Alcohol sales skyrocketed in 2020, as Americans, British, Australians and many others spent time in confinement loading (or at least easing the pressure).
But the coronavirus pandemic is not over yet – and our bodies can only sustain an extra amount of wine and tequila.
Dry January enters, which may seem like a better idea than ever before in 2021 – but it can also seem like a much more difficult compromise.
For those determined to try, FEMAIL spoke with Hilary Sheinbaum, author of ‘The Dry Challenge: How to Lose a Drink for Dry January, Sober October and Any Other Alcohol-Free Month’, who shared her best tips for taking a break from drinking yourself when you’re stuck at home all day, every day.
Squeeze! With 2020 – and 2020 – alcohol consumption levels behind us, celebrating this year’s dry January can start with a healthy foot
“There are so many benefits to having a Dry January – or any other dry month – including better sleep, better digestion, increased energy, lighter skin and a general sense of accomplishment,” said Sheinbaum, whose book opened on December 29.
“You also save a lot of money when you’re not buying expensive cocktails, bottles of alcohol and wine,” she added.
In the photo: Hilary Sheinbaum, who suggests leaving alcohol aside and finding fun and sober activities to have a successful dry January in 2021
Americans certainly spent a lot on alcohol last year, with online sales growing like never before. In fact, a report by market research firm IWSR found that online sales of alcohol in the United States would total about $ 5.6 billion in 2020, an 80% increase over the previous year.
Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain and the United Kingdom also saw an increase in e-commerce in beverages.
“More than in previous years, 2020 had so many casualties and brought a lot of stress and uncertainty. Many people are drinking more at home and at various times of the day, ‘said Sheinbaum.
‘After a crazy year, we could all use a new start: feeling well rested, energized and having a few extra dollars in the bank.’
In her book – which includes a striker from Laguna Beach star Lo Bosworth – Sheinbaum shares the benefits of giving up alcohol, non-alcoholic cocktail recipes and even activities that do not include drinking.
Here, she gives her best advice to abstain while the world is still in control of a pandemic.
Sheinbaum is the author of ‘The Dry Challenge: How to Lose a Drink for Dry January, Sober October and Any Other Alcohol-Free Month’, released now
Remember: out of sight, out of mind
Anyone on a diet knows that having tasty snacks in plain sight is a recipe for failure, and the same goes for the contents of your drink cabinet.
“While you work at home, every time you go by the bar cart or open the refrigerator, you are likely to see bottles of wine, liquor or beer,” explained Sheinbaum.
If your goal is to give up alcohol at once, throw it all down the drain or donate to friends.
If you’re giving up for a month, find a place to hide your bottles and cans. It’s okay if you know it’s still there; as long as you don’t need to see it every day, you’re less likely to drink.
“You can simply store your alcohol out of sight at home or give it to a friend to hold it for 31 days,” she said.
Assemble your sober month support team
Misery loves company.
“Even if you are not seeing your friends in person during quarantine, you can propose a group activity: not drinking together,” suggests Sheinbaum. “Having other people on a common goal is not only motivating, but it will hold all parties accountable.”
It can also be comforting to feel sorry for your friends about how much you would like a glass of pinot grigio – and how much you are missing out on Saturday nights at your favorite bar.
To do this, find fun activities that do not involve drinks.
“If you are housed in a place with friends, family or a partner, you can dream of activities to do together personally that do not involve alcohol,” said Sheinbaum.
Find something to look forward to
One reason so many of us started drinking during quarantine is … well, what else was there to do?
But instead of drinking out of boredom, now is the time to think outside the box and find ways to keep yourself busy and entertained.
“The pandemic doesn’t allow galas or festivals, but you can still be creative with fun ways to spend your time,” said Sheinbaum.
‘In addition to streaming platforms for intense movies, you can do a new exercise regime at home, learn to cook or develop recipes (without cooking wine), redecorate your home or reorganize your closet.
‘And if you’ve done it all in quarantine, look for virtual live events online to stay involved with what’s happening in your state, city and even your own neighborhood.
Need more help?
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It is considered to have several benefits, including the ability to reduce depression and anxiety.
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Find another drink that is special
It’s not just the buzz you’re giving up when you press the alcohol break: it’s the taste of your favorite drinks, too.
Sheinbaum suggests that you replace your after-work drink (or during work) with a non-alcoholic yet tasty one.
“If you are a beer drinker, there are non-alcoholic beers, including IPAs, stouts and more,” she said.
“If you’re feeling creative or looking for a classic cocktail, you can mix it with different varieties of non-alcoholic spirits and other ingredients with zero ABV,” she added.
His book includes recipes for non-alcoholic cocktails, and Pinterest is full of tasty ideas.
Motivate yourself with a reward
“You will certainly get mental and physical benefits from cutting alcohol for 31 days, but having something to look forward to in the end can be motivating as well,” said Sheinbaum.
“As you will be saving money throughout the month, you can collect your hard-earned money and promise to buy something you have been looking at during the month (or maybe even before that).”
On January 1, promise yourself something that ‘looks like a pleasure’ that you will receive as a prize on February 1 – although try not to make it alcohol.
‘When your dry month ends, buy or book and celebrate!’