Healthy Heart Tip: Dry January

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK

Healthy Heart Tip: Dry January

Dry January is back, challenging you to become alcohol-free for one whole month. Drinking alcohol on a regular basis can increase your risk of developing heart diseases, increase your blood pressure and cause weight gain.

Getting used to a new alcohol-free lifestyle can be hard, see our tips below to help you this January:

Changing your behaviour

Changing your behaviours can be difficult and it may be beneficial to find alternative habits to distract you when you would usually be drinking.

You might find it useful to try cooking healthy meals or go for a walk in the local park instead of having a drink. You could even take up a new hobby or sport!

Finding alternatives

Finding an alternative drink to the alcoholic one you usually have will help you to refrain from drinking.

There are many non-alcoholic options for you to try mocktails, alcohol-free beer or soft drinks are a few.

Knowing the benefits

There are a number of benefits to reducing your alcohol intake, you will be reducing your calorie intake which could help you to lose weight, lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and ultimately reduce your risk of developing heart diseases.

You may also feel improvements in your sleep quality, mental health and energy levels.

Reducing your intake

It is perfectly acceptable to enjoy an alcoholic drink from time to time but by reducing your overall consumption you will be benefitting your health.

Below are some tips to help you:

Have a glass of water after every alcoholic drink
Have smaller drinks or bottled beer
Have lower-strength drinks
Have several alcohol-free days each week
Cut down with your friends and family by supporting each other.