Tis the season to make resolutions. If you’re considering the zero-alcohol lifestyle, or just put the bottle down a little, Dry January could be an excellent opportunity to take sobriety for a test drive. Whether you need a break from spiked eggnog or you’re trying to break “bad” habits, we’ve got you covered with a list of tips and tricks designed to help you step back from boozy drinks without giving up on fun.
First, recruit a friend or family member to join you on this journey. Like Thelma and Louise or Beauty and the Beast, challenges are always more fun with your bestie by your side. Next, put away your collection of alcohol and eliminate any temptation. Even better –– make a game of it by asking your Dry Jan buddy to hide it for you. Come February 1st, they can reveal their secret hiding spot (eeek!).
Before we begin, it’s important to keep one thing in mind. We’re here to have fun. Dry January isn’t about never drinking again or being hard on yourself. Think of it as a chance to reflect on your habits while giving your body a post-holiday break.
Here are 7 ways to help you through the month
- Find your yoga flow
It’s amazing what 10 minutes of morning stretching can do for your day. New to yoga? You’ll find a huge selection of easy-to-follow beginner videos on YouTube. Better yet, why not join a local studio with your Dry January buddy and get into something new together. Fun fact: No matter your skill level, yoga is known to provide excellent stress relief.
- Connect with your inner child
Break out the gaming console, board games, Twister, puzzles, playing cards –– whatever your inner child’s heart desires. It’s a great way to relive fun memories while creating new ones too.
What about a movie night? With so many streaming services available, there’s no shortage of flicks to choose from –– including classics from your childhood. Make some hot cocoa, pop some corn, curl up with your favourite person(s) or animal, and take a moment to soak it all in.
- Stay active as a family
No matter your schedule or your to-do list, it’s important to carve out time for exercise. Invite family and friends along for a super-cheesy bowling party, or an adventure-filled snowshoeing experience or put your skates on and meet at the arena for free-skate. Exercise is food for the brain.
- Fill your fridge will alcohol-free drinks
Feed your thirst with an arsenal of fun non-alcohol options. Your local grocery store is teeming with beverages you’ll truly enjoy, from fresh juices to sodas, pre-made mocktails and so much more. With 12 cans per case, our Clever Mocktails are always a hit at parties and get-togethers. Serve up Clever Mojitos, Gin and Tonic, Pink Gin and Tonic and Clever Sangria, Clever Margarita or Clever Raspberry Mojito –– all booze-free and 100% delicious.
- Make your own booze-free cocktail
Do you have a favourite gin-based cocktail? Good news! Our Clever Gin and Tonic Mocktail makes it easy to recreate any gin cocktail for Dry January –– and it’s similar to a traditional gin tonic with juniper berries, coriander seeds, cardamom, add fresh notes to balance: lemon, cucumber. Need some inspiration? Try our winter Clever Sangria mocktail recipe. Cheers!
- Set aside some me time
We’re serious –– add it to your to-do list if you have to. Sleep late on a Sunday, spend an afternoon at the spa with your Dry Jan buddy, rediscover a long-lost hobby like painting or get into the now trending houseplant craze. Me time is for reconnecting with yourself.
- Make it a year-round event
If at the end of January you feel good about the sober experience, why not make it a part of your all-year routine? Instead of reaching for a glass of wine at a party or at the end of a particularly tough day, sip a Clever Mocktail instead. With a Clever Gang Subscription, you’ll always be fully stocked and ready to go.
Finally, a reminder to HAVE FUN. Explore the things that make YOU happy –– spend time with the people you love, watch movies, play games, plan skate dates & more. What sobriety looks like and feels like is entirely in your hands.
From our families to yours, Happy New Year!
Play safe.
