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Each year, millions of people participate in going dry in July. Most of the time, this is to raise funds for charity or encourage healthy drinking and lifestyle habits. Whatever the reason, most participants claim to experience a range of health and wellbeing benefits when drinking no alcohol for a month.
Participating in a dry month can be challenging, especially if your usual routine involves relaxing with alcohol. Still, the reward is well worth it - both for yourself and for those you’re raising funds for. If you’re wondering what the benefits of not drinking alcohol are and how to survive drinking no alcohol for a month, this is for you! Read on for tips and tricks to find out the main health benefits you might experience by the end of the month.
A dry month is a time when you voluntarily take a break from no alcohol for a month to raise funds for charity organisations, such as ‘Dry July’ and their support of individuals affected by cancer.
Funds raised for Dry July provide invaluable support and services for cancer patients and their loved ones. This could include anything from travel expenses to life-saving appointments, guidance from specialist nurses and therapists, to accommodation costs for family members. Funds raised also contribute to essential funding projects at over 80 cancer organisations across Australia.
Going dry for a month can be sensationally good for your health, with many participants reporting a range of benefits of not drinking alcohol, including better sleep, more energy, clearer skin, and brighter moods!
Your immune system and general health could improve
If you find yourself up most nights with a drink in hand, you fall asleep easily but wake up in the middle of the night and can’t get back to sleep, or you’re frequently waking up feeling a bit dizzy, you might benefit from taking a short break with no alcohol for a month.
You’ll sleep better and feel more energised
If you find yourself up most nights with a drink in hand, you fall asleep easily but wake up in the middle of the night and can’t get back to sleep, or you’re frequently waking up feeling a bit dizzy, you might benefit from taking a short break with no alcohol for a month.
After drinking alcohol, some people may experience a decrease in restorative REM sleep and decrease restorative REM sleep, so at the end of the month, you’ll likely find your sleep and energy levels drastically increase.
Your waistline might shrink
Depending on your usual alcohol intake (and your current weight), it’s possible to lose a few kilograms when you go dry in July. When you’re frequently drinking a large amount of alcohol, you’re adding ‘empty calories’ that don’t leave you feeling full. Over time, these empty calories can lead to weight gain that can affect your mental and physical wellbeing.
With that said, a considerable benefit of going dry in July is weight loss; during the month you’ll have an opportunity to cut back on those empty calories.
At McGuigan Wines, we have a range of specially crafted, non-alcoholic wines that capture the correct style and quality of their alcoholic counterpart so that you can enjoy your favourite drink with fewer calories.
Your skin might look brighter
Alcohol is well-known for impacting your ability to stay well hydrated, which in turn can lead to dry, dull skin. When you drink no alcohol for a month, you’re likely to find your skin looks healthier and brighter at the end of the month.
Drinking alcohol is often set off by environmental triggers, routines, and habits, so shaking up your routine makes it easier to avoid triggers and resist the temptation. If you usually have a glass of wine with dinner or frequently enjoy happy hour with friends, going dry in July might leave you feeling a little lost. Break up your routine by eating somewhere new at home or making non-drinking plans with friends and family: visit a museum or park, catch a movie, or head to the gym. If that’s not an option, try swapping your favourite drink with a dry month mocktail. At McGuigan, we have a range of non-alcoholic wines with the same great taste as their alcoholic counterparts.
Make goals and find someone to keep you accountable
Setting realistic goals and expectations is a valuable strategy if you’re wondering how to survive a dry month in July. Try writing your goals down in a journal to remind yourself why you decided to participate; it can be a great way to overcome challenging moments!
Recruit friends and family to hold you accountable by making your goals known to them and letting them know that you’ll be drinking no alcohol for a month. This can be an invaluable support system that’ll help you get through the month. Recruit friends and family to hold you accountable by making your goals known to them and letting them know that you’ll be drinking no alcohol for a month. This can be an invaluable support system that’ll help you get through the month.
Find new ways to cope
If you frequently drink alcohol as a way to unwind at the end of the day, finding an alternative way to relax can help you get through a dry month and encourage healthy drinking habits. Wondering what to do instead of drink? Try reading a book or magazine, doing a light workout, or drinking a non-alcoholic substitute when you feel the urge to drink.
Start a new workout regimen
During your dry month, you might find you have a new surge of energy, so it could be a great time to start a new workout routine or gym habit. If you’re cutting the alcohol for weight loss purposes, this could help you get the most out of no alcohol weight loss as well!
Find a substitute
If drinking is a habit, the easiest way to survive going dry in July is to find a substitute you love. Our exceptional range of non-alcoholic wines are specially crafted for wine lovers looking to enjoy a glass of wine without feeling the effects of alcohol. Life’s complicated - but finding a substitute wine shouldn’t be!
If you’re anything like me, you’ve read this article and are now wondering, “what can I drink instead of alcohol?”. If so, we’ve got you covered! These incredibly delicious, non-alcoholic wines offer fewer calories and no hangover, with the same great taste as their alcoholic counterparts.
McGuigan Zero Shiraz
With subtle spice and aromatic vanilla, plum, and forest berry notes, this alcohol-free Shiraz is beautifully balanced and full of flavour.
McGuigan Zero Rosé
Elegant and refreshing, with flavours of crisp pear and green apple, lively bubbles, and an attractive finish. Perfect for celebrations and stimulating your appetite as an aperitif.
McGuigan Zero Sparkling
This sweet rose is aromatic and vibrant, with the scent of garden flowers combined with fresh strawberries and citrus fruits. The palate is a generous balance of distinct forest berry and citrus fruits, leading to a clean, crisp, and refreshing finish.
McGuigan Zero Chardonnay
The alluring aroma of white peach, combined with the subtle influence of vanilla and oak, perfectly balances the fresh and toasty oak characters of stone fruit and honey melon for a well-rounded, perfect finish.
McGuigan Zero Sauvignon Blanc
This elegant and refreshing non-alcoholic Sauvignon Blanc boasts an enticing crisp pear and green apple palate with lively bubbles for an attractive crisp finish. Perfect when celebrating any occasion or rousing your appetite as an aperitif.
McGuigan Zero Pinot Noir
Lifted red berry aromas complemented by a hint of spice. On the palate, it has a soft and supple, red fruit driven palate with a light sour cherry finish.
