Blog: Dry January – Joanne

During this month, we’re issuing people’s views and experiences about their Dry January 2016 challenge.

Today, Joanne – an update (scripted Wednesday 13 January):-

Well, I was expecting the first ‘proper’ weekend of January to be a real challenge, but I was surprisingly not too bothered. I deliberately kept busy and hubby was very good at drinking his beer a little more discreetly than usual (out in the garage, bless him).

The barmaid at our local pub had a shock when I ordered a lime and soda instead of a spritzer on Sunday, but as I’m also trying to lose weight, this is the way to go. Hubby and I ordered small portions of the carvery, less alcohol for me, nice smaller bill, so saving money too.

I’m sleeping much better, so have more energy and now back to swimming 3 times a week and walking for half an hour at lunchtime every day – these lbs will come off. The weirdest side effect has been quite surprising, but I am assured it is quite normal and there is some science behind it. When you drink alcohol, your body gets less REM sleep which is the really deep, restful sleep. That’s why you can go out for a night on the town, sleep for ten hours afterwards and still wake feeling like you’ve barely slept a wink.

REM sleep is where we dream, so if we’re often drinking, suddenly getting the full REM sleep and the dreams that come with it can be a weird experience. Now that I am getting ‘proper’ sleep, I wake feeling refreshed and energised – highly recommended.

Anyway, day 13 and feeling positive that I will get to the end of the month without a drink. I might even carry on post-Dry January and make it a lifestyle change? (Friends that know me will be chuckling at that statement, but we’ll see…).

Joanne