Dry January is something that many people choose to do each year, and this year, I wanted to give it a whirl. After many consecutive nights of drinking Prosecco (my birthday, my partner's birthday, then Christmas, then New Year's Eve), I decided to give alcohol the chop for 31 days - and I felt good for doing it. No hangovers, no greasy takeaways, no fuzzy heads or hangxiety. Gorgeous. I think there's an assumption that if you don't have that glass of wine when you're out with your friends or refrain from having one while having a meal, people will assume you're boring or pressure you.

And yes, sometimes that does happen. But the power of 'no' is a wonderful thing - and if people can't take no for an answer, that's an issue with them, not you. I've seen a few times on social media that Gen Z are snubbing alcohol-fuelled nights out for more wholesome activities, and I really don't blame them. Is there anything else that makes you feel more accomplished than going for a weekend walk and stopping off for a lime and soda en route? Let me tell you, no.

It's so much better than wallowing in bed because you couldn't resist that extra cocktail that you definitely didn't need because you were already tipsy. And just think of all the money you'll be able to save in the process. With many places costing upwards of £10 for a cocktail and close for wine or Prosecco, you'll be smugly giggling into your bottled water. This is definitely a huge benefit of cutting out alcohol - think of the trips away you could potentially go on with the money saved from just two nights out. Not only are you saving on the alcohol, but you're saving on the expensive taxi journey home. It's a win-win.

Now, don't get me wrong - despite the fact that I have chosen to be teetotal for 18 months in the past, I don't plan on taking up this lifestyle long-term at the moment. Right now, I personally love a little Prosecco with my friends, but I now know when to stop. But there's nothing like a month-long break for Dry January to help you feel healthier, and so you can reassess the fact that, actually, every time you go out to dinner, you don't need to have alcohol. You're fun enough without it!.

They say that Dry January is a great way to try to get any overindulgence back under control. It gives your body (and mind) a chance to have a rest from alcohol without committing to being a tee-total long term and helps build a pattern of more healthy habits. It may be that you want to use this opportunity to have a re-think about the part alcohol plays in your home and social life. You might like to try:.