Thinking about Dry July?

Are you considering abstaining from alcohol for Dry July? If you are, it calls for some thoughtful preparation and a touch of strategic thinking. Whether you're in it for health reasons, to support a cause, or just to see if you can do it, getting ready for Dry July is the key to success.

What is Dry July?

Dry July is a fundraising campaign that challenges people to give up alcohol for the month of July and donate the money they would have spent on drinks to support people affected by cancer.

The campaign started in Australia in 2008 and has since expanded to New Zealand, Canada, and the United Kingdom. According to the official website, Dry July has raised over $60 million and helped more than 50 cancer organisations across the four countries.

Why Dry July?

Why would you consider doing Dry July? Maybe you're curious to see how it affects your health or your wallet, or perhaps you're just up for a challenge. There are lots of reasons to do Dry July! Here’s just a few:

• Support a good cause: By doing Dry July, you can help fund vital services and programs for people living with cancer and their families, such as transport, accommodation, counselling, and wellness activities.
• Improving your health: Giving up alcohol for a month can have positive effects on your physical and mental health, such as reducing your calorie intake, improving your sleep quality, lowering your blood pressure, boosting your immune system, and enhancing your mood.
• Challenging yourself: Doing Dry July can be a rewarding personal challenge that tests your resolve and strength of motivation.
• Reflect on your personal relationship with alcohol: By doing Dry July, you have an opportunity to consider the role of alcohol in your day-to-day life. You might also inspire your friends, family, and colleagues to join you or support you in your Dry July journey.

Whatever your reasons, jot them down somewhere you'll see them often. Having a clear purpose will keep you focused and motivated if the going gets tough.

How can I prepare?

Take a look around your space and bid farewell to any tempting bottles lurking in your fridge or cabinets. Out of sight, out of mind. And while you're at it, why not treat yourself to some tasty non-alcohol alternatives? From fancy sparkling waters, teas, coffees and juices, through to creative mocktail recipes, there's a whole world of alcohol-free delights waiting to be discovered.

But Dry July isn't just about saying no to alcohol – it's also about finding new ways to socialise and unwind. Let your friends and family know about your Dry July plans so they can cheer you on and maybe even join in the fun. And don't be shy about suggesting alcohol-free activities for the month, like picnics, game nights, or trying out a new hobby together. Who knows, you might just start a new tradition!

Of course, there will be times when cravings rear their head, and that's okay. When those moments strike, have a game plan ready to keep you on track. Whether it's going for a walk, going to the gym, practicing mindfulness, or indulging in a little self-care, explore and plan a range of alcohol-free ways to cope with stress or boredom so they are at your fingertips if you need them.

Remember, you're not giving up anything – you're gaining clarity, energy, and maybe even a new perspective on your relationship with alcohol.

How can I succeed in doing Dry July?

Doing Dry July can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, but it can also be challenging at times. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

• Sign up and donate: The first step is to sign up for the campaign on the official website and make a donation to your chosen cancer organisation. This will help you commit to your goal, be motivated and feel good about supporting a worthy cause.
• Set your rules and boundaries: You can decide how strict or flexible you want to be with your Dry July challenge. See where you’re at with your drinking with our 5-minute self-assessment so that you can decide how you’d like to go forward. For example, you can choose to go completely alcohol-free for the whole month, or you can buy a "golden ticket" that allows you to have a drink on a special occasion that falls in July, such as a birthday, wedding, or anniversary.
• Track your progress and celebrate your achievements: Maybe you resisted the urge to pour yourself a drink after a tough day, or discovered a newfound love for alcohol-free cocktails! Record how much money you have saved, how many days you have gone without alcohol, and how you may feel better physically and mentally. You can also reward yourself with some treats or incentives, such as a massage, a movie, or a new outfit. Our Drink Tracker in the Daybreak app can be useful in helping you track your drinking during the month and beyond.
• Get support and encouragement: Lean on your support system. Whether it's friends, family, colleagues or fellow Dry July participants, having people in your corner can make all the difference. Share your successes, vent your frustrations, and lift each other up every step of the way. You can also join the online community of Dry July participants and Daybreak, who can share their stories, tips, and advice with you.

So, are you ready to take on Dry July? With a little preparation, a positive mindset, and a whole lot of support, you've got everything you need to make it a month to remember. Enjoy new experiences, do whatever works best for you and remember, if you slip up, that’s okay, tomorrow is a new day to keep on going.

Best wishes from the Hello Sunday Morning Team