Sign up for “Dry January” – and give your body a break

WARRINGTON Borough Council is supporting Dry January and encouraging as many people as possible in Warrington to ditch the drink for a month.  
People who sign up to Dry January and agree to 31 days off the booze will receive the tips, ideas and encouragement to stay motivated and make the most of their month off alcohol.
January is a good time to give the body a break, and cutting down the amount of alcohol consumed is a good start.
A month off alcohol is really good for the health. It boosts energy levels and improves sleep.
Even six months later, evidence from Dry January shows that two-thirds of participants are still drinking less.
Cllr Pat Wright (pictured), the council’s lead member for statutory health and adult social care, said: “In the run up to Christmas many people start drinking more than usual as they celebrate the festive season with parties and get-togethers.
“This is the perfect time to sign up to committing to a holiday from alcohol.
“Dry January is not about never drinking again. It’s just an opportunity for people to reflect on their drinking patterns and to give their body a break from alcohol after the festive period. We know from previous years that people who do Dry January feel better, lose weight and save money.
“Tens of thousands of people took part in Dry January in this year, 85 per cent of them reported a great sense of achievement, 63 per cent had better sleep, 71 per cent had more energy and 70 per cent lost weight.
“So what is there to lose? It’s a great time to commit to something you would loosely be doing anyway – just giving yourself that extra push and motivation at a time when money is tight and your health and weight are on your mind.”
To sign up for Alcohol Concern’s Dry January and register for tips to make the most of the month, visit www.dryjanuary.org.uk