What quitting booze for Dry January does to your body and mind day-by-day

IF the pubs look a bit emptier this month that’s probably because around nine million Brits are taking part in Dry January.

One in seven (17 per cent) UK adults are estimated to be going alcohol-free for 31 days as the year starts.

GettyA sober month may not just benefit your physical health, but can improve your mental health too[/caption]

Research conducted by Alcohol Change UK, the charity behind the Dry January initiative, revealed 8.8million Britons signed up to the campaign – with the cost-of-living crisis helping to influence their decision.

Alongside this, countless studies have shown links between excessive drinking and cancers, heart failure and diabetes, among other chronic health issues.

No wonder, then, that so many are ditching the booze this month.

But does a month of sobriety really make any noticeable difference to health – or are habitual drinkers simply kidding themselves?

A sober month may not just benefit your physical health, but can improve your mental health too, Signe Svanfeldt, lead nutritionist at Lifesum says.

And although drinking moderate amounts is generally considered safe for adults “the less alcohol we consume, the better it is for our body, minds and overall health and wellbeing”, she tells the Sun.

Here, we look at exactly what happens to your body and mind over the course of a month when you give up booze.

Days 5-7

Even as early on as day five you’ll begin to see a discernible difference between the old and new sober you, the expert says.

 “You’ll begin to notice a reduction of puffiness in your skin and face,” Signe explains.

Alcohol is an inflammatory substance, meaning it tends to cause swelling in the body – this is why you often notice your face puffing up after a heavy night.

“You’ll also notice a reduction in hangover symptoms, including nausea, headaches and tiredness,” Signe says.

“This will make you feel more alert and energised as alcohol tends to dull the senses,” she adds.

Days 8-14

Well done, you’ve made it a whole week.

“In the second week, you may notice that your sleep habits improve with deeper, less interrupted sleep, ” Signe says.

“When we consume alcohol, it can interfere with our sleep quality making us sleep lighter and not wake up properly rested.”

The NHS recommends the average adult gets approximately seven to nine hours sleep per night – which Signe says is a lot more achievable when you don’t drink.

“Getting that extra sleep will make us feel more energised to do things that are good for us, including cooking nutritious foods and exercising,” she adds.

Day 15

Consuming alcohol can increase the risk of mental illness – every heard or a little thing called hangxiety…?

“By reducing alcohol consumption by day 15, you might notice a shift in your overall mental wellness, and feel more positive and less anxious,” Signe explains.

Skipping that nightcap can also do wonders for your skin.

“Consuming an excessive amount of alcohol can make skin look dull, so at this stage you should notice that your skin has more of a glow to it.

“Swapping wine for water hydrates the body and skin, and leads to better overall health,” she adds.

Days 23-31

It’s towards the end of the month when you’ll really experience the physical benefits of sobriety.

“Your body will benefit from a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and high blood pressure,” Signe explains.

“If you have consumed alcohol on a regular basis previously, you might also notice a reduction in body fat after a couple of weeks.

“This is because alcohol provides us with empty calories (calories without any nutrients), plus consuming alcohol also makes us choose less nutritious food choices, such as fast foods and takeaways,” she adds.

  Read More