Drinking, or more rather not drinking, has seen a cultural shift of late, with more millennials and young people choosing not to drink alcohol. While there’s nothing wrong with alcohol in moderation, if you find yourself slipping into a seemingly never-ending happy hour at the end of each workday, it may be time to reevaluate your drinking habits.
Dry July is the perfect time to trial living alcohol-free, and work towards eating better, moving more, and increasing your focus. Here are our top 10 MACROS approved tips for rising to the Dry July challenge!
Start drinking…Water
Kick-off each day with a glass of water and aim for 2-3L throughout the day.
Wake up early
Yes, even on a weekend. Without those morning hangovers, Dry July is the perfect time to make the most of your weekends – head to a farmers’ market or cook a homemade big breakfast.
Accept your cravings
Rather than categorise the urge to drink as ‘bad’ simply accept that it’s natural. Your cravings will begin to subside the longer you go without drinking!
Phone a friend
Getting a mate to do Dry July with you helps twofold; it keeps you accountable for staying sober during the month and gives you a support system to turn to if you need it.
Start a tip jar
We spend a lot of money on alcohol, both individually and as a country. While that’s great for stimulating the local economy, it does burn a hole in your pocket, especially if you’re drinking every night. Put aside the money you would normally spend on alcohol that night and at the end of the month buy yourself to a non-alco related treat, or donate to the Dry July Foundation which raises money to support those affected by cancer.
Fake it till you make it
Gone are the days when the only booze-free option was a soda and lime. It’s 2020 – we have non-alcoholic alternatives for gin, whisky, wine, and beer now. Try using non-alcoholic drinks to recreate your favourite cocktails as mocktails!
Escape the norm
Explore your state with a road trip on the weekend or go hiking at a local national park.
Get cooking
Try making a couple of new recipes a week – whether it’s a fancy date night dinner or recreating a pub meal you love.
Try something new
Most of your daily routine is done out of habit. Use Dry July to shake up your routine; take up a new hobby or enrol in an online course in something you’ve always wanted to learn but never had the time for before. It’s funny how much free time you have when you’re not spending it drinking!
Find your community
It can be difficult to stop drinking if everyone around you is still knocking back the booze. Join some sober curious or Dry July Facebook groups and connect with people who share your goals.
Want pro diet + fitness tips, new menu reveals and exclusive discounts? Subscribe to our newsletter and join The MACROS Movement.
