Surprising benefits of going alcohol-free

Are you sleeping better? Alcohol can affect your sleep in a number of ways. You might find you fall asleep quicker after a drink, but staying asleep can be tricky for some. Also, that pint of water you drank before bed, to hydrate you? Yes - that might be what woke you to go to the loo in the early hours. (Note it's important to hydrate however!) 

Have you lost weight? Alcohol can make people lose their inhibitions and eat food they might not otherwise have chosen. Or they might have a heartier breakfast than normal as a way to counter effects. That fast-food van? That 'go-large' breakfast? 

How is your skin feeling? Alcohol has a dehydration effect which can also dry out our skin. Your skin can lose fluid and nutrients, leading to it looking dull and grey or even bloated and puffy. If you are prone to dry skin, you may also find your skin is even dryer than normal. 

Spread the word: Use team meetings, internal communications, and workplace platforms to inform employees about Dry January and its benefits. 

Appoint Dry January Champions: Designate enthusiastic employees to rally participation, organise activities, and maintain momentum throughout the month. 

Offer non-alcohol as standard: Provide a variety of mocktails, flavored sparkling water, and herbal teas at workplace events to ensure inclusivity. 

Organise social activities: Plan team-building events, lunches, or outings that don't revolve around alcohol, such as outdoor excursions or wellness workshops. 

Promote wellness resources: Share information about healthcare support and initiatives available to staff. 

Encourage use of support tools: Try daily info boosts provided by Alcohol Change UK to increase chances of success. 

Offer professional help: Ensure employees have access to counseling and support services, such as via the Verve mental health teams 

Create a "pledge wall": Set up a visible place where participating employees can write their names, so that they can support each other 

Organise competitions: Set up team challenges or individual contests, such as who can save the most money or raise the most for charity. 

Celebrate achievements: Recognise and appreciate employees' progress and milestones throughout the month. 

Encourage reflection: Prompt employees to log their experiences and feelings throughout the month to gain insights into the benefits of reduced alcohol consumption. 

Liver health: Taking a break from alcohol allows the liver to heal, reducing levels of proteins that can cause cancer. This month-long abstinence can lead to a significant decrease in liver fat, with studies showing up to a 40% reduction in some cases. 

Cardiovascular benefits: Dry January can lead to lower blood pressure, with participants often seeing around a 5% decrease. Additionally, many experience reduced cholesterol levels and a decreased risk of heart disease. 

Metabolic health: Participants often experience improved insulin resistance and a reduced risk of diabetes, with some studies suggesting the risk can decrease by almost 30%. Weight loss is also common, with an average of around 2kg shed during the month. 

Better sleep quality: Many Dry January participants report improved sleep patterns, which leads to feeling more refreshed and energised throughout the day. 

Enhanced mood and mental clarity: Benefits in this area include reduced anxiety levels, improved concentration and focus, and increased energy levels throughout the day. 

Improved coping skills: Abstaining from alcohol can help develop better strategies for managing stress and emotions, leading to improved overall mental wellbeing. 

Cancer risk reduction: Studies have shown a decrease in cancer-related proteins in the blood after a month of abstinence, potentially reducing the risk of certain cancers. 

Healthier drinking habits: Research indicates that six months after Dry January, more than 70% of participants maintain healthier drinking habits, suggesting long-term benefits beyond the initial month. 

Overall wellbeing: Participants often report brighter skin, increased physical activity due to more energy, and a sense of achievement and improved self-control. 

Financial savings: Many participants save money by not purchasing alcoholic drink, which can be a significant amount depending on previous drinking habits. 

Reassessment of alcohol relationship: Dry January provides an opportunity to reflect on drinking habits and potentially reset one's relationship with alcohol, leading to more mindful consumption in the future.