14 tips for the home stretch of Dry July
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We’re more than 1/2 way through Dry July! For some, this is a first foray into rethinking drinking, for others an annual detoxifying ritual, for still others a chance to consciously reflect on our chosen alcohol-free lifestyle.
Wherever you are on your rethinking drinking journey, we’ve got 14 quick tips to get your through the remainder of the month. For a deeper dive into these ideas, as well as supporting drink ideas to keep your tastebuds happy, be sure to check out our Dry July resources!
Now on to the tips!
Create accountability. Whether you’re cruising along successfully or have hit a few bumps in the road, accountability can be motivating and supportive. Tell your bestie, your partner, or even your journal why you are going dry this July for an added boost of determination to finish strong!
Hydrate. It’s summer. It’s hot. Drink your water! Enough said.
Make it easy. We love a fancy mocktail, but setting yourself up for success means making it easy. Having a case of your favourite sparkling water on hand means even when pressed for time and energy, you can fill your glass with something you love (also see: Tip 4).
Find a swap. Love chardonnay? You’re a G&T woman? Whatever your alcoholic go-to is, we promise there’s a good AF alternative out there.
Sleep! One of the biggest benefits we hear people report when they cut out alcohol is the improvement in the quality of their sleep. Revel in it and catch some extra zzzs this month.
Fill your cup. Literally. When you’re out socializing, keep that glass full of something - it keeps your hands busy and makes it easier to avoid or turn down offers of alcoholic drinks.
Avoid overthinking. You don’t have to worry about how you slipped up last Saturday, or whether you’ll stay alcohol free in August. Stay curious but don’t fret. It’s a month of experimentation - that’s it!
Feel all the feels. If you’ve been consciously or unconsciously using alcohol to manage uncomfortable feelings such as stress, boredom or loneliness, going a month with it can be a little confronting. Give yourself permission to feel these emotions …
… mindfully. Try to get some perspective on what you’re feeling. Be curious and name what your feeling. Awareness is the first step towards improvement!
Give yourself what you need. Now that you’ve mindfully acknowledged what’s going on for you, consider whether there are better ways to meet your needs than a glass of wine. If you’re stressed, maybe you need to ask for help or learn some relaxation techniques. If you’re bored or lonely, perhaps it’s time to reconnect with old friends. Whatever you need, alcohol is a poor substitute and you deserve better!
Create a ritual. Oftentimes our evening glass of wine is as much about the ritual as the alcohol. Give your sparkling water or AF beverage the same special treatment you’d give your pinot … use a beautiful glass and give yourself permission to sit and enjoy it.
Practice simple self-care. Listen: self-care does not mean you need a 13 step skincare routine or a retreat in Sedona. Maybe it’s 5 minutes to stretch, a quick walk around the block, or simply a moment of pause in a busy evening. Self-care is about YOU so forget what Instagram says and think about what makes you feel a little more nurtured and a little less frazzled.
Great creative. Use the extra energy you’ve freed up to invest in creativity - whatever that means to you. Get out your journal, draw, colour, sing in the shower. Reconnect with that part of you that can do something just for the joy of doing it!
Celebrate your success! Whatever happened - whatever ups or downs, successes or not-quite-successes you’ve experienced during Dry July, celebrate yourself for taking on a challenge and seeing it through. We’re proud of you!
Cheers!
