Alcohol sales went through the roof in 2020, as British Americans, Australians and more spent time in lockdown charging (or at least eliminating the advantage).
But the coronavirus pandemic is not over yet – and our bodies can only sustain so much extra wine and tequila.
Enter the dry January, which may sound like a better idea than ever in 2021 – but it might also feel like a much tougher commitment.
For those determined to give it a try, FEMAIL spoke with Hilary Sheinbaum, author of The Dry Challenge: How to Lose Alcohol for Dry January, Sober October, and Any Other Alcohol-Free Month, who shared the best tips for a break. drink even while you stay home all day, every day.
Get up! With the alcohol levels of 2020 – and 2020 – behind us, we celebrate dry January this year can start things on a healthy footing
“There are so many benefits to having a dry January – or any other dry month – including better sleep, improved digestion, increased energy, clearer skin and a general sense of accomplishment,” said Sheinbaum. whose book debuted on December 29th.
“You also save a ton of money when you don’t buy expensive cocktails and bottles of liquor and wine,” she added.
Pictured: Hilary Sheinbaum, who suggests you quit your alcohol and find fun and sober activities to have a successful dry January in 2021
Certainly, Americans spent a lot on alcohol last year, with online sales growing like never before. In fact, a report by market research firm IWSR found that online alcohol sales in the US would total about $ 5.6 billion in 2020, up 80% from the previous year.
Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain and the United Kingdom also saw an increase in e-commerce in alcoholic beverages.
“More than in previous years, 2020 had so many minimums and caused a lot of stress and uncertainty. Many people drink more at home and at different times of the day, “said Sheinbaum.
“After a crazy year, we could all use a new beginning: to feel well rested, energetic and to have a few extra dollars in the bank.”
In her book – which includes a striker of Laguna Beach star Lo Bosworth – Sheinbaum shares the benefits of giving up alcohol, non-alcoholic cocktail recipes and even activities that do not include drinks.
Here, she gives her best advice to refrain, while the world is still in control of a pandemic.
Sheinbaum is the author of “The Dry Challenge: How to Lose Alcohol for Dry January, Sober October, and Any Other Alcohol-Free Month,”
Remember: No sight, no mind
Anyone who has ever been on a diet knows that having tasty snacks in sight is a recipe for failure, and the same goes for the contents of the cupboard.
“While working from home, every time you walk past the bar cart or open the fridge, you probably notice bottles of wine, liqueur or beer,” Sheinbaum explained.
If your goal is to give up alcohol together, pour it all down the drain or give it to your friends.
If you just give it up for that month, find a place to hide your bottles and cans. It’s OK if you know it’s still there; as long as you don’t have to see it every day, you’re less likely to drink it.
“You can simply keep your alcohol in sight at home or give it to a friend to keep for 31 days,” she said.
Complete the Sober Month support team
Misery loves company.
“Even if you don’t see your friends in person during quarantine, you can suggest a group activity: don’t drink together,” Sheinbaum suggests. “Having other people in a common goal is not only motivating, it will hold all parties accountable.”
It can also be comforting to talk to friends about how much you’d like a glass of pinot grigio – and how much you miss Saturday night at your favorite bar.
For this purpose, find things to do that are fun, but do not involve drinks.
“If you take shelter with friends, family or a partner, you can dream of activities to do together in person that do not involve alcohol,” Sheinbaum said.
Find something to look forward to
One of the reasons many of us turned to drinking during quarantine is … well, what else was there to do?
But instead of drinking from boredom, it’s time to think outside the house to find ways to keep busy and have fun.
“The pandemic doesn’t allow for galas or festivals, but you can still be creative with fun ways to spend your time,” Sheinbaum said.
“Beyond streaming platforms for binging movies, you can adopt a new training regime at home, learn how to cook or develop recipes (without cooking wine), decorate your home or reorganize your closet.
“And if you’ve already done all this in quarantine, look for live virtual events online to keep you engaged with what’s happening in your state, city and even your own neighborhood.
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Find another drink that feels special
Not just the waiver you give up when you take a break from alcohol: it’s also the taste of your favorite drinks.
Sheinbaum suggests replacing your post-work (or during work) drink with a non-alcoholic one that is still tasty.
“If you’re a beer drinker, there are non-alcoholic foods, including IPAs, stouts and more,” she said.
“If you’re feeling creative or looking for a classic cocktail, you can mix it with different varieties of non-alcoholic spirits and other zero-ABV ingredients,” she added.
Her book includes recipes for soft drinks, and Pinterest is full of tasty ideas.
Motivate yourself with a reward
“You have to take advantage of the mental and physical benefits of drinking alcohol for 31 days, but having something to look forward to in the end can also be motivating,” Sheinbaum said.
“Because you’ll save money throughout the month, you can raise your hard-earned money and promise to buy something you’ve noticed throughout the month (or maybe even before that).
On January 1, promise yourself something that “feels like a delight” that you will receive as a prize on February 1 – even if you try not to make it alcohol.
“When your dry month passes, buy it or book it and celebrate!”