8 tips to reduce your alcohol intake this July and beyond

Welcome to Dry July! If you’ve signed up and are looking for tips on how to get through the challenge, you’re in the right place. If you haven’t registered yet, head over to the Dry July website and sign up now. 

We all know that reducing our alcohol intake is a good thing to do for yourself. It can boost your energy levels, improve your mood and sleep, and help you be your best self.  

Here are our tips for enjoying the journey that is Dry July. And who knows, you might make a habit of reducing your alcohol intake after the challenge is over! 

1. Change the way you catch up with family and friends 

Instead of catching up with friends and family at a pub or club, visit a cafe for a coffee, tea, or other non-alcoholic drink. 

2. Get physical 

Sign up for an early morning exercise group or meditation class. This will stop you drinking too much the night before. 

You can also to make your catchups with friends and family more active. The beauty of this is that you can get creative – organise a bushwalk, book a court and have a hit of tennis, or meet up with your best friends at the dog park. 

3. Become a foodie 

Rather than ‘just going out for a drink’, why not make plans to enjoy a meal?  

You can use Dry July to try out new recipes or discover a new cuisine. Check out the Healthy Lunch Box website to get some inspiration. Or make a reservation at the new restaurant in town! 

4. Choose a non-alcoholic drink 

If you can’t avoid the pub for socialising, then opt for a drink that is non-alcoholic.  

Sparkling mineral water with fresh lemon or lime is our pick. 

5. Give yourself reasons to avoid alcohol  

If you usually drink alcohol after dinner, for example, why not brush your teeth early. This might stop you from having a drink once your teeth are clean. 

6. Ask others to help you stay accountable 

Tell your friends and family that you’d like to drink less alcohol and ask them to support you. 

7. Find other ways to unwind 

Take a soak in a bubble bath. 

Do a puzzle, play a board game or read a book. 

Indulge in guilty (media) pleasures such trashy TV, movies or videogames. 

Call up a friend or relative for a chat. 

8. Out of sight, out of mind 

Don’t keep alcohol in your house. You will drink less if you have to rug up to go to the shops to buy it. 

If you’re going Dry this July with friends and family, be sure to share these tips on with them to encourage each other to get through the challenge! 

If you haven’t signed up, it’s not too late. Head to the Dry July website to learn more and register.