Whine over wine this Dry January

The real challenge lies in navigating social gatherings. Stepping into a party or dinner without a drink in hand can feel like entering uncharted territory

Dry January. It sounds simple enough – put down the wine glass, grab a sparkling water, and glide through the month with a sharper mind and a healthier liver.

Yet those who’ve tried it before know that a month free of alcohol brews surprises that make the journey anything but straightforward.

Gone are the mornings of nursing a groggy head after a big night.

Instead, you wake up brimming with energy, pouring your time into early walks, reorganising cupboards, or tackling long-avoided projects with a vigour that feels almost intoxicating – minus the hangover.

Some people - not these people - are going dry for the month of January.

Evenings, too, bubble with fresh possibilities.

Rather than reaching for a bold red, you’re steeping chamomile, crushing mint leaves, or shaking up sparkling water creations that dazzle with flair more than flavour.

With alcohol out of the picture, the snack cupboard suddenly takes centre stage.

Research also shows regular moderate drinking is good for brain health. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

Dry January has a way of turning into Grazing January, with chocolate, lollies, and savoury treats becoming the stars of the show.

Yet it’s not just the snacks catching people’s attention.

You might find yourself becoming the unofficial spokesperson for Dry January, singing its praises at every opportunity – whether it’s about your glowing skin, your bigger savings, or your new-found clarity.

It’s not that your family, friends, and colleagues aren’t happy for you – they probably are – but they might quietly wish you’d rein in the oversharing.

The real challenge lies in navigating social gatherings.

Stepping into a party or dinner without a drink in hand can feel like entering uncharted territory.

You start to notice just how much alcohol fuels conversations, sparks laughter, and inspires questionable dance moves.

By the end of the month, you’ll likely face a sobering question: do you return to your old habits, or has Dry January shifted your outlook enough to leave your relationship with alcohol on the rocks?

Whatever the choice, you’ll emerge with a clearer understanding of yourself – and maybe even a new-found appreciation for sparkling water.

Professor Gary Martin is a specialist in workplace and social trends