Skip to main contentSkip to footer

Struggling already? Here's 10 ways to help you survive Dry January

woman in park
Share this:

With Christmas and New Year festivities having wrapped up for another year, many of us have turned to Dry January. Aside from saving money, Alcohol Concern claims that abstaining will help you lose weight and improve your sleep, so it's little wonder that more than two million people signed up last year. But those who've said "yes" to Dry January may already be at a loss for alcohol-free things to do. Worry not – we'll keep you busy, having fun, getting fit – and with no hangover the next day...

woman in park © Photo: Getty Images
Feel fresh and healthy with our 10 ways to survive Dry January

1. Have a glass of wine just keep it alcohol-freeDining out needn't come hand-in-hand with alcohol, especially at favourite Italian favourite Strada, who have partnered with Alcohol Concern for Dry January. Treat yourself to a glass of Codorniu bubbles, a Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay – with all the taste of a tipple but none of the alcohol.

2. Head to the cinemaSee Eddie Redmayne play Lili Elbe, one of the first known people to have undergone sex reassignment surgery, in The Danish Girl, check out the box office record-breaking Star Wars: The Force Awakens, or see Jennifer Lawrence star in Joy for the perfect teetotal evening out. Throw some popcorn into the mix, and you've also got a great healthy snack.

View post on Instagram
 

Get "empowered" like Ellie Goulding with a boxing class

3. Get your gloves on for boxingEllie Goulding has revealed that she is a big fan of boxing because it leaves her feeling "empowered". Start off the new year with fitness and empowerment by signing up for a class of boxing yourself.4. Grab a bite out – just keep it juicyWagamama has joined forces with mindfulness expert Michael Townsend Williams to create the serotonin-boosting juice to help Brits beat the January Blues. The positive juice is available until the end of February and will join Wagamama's already extensive range of juices, including super green, blueberry spice, raw, fruit, orange, carrot, clean green and tropical.

juice
Detox at Wagamama with their mindful juices

5. Snuggle up on the sofa with NetflixWhat better way to pass those cold, dark winter evenings after too much indulgence than with a night (or seven) of Netflix? Some series that we love are Narcos, House of Cards, Orange is The New Black, and Making A Murderer, which has recently caused something of a Twitter frenzy.

6. Enjoy the fresh air with a walk in the parkThe options are endless. Keep it local, make it high-speed for a workout, or slow it down for a relaxing meander. Or make it into an outing by heading further afield to some of London's most wonderful parks, such as Hyde Park, Hampstead Heath, St James's Park, Regent's Park, Clapham Common, Bushy Park, and Richmond Park.

View post on Twitter

Head to the gym (it can't be as bad as it was for Adele!)

7. Get the adrenaline flowing at the gymBeen putting it off for the whole of 2015? Do like Adele and kick off the new year with the right foot by signing up with your local gym – or maybe one close to work for some pre or post-work exercise.

8. Don't put off those errands any longerPrinting photos, putting albums together, clearing out your wardrobe... Make the most of some extra free time by getting your house and mind in order for 2016.

cirque
Amaluna, a Cirque du Soleil production, runs from January 16 to March 6 at the Royal Albert Hall

9. Take up a new hobbySign up to swing dancing, a theatre group, or an improv class. Join a bookclub, spend more time cooking, or look into volunteering. They'll all cost little or no pennies, so you can get saving 2016's travel budget.

10. Tickets to the theatreAlways meaning to go to the theatre but never actually get there because you're enjoying a drink with friends? Well now your priorities have shifted you can get a tad more culture into your life. Look out for offers to get your hands on well-priced tickets, or head to your local theatre for a cheap – and alcohol-free – evening out. Amaluna, a Cirque du Soleil production, runs from January 16 to March 6 at the Royal Albert Hall.

More Travel

See more