Have you completed Dry January and are now wondering what happens next? You’re sleeping better, have more energy, more money in your bank account and are feeling better both physically and mentally. You have haven’t suffered from hangxiety for a whole 31 days and it feels great! Dry January isn’t about not drinking for a month then using the rest of the year as an excuse to make up for the fact you didn’t drink for a month, it should present itself as an opportunity to set the standard as to how amazing you want yourself to feel for the rest of the year as well. Here, Emily Syphas, Founder of Sober and Social, rounds up 5 top tips on how to stay sober post-dry Jan, for a prolonged mindful drinking journey. 

FIND A SOBER COMMUNITY

Having a strong sober community has definitely helped me stay sober. Being with people that understand my sobriety and sober friends to call upon if I am struggling or having someone to go for a non-alcoholic drink with when it seems like everyone else on the planet is drinking alcohol has been invaluable. Creating these sober connections and having a support system in place has been life-changing for me. We hold monthly meetups at Sober & Social so you can come and find your sober tribe too!

STAY SOCIAL

This is very important and I know at times you might want to retreat or avoid a situation because you won’t be drinking, but it’s really important you keep your social life.  When I advise staying social I don’t mean go to every event you get invited to, but make sure you still say YES to the friends, the parties, the celebrations, the experiences you really want to go to. At first, this might be hard but once you have got over the initial uncomfortable feeling you will feel unstoppable. It’s important to stay social and find a new way of experiencing the things you enjoy as it means life is still fun and exciting. I feel the moment we think life is boring because we can’t have a drink is the moment we are likely to drink again. The reality is my life is so much more fulfilled without alcohol!

FIND AN ALCOHOL-FREE ALTERNATIVE

We are lucky we live in a time where alcohol-free (AF) drinks have created their own market and drink brands are realising a ‘No’ and ‘Low’ alcohol market is in demand. Having better options on a night out has made it easier to stay sober and easier to enjoy sober situations by making me feel I am still joining in but also genuinely enjoying what I am drinking! My favourite AF drink brands to look out for are Everleaf, Wild Botanicals, Seedlip Drinks, Noughty, Caleno, Lyre’s and Peroni Libera.

GET ACTIVE AND EXERCISE

Without exercise or being active I wouldn’t be sober. It helps me in so many ways.  It gives me a positive start to every day, gives me something productive to do the next morning when I know I’m having a night that potentially might tempt me to drink. I know by having a class booked in I will stay on track. It also helps to keep my mental health healthy and gives me the same feeling of joy I used to feel when I drank but without the raging hangover and anxiety.

EMBRACE YOUR BETTER SELF

There is no denying that not drinking is one of the best things we can do for ourselves. I have noticed so many benefits ranging from better sleep, more energy, being more motivated, better skin, having more money, waking up every morning feeling fresh. I know am a kinder and more loving human being. I have really embraced all these amazing things as they make my life and my soul happier! I always remember if I started drinking again I would no longer wake up having this amazing life every day.