Dry January

I enjoy a drink now and again – yes, even nutritional therapists and yoga teachers are imperfect people who do imperfect things!

I’m not a big drinker but I do notice that my alcohol intake gradually increases in the autumn months, and especially towards the festive season. And then in January I stop for a month and notice improvements in sleep and general wellbeing … and come February I allow myself to drink again and a kind of annual cycle restarts.

Sharing a drink at home

I feel ok in myself with this cycle but I was surprised to learn recently that Dry January is promoted by organisations that are funded by the alcohol industry.  Overall alcohol sales in February tend to return to where they were before, and in January these days many people turn to non-alcoholic beers and wines.

Supporting Dry January presents an opportunity for drinks companies to jump on the (band)wagon and promote alcohol-free versions as a premium product with a higher margin. And seizing the opportunity now gives them a valuable foothold in a burgeoning sector, especially as younger people are not embracing alcohol as previous generations have.

This isn’t all bad of course – over consumption of alcohol is clearly not good for our health – but it’s helpful to be aware of the undercurrent of manipulation from the big food companies.

Do you do Dry January, and if so do you find it easy or difficult? Or do you use the promise of Dry January to allow yourself a “Wet December”?

I’d be interested in your thoughts.