again as I look forward to a glass in the evening to unwind.

DP is doing it too so hopefully we can hold each other's hand when one of us is having a wobble.

I'm in. Did this a year or two ago and was dreading it and did not think i would manage it but did, so clinging to that. I remember it did get easier so fingers crossed. I need to reset my relationship with alcohol as my drinking has been creeping up again. Going go focus on the health aspects and having a clear head.

I’m in too, great thread. Have been drinking far too much this year and def need a reset. Good luck all. Day 3! Or what ever day it is for you

I'm in too. Have been gradually cutting down throughout Oct, Nov & Dec but ready to go AF and see for how long. Seriously need to loose weight and get fit. Getting fed up of the crap excuses I make re fitness and exercise, when I have been drinking the night before. It has to stop . Good luck 🤞

That's two days done. I've been rationing my Christmas chocolates and having a few in the evening instead of a drink. I took a long time to fall asleep last night. I think I rely on wine to get me off to sleep but then I wake too early. Although I took ages to get off last night I then slept until 7.45am which is unheard of. Maybe I am also resetting my sleep pattern.

Last night was the first Saturday night in years that I haven't got drunk. I felt great going to bed and woke up fresh!

I slept really well.

Annoyingly I've just found a bottle of white wine in the fridge. I can't bear to throw it away but also hate knowing it's there..

Count me in from tomorrow - was going to start on 11th for a month but I just got on the scales and was shocked! I did dry lockdown in November and it was surprisingly easy. Good luck everyone 😀

Late to the party but I'm in too.
Had my last drink NYD so not struggling yet. Evening drinking has become a habit and feel so fed up of wasting weekends feeling groggy.
I also need to shift a stone or two.
It's my birthday this Friday so that will be my first real test!

I’m going to take some photos today, then some at the end of the month. I’m hoping there will be a visible difference!

@MrsMiaWallis is it open? If it’s not open yet just hide it in a cupboard. We have a full rack of wine but I actually don’t mind seeing it there.
I’m feeling good so far - definitely not missing the 3am anxiety after drinking white wine!

Is anyone else really tired? I had to force myself out of bed after sleeping 12 hours.
I'm not myself a hard time about food. One thing at a time.

I’ve got an open bottle in the fridge and a few in the cupboard. My mindset is a bit childlike I think, with the bottles there I’m making my own choice not to drink but if they aren’t then I’m being told I can’t drink....which will make me want to drink!

I feel amazing. Well I don't but I don't feel shit andy face already looks younger.

I'm a late joiner - me and DH are starting today. We have both been drinking far too much and I am particularly worried about DH - he has always been a heavy drinker but it seems to have got much worse recently.

We have both done DJ before and I struggled a bit - I have terrible will power. But I think we both need it this year.

Morning we'll feel quite chuffed I've woken up Saturday and Sunday without that guilt and rough feeling. In a way glad this started over a weekend but know this will make next weekend tough. I struggle to sleep but hope that will pass. #onedayatatime

I didn't sleep well last night and woke feeling really groggy. Hoping that is a withdrawal (god that is a depressing thought in itself)

However, day 3 and feeling positive. Like @LiquoriceAllsorts086 this is the first Saturday night I haven't had a drink downed a bottle in I don't know how long

I know from experience i don't feel any different until about week 3

Had this e-mail through this morning so thought I'd share. I think some of us (myself included) are unrealistically expecting to suddenly feel awesome when actually it's going to take some time to undo the damage we've been doing to ourselves. Onwards and upwards....one day at a time

Did you know that it takes your body one hour to process each unit of alcohol? So it will take your body about three hours to process a large glass of wine or a pint of beer. 
 
This means that if you stopped drinking on 1 January your body is now completely free of alcohol. You may not have noticed it on the outside, but under the surface, changes are already beginning to happen. 
 
The first few days can bring some surprising effects. You might find that:
• You’re more thirsty than usual
• You’re craving a drink
• You’re having vivid dreams
• You’re unusually tired
• You’re grumpy
Don’t worry, these are all normal. Even though the alcohol is out of your system there may be some residual effects as your body and mind get used to the new you. They’ll pass in a few days. Think of them positively as signs that you’re getting your you back.

It can be helpful to jot down any differences you notice and over the next few weeks you’ll see how these effects ebb away and the positive changes take hold.

Saturday night done. My husband nearly opened a bottle of red for our zoom drinks (I'm not making him do DJ but he says he will) but he decided not to, we both had a lime and mint cordial with sparkling water instead. Lovely waking up at the weekend with a fresh head.

To anyone struggling, persevere! Strange dreams, feeling anxiety, fidgety etc are all normal responses to stopping drinking. They will pass.

In these early days it is helpful to notice the triggers and get into the habit of just paying attention to the feeling for a moment and recognising it for what it is. If you know what your triggers are you might be able to plan your day differently to avoid them.

Two days in, woke up after a long sleep feeling amazing.
I know last night I was wanting a little something but just got a can of pop instead. I think I’m going to get some limes in so I can make myself a tonic and lime drink.
I know my point will really come in about a few days in as I can do week alcohol free but always really looking forward to a dink at the weekend.
I took a photo of my face as I really want to see the impact on my face.
Thinking of downloading Allen Carrs stop drinking book on my kindle. Has anyone read it?

@MrsMiaWallis

I slept really well.

Annoyingly I've just found a bottle of white wine in the fridge. I can't bear to throw it away but also hate knowing it's there..

Just pour it down the sink, that's what I did New Years day morning with two bottles I had left. Otherwise in your weak moments on a Friday night after work you might be reaching for it

Such vivid (and a bit scary) dreams last night. Also took me ages to drift off and I kept waking.

To whoever shared the post above that said this is normal - thank you!

Day 3. We keep going!!

That's a good email op. I bought the Allen Carr book a while back. I read the first couple of chapters and that held me in good form for a while. I find the not drinking really quite easy. It's the having wine when you are 'allowed' it and the social pressure that goes with it. Also, I'm a single parent so when my kids are away if really is an easy way to take time out. Depressing really. A walk along a beach would be much better I suppose.