Dry January: A fresh start, high spirits, and sweet victories

It’s that time of the year again. Yes, I’m talking about Dry January when many of us quit the booze as a form of a big annual reset. Alcohol Change UK estimates that at least 200,000 participate in the initiative but it’s likely a much higher number. In truth, it’s not a hugely onerous occasion for me as I don’t imbibe on week days and if I do break the rule, I forfeit one of my two weekend drink nights instead. Boring? Maybe, but it’s actually a great way of concentrating on sport and hobbies, New Year resolutions, admin, health and work. Given how much celebrating and drinking there is over Christmas it’s a great way of getting back on track.

So on New Year’s Day, I took the bull by the horns and started back with the running, walking, pilates and workouts. I’m taking it slowly so only 25,000 steps a day (only kidding!) and since my physio has been urging me to take up swimming, I’ve signed up for three months at the local pool. In truth I’m not a fan of cold water, splashing adults and kids, chlorine and bright lights and noise but hey, it’s Dry January when we tackle new challenges and find a focus elsewhere. If it’s really grim, I can always bail out, knowing that I gave it a shot.

Actually, I always think sport is a brilliant way to stave off liquid temptation. I get up early for exercise of some sort and have piles of work on my desk. The thought of tackling either task with alcohol swilling around inside me from the previous night would not fill me with joy! I’ve also discovered some great alternatives to alcoholic drinks so when out with friends, I opt for a tostada zero beer or tonic with lime. It works for me and the Scotsman who now hardly has a drop at all. In advance of the month I stock up with zero beer, kombucha drinks and get a favourite tipple of zero Tanqueray gin. It actually tastes just like a real G&T, minus a wee kick.

I appreciate that for those who truly are dependent on alcohol, doing a whole month off piste must be really daunting but distraction and doing fun stuff is key to success. One of my winter guilty pleasures is watching an episode or two of a favourite Netflix and HBO series at night. You don’t need a stiff drink for that, though watching new series Departures has had me on the edge of my seat. A nice stroll before dinner, and focusing on a hobby or sports session are all excellent ways to drive thoughts away from the amber nectar.

At the end of January I will no doubt look forward to having the odd tipple again but it’s all about moderation and in my case, it’s a small Friday and Saturday night reward. I actually enjoy good wines, and I don’t want to give up that modest pleasure. Of course, the promise of a treat is an incentive to get off my rump and do an active seven days of work and exercise to feel that I’ve merited a little perk at the end of the week. But undoubtedly the best benefit of quitting the hooch is more money in your pocket, and more energy, potentially better sleep (though not in my case, sadly), weight loss, better state of mind, glowing skin and sense of achievement. Surely a win win?

High spirits

Since we’re on the subject of booze, I did feel a modicum of envy when I heard about the 30 lucky souls snowed in at Britain’s highest pub, Tann Hill, in North Yorkshire. Facing heavy snow, and -11C degrees, a group of mainly hikers have been forced to enjoy non-stop liqueur, board games and cards and a convivial three days with complete strangers. And, to make it even better, the pub has guest rooms, and plenty of food and booze to keep everyone in continued high spirits for a month. Somehow I imagine a few guests will do their utmost to prolong the agony and will be praying forecasts remain treacherous!

The end of Canada’s nightmare

There can’t be a trucker in Canada not breaking open the bubbly at the resignation of beleaguered prime minister, Justin Trudeau. Canadian friends tell me that they never thought this momentous day would come but for truckers it’s a particularly sweet victory. During the hideous Covid-19 period when Trudeau became a veritable dictator, he outrageously froze the bank accounts of truckers protesting against mandatory injections and broader restrictions. This was his way of curtailing their huge protests and bringing the terrified population to heel. This disgraceful move was deemed unlawful later, but the damage was done.

Trudeau’s wife wisely left him. She’ll no doubt always regret the cringeworthy and unhinged photocall he persuaded her to do with him, sitting on twin swings, holding hands in a white cell while wearing face masks. Boy, how does one ever recover from that acute embarrassment?

Even members of Trudeau’s own Liberal party have increasingly given him a wide berth or resigned. The man’s a veritable leper and a liability who has all but destroyed a once great nation and with his nemesis Trump coming to power, threatening excruciating trade tariffs, he had no choice but to hobble away in shame. He appears to have doubled federal debt in Canada in a short space of time and made a slew of new enemies, but he’s got a nice big bundle in the bank so let’s not shed a tear. Hopefully, he will slink off under a rock, never to be heard of again, rather like his menace of a chum, Jacinda Ardern in New Zealand and his other super wealthy WEF mates.