With the New Year upon us, it’s that time to set our goals and intentions for the year ahead. And for many of us, this often starts with a detox, which may well include having a ‘Dry January’. However, cutting out alcohol completely and then resuming your drinking habits come February may not be beneficial to your health, and therefore we propose an alternative: Damp January.

Here’s why:

Why choose to have a ‘Damp January’?

‘Damp January’ is a more flexible alternative to ‘Dry January’. Whereas in the popular movement of Dry January participants abstain from alcohol for the entire month, the ‘Damp January’ approach consists of aiming to reduce alcohol consumption.

For many, this is often a more realistic approach to what can be one of the most miserable months of the year, and allows you to practice moderation and mindful drinking, rather than complete abstinence. What’s more, with the wide variety of low or no alcohol alternatives available nowadays, enjoying a Damp January has never been easier!

What low or no alcohol alternatives are available?

Here at Shenfield Wine Co, we like to have something for everyone. And that’s why we stock a range of low and no alcohol alternatives alongside our normal alcoholic beverages. Here’s a look at a few of our favourites:

What are the benefits of a Damp January?

Flexibility and sustainability:

Damp January is less rigid than Dry January and allows you to have occasional drinks. This makes it much easier and more realistic for people to follow than giving up alcohol entirely, especially if you have social engagements this month.,

A focus on Mindful Drinking:

By reducing your alcohol intake rather than abstaining completely, you’ll become more aware of your drinking habits. For example, think about when, where, and why you drink, and how much?

The aim of Mindful Drinking is to lead to a change in long-term drinking patterns, and hopefully healthier and more enjoyable drinking, too.

Creating a gradual lifestyle change:

Indeed, if you are thinking about Mindful Drinking, it’s a great way of creating a gradual lifestyle change which will then become sustainable.

Giving up alcohol completely can be daunting; a Damp January approach, therefore, is a much gentler way of cutting back, and allows you to reflect on your relationship with alchohol, too.

Reduced pressure to commit:

Let’s face it, for many of us, our new year’s resolutions are broken within a week or two, and that can be demoralising. Taking a Damp January approach therefore removes the “all-or-nothing” mindset that a Dry January insists upon.

You are less likely to feel that you’ve “failed” if you allow yourself the odd drink at a meaningful time. Why start the new year full of guilt and stress? Have a drink, and let those feelings go.

Reduces the pressure on social engagements:

Although we shouldn’t feel the pressure to drink at social engagements, the reality is that many of us enjoy a drink or two when socialising. With many of us attending fewer social engagements in January anyway, why not take this opportunity to test out the Damp January theory? Enjoy a drink or two with friends or family without feeling like you should be detoxing your way through the first month of the year.

Improved health and maintaining a balance:

There’s a reason that the phrase ‘everything in moderation’ exists: by taking on a Damp January approach, you will significantly reduce your alcohol intake, which will lead to health benefits.

However, you’ll still be able to enjoy alcohol as and when you feel that you want to partake. Everything in moderation, therefore!

Looking for no or low alcohol alternatives? You’ve come to the right place!

Whether you opt for a completely Dry January, or choose the middle ground of a Damp January, here at Shenfield Wine Co. we’re more than happy to support your needs. Pop in store today and discuss our low or no alcohol options, and maybe choose a quality wine or spirit for those times when you would like to drink something stronger.