Darragh's Soapbox: Are you doing 'Dry January'?
Tommy Reilly and Johnny 'Banjo' Connors. Photo: Joe Evans
Making the decision to not drink for the month of January, dubbed ‘Dry January’, has become increasingly popular as a ready-made new year’s resolution for people across the country.
First introduced by UK charity Alcohol Change, the challenge has since grown into a global phenomenon.
Mental health charity Turn2Me have been encouraging people to participate this year, citing a number of reasons why it could benefit your mental health.
They cite improved mood and reduced anxiety, better sleep, enhanced energy, and greater emotional awareness as positives that can come from slowing down on alcohol consumption.
Following the indulgence that the holiday season regularly brings, people may decide to take on the challenge, whether to benefit from the health advantages of cutting out drink or just for a personal challenge.
People are increasingly giving it a go, so we hit the streets of Waterford this week to ask the public if they’re taking it on!
said he does it every year, and is still going strong this year with over half the month done.
honestly admitted to getting half-way through the month before deciding to have a drink.
said drinking in moderation is important all year round: “I never tried it before. I stopped during the pandemic and I didn’t drink for a year and half because I wouldn’t go to the pubs until they opened again fully.
"I don’t do Dry January because I only go out once or twice a week to enjoy myself. I work hard so I do go out for a drink in moderation.”
, who is mid-way through the challenge, said that taking it on in January could lead to her cutting back indefinitely.
She said: “I decided to start dry January just to cut down for the health benefits, and I might keep it going now until June or July now that I’ve started!"
