Dry January - a month off the booze - anyone want to join me?

[Doshusallie]

I am determined to do this - I drink most days, it's become a habit, just a glass or two, more at weekends, but really want to give myself an extended break.

The worst time of day for me is between 6-8 pm, before we eat. So am going to try and eat earlier and it would be great if I could come on here and get some support about that time of day!

does anybody want to have a dry January with me?

And yes I do have a hangover today

'ensure' but actually 'endure' sounds more apt

Day 7 in the sobriety household....

I agree that probably medically it might not be enough to just give your liver a rest for one whole month a year, but the medical profession probably fail to grasp that it actually might change one's mindset about why/when/where one might be most vulnerable to habitual drinking of alcohol and that might enable one to adapt to a more healthy level of drinking....

Also, I can already notice a difference in my bank balance for not having bought alcohol for a week....I think we might all be amazed at how much money is spent on bottles of vino....

I definitely feel less 'bloated' (although I have never been in the least bit over-weight) for a week off alcohol...and I'm not sure that there's been any significant substitution of calorific snacks .

I am hoping that having done a week without it might just be getting easier henceforth. It hasn't been a battle but I'm properly back at work today and in our organisation there is still a bit of a lunchtime culture of heading to the on-site bar for lunch and a swift one...We shall see....

Well done to everyone....

Agree gazza, it's about trying to break habits. I could happily drink a glass of wine at any time of day!

I agree about the less bloated feeling / skin benefits already.

My face used to look really puffy on a morning, that's all gone.

I am sleeping so much better too.

Well done everyone.

It definitely shows in your face. At 47 most of my friends who still drink regularly in largish amounts do look more knackered than those who don't. Not an ageing thing just a general tired puffy look that does go when you stop/cut down very quickly.

I will be a whole new woman soon!

I do feel less bloated and although I suffer from rosacea the skin is not as angry as it was.

This could become permanent!

I am not feeling the morning benefits at the moment as still have a cold (did I mention I have a cold? Runny eye, snotty nose, headache? No? Well I do. ) and getting up this morning was not easy, particularly as it was to do the school run, and I have been sleeping in till 8.30 for the last 2 weeks!

Am really pleased to have nearly got to a week without alcohol though, didn't even think about it last night!

Survived the weekend. Only craved wine on Saturday night when dh was cooking the steak...habits and associations are tough to break. Had a momentary thought about wine at Sunday lunch but the thought didn't linger. Am off sugar for January too, I really don't want to start substituting one very pleasurable substance for another, breaking the snacking after dinner is tough - wine used to help a lot.

Im still going too - turned down a glass of champagne last night which is unheard of!

I'm still on it. Really fancied a glass of cold white last night after a busy day but had squash instead. Am not noticing any difference yet but it will come I'm sure.

I was feeling less bloated but my stomach has swollen up to epic proportions today. That's just stress though.

Working until 10pm today and tomorrow so should be easy enough to not drink.

Phew. Loooong day, naughty 4 year old and poorly 17 month old I could murder a cold crisp pinot grigot! I will just have to keep busy......
Well done all, 7 days is pretty fab!

I am managing without wine, but piled into the chocs and cake over the weekend. I am sure I am addicted to sugar!

Really must try and cut down on sugar this week.

I want a drink :(

Keep strong bunnies - this too will pass!!

I am going to eat my tea quite soon as this quells the urge.

We can DO this.

I have 2 hyperactive kids to put to bed but after that.....

Go bunnies!!! >>>

I'm trying! :)

I always think Jan is the worst month to do this - what little comfort in such a bleak month.... but I might be tempted to try and join you all. Maybe not completely (spag bol tonight and that needs a glass of red, but just one small one) but definitely a huge cutback.

One tip - often in the evening if I fancy a beer: cold, fizzy, refreshing... but a sparkling water can be almost as good. I think it's the fizz that helps.

But beware anything caffeine loaded (or aspartame yuch!) as surely that's just replacing with something else not good for you. Also those drinking squash instead - that could be a lot of sugar / calories... just saying.

Day 7 here too.
Will be fine now I've got passed the weekend until Friday.
Just will have to buy some more soda water to go with my 'no added sugar' lime squash, my drink of choice at the moment.
Keep going. we can do it.

Sugar free red bull! Only 10 calories a can! :)

Rubbish nights sleep last night!! WHY????no caffeine consumed after 4pm. Nice lemon and ginger tea at 9pm. Bed at 10pm. Bright eyed and bushy tailed from 10.30 until......well....2am was when I last looked at the clock. Sigh......

I've heard so many people say they've had a bad night sleep from giving up drinking. Not sure why?

I agree that probably medically it might not be enough to just give your liver a rest for one whole month a year, but the medical profession probably fail to grasp that it actually might change one's mindset about why/when/where one might be most vulnerable to habitual drinking of alcohol and that might enable one to adapt to a more healthy level of drinking....

Totally agree gazza - I find in December it's so easy to slide into the habit of drinking every evening - after a month off I've broken the habit and I truly think I drink less for the rest of the year. Plus the rest can't do any actual harm can it?