Why might Dry January 2022 not be the best idea?
It’s undoubtedly a positive – so how could doctors possibly think it’s not a good idea?
2020 saw life as you know it change, thanks to COVID-19, and 2021 wasn’t mkuch better. With cases rapidly rising and the UK potentially facing more restrictions, prioritising the small things that bring you joy, whether that’s chocolate, wine, or movie marathons on the sofa is important, according to doctor Patel.
We are in a period of immense stress
So, it may be worth taking check of your mental health and assessing whether further pushing yourself is right for you right now.
“Denial can feel like deprivation,” doctor Patel shares. “Deprivation stimulates our stress response which, in itself, then creates additional unwanted effects, such as high blood pressure and low mood,” the doctor expands.
You might not need the extra emotional weight
She goes on to explain that feelings of deprivation can stimulate your reward system to seek out even more of what gives us pleasure, making cutting things out even more difficult physiologically, she explains. “This then further adds the emotional weight of frustration and guilt, which is why cutting out can sometimes be counter-productive, especially if done abruptly during times like Dry January.”
Coping with the pandemic is a task in and of itself
Or so says Fatmata Kamara, specialist mental health adviser at Bupa UK. “This January will be different to the start of the year that we know,” she explains. “As we’re faced with potential new restrictions, it’s important to take care of yourself, both physically and mentally. It’s important to avoid putting too much pressure on yourself and to practise self-compassion,” she continues.
You may have found your energy levels have depleted, you might feel anxious, or find it difficult to concentrate on any new year goals set. This will all be your body physically coping with your current stress levels. “Coping with the effects of the pandemic is a huge task in itself, too,” she goes on.
You may not need a huge challenge right now
Keep in mind that certain expectations we put on ourselves to achieve goals are based on life before lockdown, Fatima explains. “So, it’s completely understandable if you don’t feel up for starting any new goal this year”, she adds.
If – for example – you drink in moderation (and have a few alcohol-free days in-between) and you have a healthy relationship with alcohol, there’s no need to set yourself a huge challenge. “Your main priority goal is to focus on looking after yourself, both physically and mentally.” Hear, hear.
Slowly may be better than all at once
Doctor Patel’s advice? “Cut back slowly. For most, cutting back will be a more effective strategy than cutting out. It’s more sustainable and focuses on the long term, which is more important than the short term,” she concludes.
Remember, every person is different
Of course, what you choose to do is totally up to you, and dependent on the individual. Many may see the month spent largely at home as the perfect opportunity to say bye, bye, to booze, and reap the benefits that come with giving it up altogether for 31 days, too. But for others, the mental pressure that this will pose may be too much right now, and it’s important to be mindful of that, says doctor Patel.