Planning To Do Dry July?

Looking to throw your hat in the ring this Dry July?

Reckon you’ll brave the month without booze?

If so, kudos to you! If you’re a regular drinker, taking a break from booze certainly isn’t easy.

The delicious taste, the night cap after a big day of work or taking care of sick kids, there’s plenty of reasons we often reach for a drink or two!

We’ve put together 6 tips that’ll help you get through the literal dry spell...

What's Your Why?

Why do you want to do Dry July? Whether it's for health reasons, a personal challenge, or to raise money for a cause, make it clear why!

Outlining a clear reason why you’re having a break from booze will help you stick to the course when cravings or temptation kick in!

Assemble a Crew!

Get a few friends, work colleagues or even family members to take the Dry July plunge with you! Social support to share the struggles, cravings and frustrations with will go a long way to helping you go the full 31 days staying sober. You can even register for the Dry July charity fundraiser together to raise money for those affected by cancer!

Notice The Differences

If you’re a consistent daily drinker, the first few days and even week can be rough. You may experience withdrawal symptoms including sweating, anxiety, depression, irritable mood and trouble sleeping.

BUT! Once your body detoxifies itself of alcohol you will notice improved sleep quality within the first week.

After 2-3 weeks you may even notice weight loss as the often forgotten about calories in alcohol are removed from your daily caloric intake.

Keeping a daily journal in a notebook or on your phone and take a moment to ask yourself the following questions each day:

- How are my overall energy levels and mood?

- Do I feel any differences to my concentration or focus

- How did I sleep last night?

- Do I notice any physical changes to my body including bodyweight, skin and hydration?

- Tracking these items daily will give you a real sense of the improvement you can feel and see as the month of July rolls on!

Plan Ahead

Prepare yourself by anticipating situations where you would typically consume alcohol. Make alternate plans, find alcohol-free activities, and surround yourself with supportive friends or family members who understand and respect your decision.

Find Alternative Drinks

Having a variety of appealing alternatives will make it easier to resist the temptation to drink alcohol

Replace alcoholic beverages with enjoyable non-alcoholic options. You can enjoy;

- Flavoured sparkling water
- Lower sugar soft drinks and sodas

- Experiment with mocktails. Non alcoholic Moscow Mules, Blue Lagoons, Bloody Marys and more!

- Heaps more! Get creative and have fun with it

- All the drinks at Hits Different are non alcoholic!

Avoid Triggers

Identify triggers that make you crave alcohol and try to avoid them. It could be specific social events, certain locations, or even emotional states. Develop strategies to cope with these triggers, such as finding alternative activities or practicing mindfulness techniques.

There you have it! For more interesting info on what a month off drinking does to your body, check out the Dry July Foundation website here

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: All content provided here is of a general nature only and is not a substitute for individualised professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reliance should not be placed on it. For personalised medical or nutrition advice, please make an appointment with your doctor, dietitian, or qualified health care professional.

Planning To Do Dry July?