It’s now mid month, are you still on the “Dry January” wagon? Following what was an over-indulgent holiday season for many of us, a lot young professionals are taking the month of January to focus exclusively on wellness and productivity. Taking a month off from the sauce has its many benefits, but for social YPs it can also pose an array of challenges. As we work toward our goal of hitting that 31-day mark, and making the most of our clear heads and well-rested bodies, here are some tips for getting through those tough and thirsty days.
Change it up, for now
Nothing wraps up a hectic day like a nice glass of merlot or a Crown and coke nightcap. If a hard day at work normally leads you to craving the comfort of your couch, be prepared to face the challenge of denying yourself the normally coinciding relaxing beverage. Whether your usual evening routine includes vegging on the couch, watching the game with buds, or making dinner with the girls, consider how many of your downtime habits include drinking. Unless you have strong enough willpower to watch your friends sip away in front of you, you may want to consider changing up your evening activities – at least for this month. Take the opportunity to do some of the things you’ve been be waiting to have time for, like starting a home repair project, catching up on the latest movies, trying a new workout program, organizing your wardrobe, starting a blog, reading that book, baking, or finally learning how to properly hit a golf ball. Changing up your routine will not only aid in keeping your mind off the booze, but can also help you build new, enriching habits.
New ways to reward
YPs love to celebrate and reward. Promotions, birthdays, engagements, and new jobs – it seems that there is always something and someone to cheers to. We especially love celebrating and rewarding ourselves, and we love to do it with alcohol. Made a big sale today? You deserve a drink! Got your writing/art/photos/design published? You deserve a drink! Stood up to your boss today? You deserve a drink! It is so common to partake in a nice bottle of wine, a case of our favourite beer, or a special snifter of Scotch as a way of patting ourselves on the back. In moderation, of course, there is nothing wrong with this. But for the month of January, try to explore other ways to congratulate and reward yourself. Landed a big client? You deserve a massage! Finished a project early? You deserve chocolate! It’s your birthday? You deserve that pair of designer shoes!
Social Solutions
One of the toughest challenges we face while trying to keep January dry is the YP happy hour. While avoiding cocktail occasions would be the most obvious solution, for many of us this is not always an option. Business dinners, networking events, basically any “going for drinks” occasion, can, for some of us, be mandatory. Ordering from the mocktail menu often feels juvenile, and can land you with some over-garnished, over-sweetened fruit smoothie. So while everyone is enjoying their mature martinis and sophisticated single malts, here are a few non-alcoholic options that are still very adult. These bevvies are quick and simple to order, and are sure to keep your hands and taste buds occupied… and your goals intact.
Cool Cucumber
Muddled cucumber with tonic water and lime juice, dash of black pepper.
You da Pom
1 part pomegranate juice, 2 parts soda, twist of lemon, served in a large wine glass.
Raspmintin
Muddled mint and raspberries with Sprite and crushed ice.
Hot Virgin
Virgin caesar with 1/2 teaspoon of horseradish.
Sweet Tart
2 parts red or white cranberry juice, 1 part soda water, dash of vanilla syrup.