Dry January Survival Guide

With the new year comes new opportunities—a chance to set new goals, freshen routines, and refocus on wellness through resolutions. For some, cutting back on alcohol is on that list. Whatever your why, deciding to take a break from drinking is a personal choice, and we’re here to support you. 

We’ve come up with a few tips to help you survive Dry January and stay on track to kick-start your goals for the new year. 

SET SOME GOALS
More than just taking your mind off drinking, the new year is a great time to set some goals for yourself! Bust out a blank notepad and start writing down things you want to accomplish. Whether it’s fitness, personal, or professional, the act of writing down your goals puts thought into action. 

SOCIAL MEDIA CLENSE
Spending too much time on social media inevitably impacts our mental health. A good way to kick off the new year is to purge accounts that “don’t bring you joy,” to quote Marie Kondo. It’s personal, but it will feel good to unfollow accounts that push content that doesn’t make you feel good.

Set a time limit for social media to try and cut it down. Take a walk, learn a new hobby, read a book… Cutting down on social media consumption while cutting back on alcohol is another good habit to create. 

EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS
We’ve come a long way from club soda and lime. With tons of No and Low spritzes, wine, beer, even spirit options to choose from, not drinking is just as much fun—but you don’t wake up with a hangover the next day.

Need a few recommendations?

WINE

SipClean 2020 Rosé

SipClean White Blend

BEER

Athletic Brewing Co., Upside Dawn Golden Ale

Heineken 0.0

SPRITZ

Ghia, Ginger Le Spritz 

Curious Elixir, No. 4

Spirits – Ritual, Tequila Alternative

Seedlip, Garden 108

BETTER TOGETHER
Ask a friend or two if they want to ditch booze with you! Plan activities together that don’t revolve around drinking, but instead focus on achieving your goals. 

“My girlfriends and I will plan on crushing a workout class instead of grabbing a drink when we want to spend time together.” – Madi, SipC Brand Manager

Having friends around to take on a fun workout class or checking out a new art exhibit is a great way to integrate new activities into your daily routine. 

Other ideas include joining a book club, exploring a new national park in your city or taking a cooking class.

KEEP A JOURNAL
We’re currently using My Wellness Journal from Papier. We love this journal because there’s space to track goals, self-care moments, mood and daily thoughts and feelings. If wellness and diet are part of your goals for the new year, we love the NOOM app to help with a mindful approach to better eating habits.

Get in the habit of keeping track of how you feel when you make progress on your goals. Or even just a quick jot in your phone notes when you wake up can help you appreciate those sober mornings! You’ll start to prefer that clear head, more energy feeling.

AVOID AN ‘ALL OR NOTHING’ ATTITUDE
You don’t need to be a perfectionist here. Don’t think of it as slipping up if you have a glass of wine two weeks in. No need to throw in the towel! Just get back on it the next day. Remember that this is an exercise to help you become more mindful about drinking, not about being perfect.

Xo, Team SipC