Going booze-free this dry January? We've put together a quick guide to help you stay social and sober this month.
Each year, Dry January is an event that you can take part in either for health reasons or to raise money for your favourite charity. You can ask your friends and family to sponsor you to not drink throughout the month, helping you raise money for a cause that is close to your heart – or just quit drinking throughout January for yourself.
Many people are ready to have a break in January after drinking a lot over the festive season. Maybe you're tired of hangovers, want to save money, or simply feel like taking a long break from drinking will be good for your health and will help you develop healthier habits in the future. Whatever your reasons, it can be tricky to figure out how you are going to stay social if you are not drinking. Sure, you can go to pubs and parties, but hanging around drunk people when you’re sober can get boring – plus you don’t always want to be the designated driver. Luckily, we've put together a few options for staying sober and social this Dry January.
Get Out in Nature
If you normally meet your friends for drinks but you are not drinking, then why not try something different and get out in nature instead? Nature days can be a fun way to spend time with family and friends and there are so many things that you can do. Try out new walking routes in your area or visit a local park. It’s great to do by yourself, with a group of friends, or with your family. Take the kids, for a fun family day out – keep them warm with this Parajumpers Boys Phantom Tyrik Jacket.
Games Nights
Games nights with friends can be a huge amount of fun – and the best part is that you can have a really enjoyable, memorable time without drinking a drop. Whether you like playing console games or are more of a board and card games kind of person, there are so many options to consider. Get your friends and family together and play classics like Monopoly or have a laugh with some of the latest and most popular card games like Cards Against Humanity or Exploding Kittens.
Get Crafty
Making something with your own hands is always a satisfying experience – and it can be a fun thing to do with friends if you are looking for sober alternative things to do throughout Dry January. Check your local area for Paint a Pot events, art classes, and other crafty, fun things that you can get together and do. The best part is that it’s all about enjoying yourself and having fun so you don’t have to create a masterpiece for this to be a memorable event!
Make Mocktails
If you normally enjoy drinking cocktails but are doing without them for Dry January, then there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying the taste – without the alcohol. Mocktails are becoming more and more advanced and all it takes is a quick search online to find tons of stunning alcohol-free recipes that you can enjoy. All you need is a cocktail making kit and some suitable glasses, garnishes, and the ingredients for your virgin drinks to host a fun mocktail night with friends, but this time without the hangover the next morning – win-win!
Go Offline
Disconnecting from the world and spending a day offline can be a great way to spend your time with family and friends while you are taking part in Dry January. These days, most of us are always on our devices, whether we’re scrolling through social media or messaging with somebody. It can be nice to just turn the internet off for the day and stay offline, allowing you to connect in a more meaningful way with the people around you.
Food Festivals
Check out your local area for details of any food festivals that are being held near you throughout January. There are often lots of options to choose from, whether you find a themed food festival like vegan food or look out for a maker’s market where you can find all sorts of artisan goodies. Enjoying food is a great way to spend time together with your family and friends and if you’re not drinking, then you can save money to spend on trying out more delicious dishes and snacks.
Live Music
While live music and drinking often go hand in hand, you certainly don’t have to have had any alcohol to appreciate a good performance. If you’re compromising with friends by accompanying them to bars and pubs while you’re not drinking in January, then finding somewhere that offers good live performances can be a great idea. That way, you’re not just going to be sitting there bored with your soft drink while everybody else is getting merry, as you can enjoy the music too.
Karaoke
If you love karaoke, then this can be a fun way to get together with friends and family while you are staying sober for January. You can go to a karaoke bar if you’re going with people who want to have a drink, or even buy a karaoke set so you can sing your heart out and have a laugh at home.
Virtual Reality Gaming
With VR gaming getting more and more popular, you can find tons of Virtual Reality arcades popping up around the UK. This is a great way to spend time with family and friends if you’re not drinking and looking for something different to do in January. And since it’s an indoor activity, it’s perfect for any weather. Arcades offer something different for everybody, whether you want to ride a virtual rollercoaster or immerse yourself in Mario Kart. It’s definitely an experience you won’t forget, and it’s kid-friendly too.
Dry January can be a great way to raise money for charity, or simply start the year making better decisions for your health. These are just some alternative options to consider if you want to stay social and sober this month.
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