Alcohol sales were huge in 2020, when Americans, Brits, Australians and more spent the time getting lockdown loaded (or at least taking the edge off).
But the coronavirus pandemic isn’t over – and our bodies can only tolerate so much extra wine and tequila.
Enter Dry January, that may sound like a better idea than ever in 2021, but it can also feel like a much tougher commitment.
For those determined to give it a try, FEMAIL spoke to Hilary Sheinbaum, author of ‘The Dry Challenge: How to Lose the Booze for Dry January, Sober October, and Any Other Alcohol-Free Month,’ who gave her top tips for taking a break from the booze, even if you stay at home all day, every day.
Wring yourself out! With 2020 and 2020 alcohol consumption levels behind us, celebrating Dry January this year can start things off in a healthy way
“ There are so many benefits to doing a dry January – or any other dry month – including better sleep, improved digestion, more energy, brighter skin, and an overall sense of accomplishment, ” said Sheinbaum, whose book debuted December 29. .
“You also save a lot of money if you don’t buy expensive cocktails and bottles of spirits and wine,” she added.
In the picture: Hilary Sheinbaum, who suggests getting rid of your alcohol and having fun, sober activities to have a successful dry January in 2021
Americans have certainly spent a lot on alcohol in the past year, and online sales soared like never before. In fact, a report by market research firm IWSR found that online sales of alcohol in the US would reach about $ 5.6 billion by 2020, an increase of 80 percent from the previous year.
Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain and the UK also saw a boost in beverage e-commerce.
‘More than in previous years, 2020 saw so many lows and brought 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 can all use a fresh start: feeling well rested, energized and having a few extra dollars in the bank.”
In her book – with a forward to Laguna Beach star Lo Bosworth – Sheinbaum shares the benefits of giving up alcohol, recipes for non-alcoholic cocktails, and even activities that don’t include drinking.
Here, she provides her best advice for abstaining while the world is still in the throes of a pandemic.
Sheinbaum is the author of ‘The Dry Challenge: How to Lose the Booze for Dry January, Sober October, and Any Other Alcohol-Free Month’, out now
Remember: out of sight, out of mind
Anyone who’s ever been on a diet knows that having tasty snacks in plain sight is a recipe for failure, and the same is true of the contents of your liquor cabinet.
“While you work from home, every time you pass your bar cart or open the refrigerator, you probably see bottles of wine, spirits or beer,” Sheinbaum explained.
If your goal is to give up alcohol together, pour it all down the drain or give it away to friends.
If you’re just giving it up for a month, find a place to hide your bottles and cans. It’s okay if you know it’s still there; as long as you don’t have to see it every day, you will be less likely to drink it.
“You can just keep your alcohol out of sight at home or give it to a friend to keep it for 31 days,” she said.
Gather your Sober Month Support Squad
Misery likes company.
“Even if you don’t see your friends in person during quarantine, you can suggest a group activity: don’t drink together,” suggests Sheinbaum. “Having other people a shared goal is not only motivating, but it also holds all parties accountable.”
It can also be comforting to pity friends about how badly you want a glass of pinot grigio – and how much you miss out on Saturday night at your favorite bar.
Therefore, find things to do that are fun, but without drinks.
“If you’re hiding on the spot with friends, family, or a partner, you can come up with activities to do together in person without alcohol,” Sheinbaum said.
Find something to look forward to
One reason so many of us turned to drinking during quarantine is … what else is there to do?
But instead of drinking out of boredom, now is the time to think outside of the box about ways to keep busy and entertained.
“The pandemic doesn’t allow for galas or festivals, but you can still get creative with fun ways to spend your time,” Sheinbaum said.
In addition to movie streaming platforms, you can take a new home training program, learn to cook or develop recipes (without cooking wine), redecorate your home, or reorganize your closet.
And if you’ve already quarantined all of this, watch live virtual events online to keep yourself busy with what’s going on in your state, city, and even your own neighborhood.
Need some more help?
Some people who want to cut back on alcohol are turning to CBD for some extra rest.
Cannabidiol (CBD) comes from cannabis, but unlike THC, it is not psychoactive.
It is believed to have several benefits, including the ability to reduce depression and anxiety.
NuLeaf Naturals Full Spectrum Hemp CBD Capsules, $ 99, nulleafnaturals.com
Find another drink that feels special
It’s not just the buzz you give up when you press pause on alcohol: it’s also the flavor of your favorite drinks.
Sheinbaum suggests replacing your after work (or on the job) drink with a non-alcoholic drink that is still tasty.
“ If you’re a beer drinker, there are no-alcohol brews, including IPAs, stouts, and more, ” she said.
“If you’re feeling creative or looking for a classic cocktail, you can mix your own with different types of non-alcoholic drinks and other ingredients without ABV,” she added.
Her book includes recipes for non-alcoholic cocktails, and Pinterest is full of tasty ideas.
Motivate yourself with a reward
“ You will certainly reap mental and physical benefits if you don’t drink alcohol for 31 days, but eventually having something to look forward to can be motivating too, ” Sheinbaum said.
“Since you’re saving money all month, you can collect your hard-earned money and promise to buy yourself something that you’ve been looking at all month (or maybe even before).”
On January 1, promise yourself something that “feels like a treat” that you will receive as a prize on February 1 – but try not to turn it into alcohol.
“When your dry month is over, buy it, or reserve it and celebrate!”