DOWN BAD

Every year you or your friends say they’re not coming out because they’re doing dry January, which leaves you indoors and bored. Well, not anymore! Here’s some ways you can nab your friends back or even some ideas for you whilst we shuffle through the long dragging month of January.

Dry January is a great opportunity to explore activities that don’t involve alcohol. Here are some fun, productive, and fulfilling ideas to keep you entertained and focused:

Social Activities

1. Host a Mocktail Party – Experiment with alcohol-free cocktails and share recipes with friends.
2. Games Night – Gather friends or family for board games, card games, or video games.
3. Go Out for Coffee or Tea – Explore local cafés and try new hot drinks or herbal teas.
4. Plan Alcohol-Free Dining – Enjoy meals at restaurants with friends without drinks or opt for spots with great mocktail menus.
5. Join a Club or Group – Participate in book clubs, art classes, or sports leagues.
6. Go on a hike with friends – Book a train ticket and head for Seven Sisters cliffs or the Peak District, get some fresh air.
7. Borrow a pet – Go for a walk with your friend or families dog! You can also sign up to sites like http://www.borrowmydoggy.com 

Health and Wellness

1. Start a Fitness Challenge – Sign up for yoga, pilates, or a gym class, or try an at-home workout program.
2. Try Meditation or Mindfulness – Use apps like Headspace or Calm to build a daily meditation habit.
3. Go for Walks or Hike – Explore local trails or parks for a refreshing way to stay active.
4. Focus on Sleep – Use the alcohol-free month to establish a regular, rejuvenating sleep routine.
5. Take Up a Sport – Join a beginner’s class for activities like tennis, swimming, martial arts or start couch to 5k.

Creative Activities

1. Learn a New Skill- Try cooking, baking, painting, or photography.
2. Start a DIY Project – Redecorate a room, build furniture, or make handmade gifts.
3. Keep a Journal – Reflect on your Dry January experience or set goals for the year.
4. Explore a Hobby – Dive into knitting, gardening, or writing.
5. 15. Create Art – Sketch, paint, or craft without the influence of alcohol.

Entertainment

1. Movie or TV Marathons – Binge-watch your favorite series or catch up on classic films.
2. Attend Alcohol-Free Events – Look for local workshops, comedy shows, or live music nights that don’t focus on drinking.
3. Visit Museums or Galleries – Spend a day exploring art, science, or history exhibits.
4. Play Puzzle Games – Solve crosswords, Sudoku, or try escape rooms with friends. 
5. Read More Books – Dedicate time to finishing a novel or exploring new genres.

Productive Activities 

1. Plan and Organize – Tidy your home, declutter your closet, or create a vision board for the year.
2. Learn a Language – Use apps like Duolingo to pick up a new language.
3. Volunteer – Help out at a local charity or community project.
4. Start a Budget or Savings Plan- Track how much you save by not drinking and plan how to use it.
5. Set New Goals – Use the alcohol-free time to reflect on and set personal, professional, or fitness goals.

Relaxation and Pampering

1. Treat yourself to a bath, face masks, or a massage.
2. Try New Recipes – Cook healthier meals or bake alcohol-free desserts.
3. Explore Local Attractions – Visit places you’ve never been, like parks, historical sites, or markets.
4. Take a Day Trip – Discover nearby towns or nature spots.
5. Unwind with Podcasts or Music – Find new podcasts or create playlists to relax.

Dry January is a chance to rediscover your interests, meet new people, and develop healthier habits—all while saving money and boosting your energy!