07/01/2024
Let's try a Dry July as we invite building a love story with our livers.
Ah, July. The month of barbecues, beach days, and backyard boozing.
The month where "just one more drink" becomes a summer anthem.
But not this year.
This July, I decided with a bunch of my friends to embark on a journey as dry as a desert and as sober as a judge.
Yes, folks, I committed to Dry July, giving up liquor for the entire month to honor our friends and family and to continue on my health journey.
Cue the dramatic music and heartfelt cheers.
Why would I, a self-proclaimed non-connoisseur of craft beers and fine wines, give up the nectar of the gods?
It’s simple: love and liver.
I wanted to support my friends and family, many of whom have been cutting down or cutting out alcohol for health reasons.
Plus, I figured my liver could use a vacation as I continue on my health journey to avoid the pitfalls of heart disease, stroke and diabetes my mother, grandparents, famous people, and others suffered through.
However, going dry wasn’t just a health decision; here are some expected or unexpected benefits many of us might experience:
Waking up without a hangover is like discovering a secret superpower. Who knew mornings could be so… enjoyable?
Leave conversations, all of them, with not just the highlights. Who knew that staying sober could make you a better listener and conversationalist?
Your bank account will be thrilled. No more pricey cocktails or impulsive online shopping sprees after a glass (or three) of wine.
Dive into or rediscover some hobbies. Dust off your guitar, take extended walks, try (and fail) to bake bread, and picked up knitting or something. Okay, so maybe knitting wasn’t for me, but it was worth a shot.
Sticking to Dry July won't always be easy, but my action plan to stay on track includes some handy tips:
- Invite your friends and family, or buddy up because misery loves company, and together we can cheer each other on and share the highs and lows of going dry.
- Mocktails can be magic by exploring the world of mocktails whipping up non-alcoholic drinks that taste just as good (if not better) than the real thing. Plus, they’re way more fun than plain old water.
- Keeping busy helps to avoid temptation with planned activities that don’t revolve around alcohol such as hiking, museum, or a DIY project.
- Remind yourself why you’re doing this by writing your reasons and keep them handy for when the going gets tough.
- Celebrate successes by rewarding yourself with fancy dinner, spa day, or a new gadget for sticking it out to make the journey more enjoyable.
I'll likely return to drinking, but I assume that I'll go about with a different might set.
But one thing’s for sure: this Dry July journey will demonstrate that we're stronger than we think, and sometimes, the best way to show love and commitment is by giving something up – even if it’s just for a little while.
So here’s to you, Dry July.
Learn how to navigate social situations without alcohol during Dry July with this survival guide for dealing with peer pressure, drink pushers, and socializing.
