The end of No Drink January: what’s next?

January is over! If you took part in No Drink January—going alcohol-free for the month—you might be wondering what to do next. Whether you want to start drinking again or keep going without alcohol, now is a great time to think about how you feel and what works best for you.

How has being alcohol free made you feel?

Before you decide whether to start drinking again or not, take a moment to ask yourself:

• Do I feel healthier and have more energy?
• Am I sleeping better and feeling happier?
• Did I save money by not drinking?
• Do I want to keep drinking less?

Your answers can help you choose what to do next.

If you want to drink again

If you decide to start drinking again, try doing it carefully:

• Go slow – Your body had a break, so don’t rush back too quickly
• Pay attention – Notice how alcohol makes you feel. Does it change your mood or sleep?
• Set limits – Keep some alcohol-free days in your routine.

In the UK, the government recommends that adults drink no more than 14 units of alcohol per week, spread across at least three days. This guidance helps to reduce risks to your health and can help to prevent binge drinking but please note, there is no entirely safe way of consuming alcohol.

Try Fizz Free February

If you liked the challenge of No Drink January, why not try another one? Fizz Free February means giving up fizzy drinks for a month. This includes soda, sugary drinks, and even some mixers used in alcoholic drinks.

Benefits of skipping fizzy drinks:

• Better hydration – Drinking more water helps your skin, digestion, and energy levels.
• Less sugar – Cutting out fizzy drinks can help with weight, lower the risk of health problems and is great for your teeth,
• Good habits – Just like No Drink January made you think about alcohol, this helps you think about sugar.

Keep making healthy choices

No matter what you decide, the most important thing is balance. Here are some ideas:

• Try alcohol-free drinks like mocktails or zero-alcohol beers.
• Keep track of what you drink and set small goals.
• Have fun without alcohol—go for a coffee, a walk, or try a new hobby instead of going to the pub.
• Use this time to focus on other healthy habits like eating well and getting more sleep.

The end of No Drink January doesn’t mean going back to old habits. It’s a great time to think about what makes you feel good and make choices that work for you. Whether you try Fizz Free February or just drink more carefully, you’ve already done something great for your health!

If you need support with your drinking advice, Live Well can help. Call us on 0116 454 4000 or visit our alcohol pages for more information.