Yes, it’s this time of year where the sun is out, everyone seems to meet at the riverside, beach or the local park and summer drinks are everywhere. I can’t wait! After two years of COVID restrictions and staying mostly indoors and away from people, I am really looking forward to a more “normal” summer. This year, I not only want a normal summer, I want a super summer and my first step is to start with Dry July.
You heard me right: I want to abstain from alcohol for a whole month. I wouldn’t describe myself an alcoholic but who would say that of themselves? Also, many people regularly drink more than I do. This should not be an excuse though. I think it would do me good to be sober for a few weeks and learn from the experience. It shouldn’t be hard, after all, 4 weeks pass quickly. Besides, I’m not the only one who is choosing July as the go to month considering that “Dry July” rhymes.
Have you ever heard of Dry July?
I actually hadn’t but I still wanted a month without alcohol. Given the “Dry July” rhyme, I thought I’ll search if others are doing it already and I was not disappointed. In Australia, the Dry July Foundation has been going since 2008 and raised over AUD 250.000 in the first year and already over AUD 580.000 this year. What an achievement!
July is not just any month either, no! July is a month with 31 days so it’s a lot longer than say February. It is also the main summer school holiday month in the Northern hemisphere. In some regions of Spain, the holidays in July are summarized as “Festivos de julio” and the locals party for a full 3 weeks straight!
Can I do it?
I think I can. I successfully completed two “Dry January” months already and never struggled. The best result of this month was that I slept better and lost weight (about half a pound) over that month. That in itself was worth it. Yes, I was younger then but surely, age and experience will work in my favor? If not that, then the fact that I’m calmer now with fewer opportunities to go out and party.
Quick side note: I am doing this month off for personal reasons. I guess, I am trying to prove to myself that I actually can do it. No more, no less. No hidden reasons, no intention of forcing my little experiment onto others. It’s just my month off.
Right now, I’m planning how to get around being tempted to drink and it seems easy enough. In summer time, I sometimes enjoyed a Gin&Tonic, so I simply leave out the gin. Simple. There are also numerous mocktails available, that I won’t have a hard time choosing. With nice dinners out, red wine was my typical go to drink. My plan is to swap it out for tea and infusions (hot or cold but most certainly without sugar and sweeteners). The flavors should give me the same sensation as wine without the buzz.
In summary, I’m as ready as I’ll ever be to go for a whole month without alcohol.
How about you? Will you join me and thousands of others in Dry July?