Dry January is here! For many, this month marks a fresh start and an opportunity to reassess lifestyle choices, including the decision to ditch alcohol for a month. But let’s face it; dating without alcohol can feel … different. So, how can couples enjoy date nights without the buzz of alcohol? Let’s dive in.
Loneliness can be rough for anyone. Research shows that it can trigger anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, all emotions that people often try to mask by self-medicating with alcohol. If you have been aboard the mindful drinking train in order to cut back on your alcohol intake, loneliness can be potentially derailing.
Dry(ish) January, also known as Damp January, is pretty similar to Dry January. However, instead of going completely dry for the month, participants can set their own goals based on how they wish to improve their drinking habits.
In this article, we’ll unpack bored drinking and help you figure out whether boredom is a drinking trigger. Then we’ll show you how to better manage boredom and avoid unhealthy drinking patterns.
Dry January encourages people to quit drinking for an entire month, but if you’re not too keen on going fully dry for the month, you may prefer the alternative version called Dry-ish January or Damp January.
When you’re drinking, there’s an influx of the GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which causes you to feel relaxed and calm. When you stop drinking, you have withdrawal symptoms. Your body gets used to alcohol as a crutch to feel calm. Take it away and anxiety can follow. Add interrupted sleep to the mix, which often happens when people drink to excess, and feelings of depression and anxiety can intensify.