- DASH Water, the Official Soft Drink of the 2025 Dry January® challenge, has conducted research and discovered the date that most people will give up with this challenge is the 20th January.
- DASH have also teamed up with esteemed Consultant Counselling Psychologist, Dr Ritz and Senior Nutritionist at Body Fabulous Health Clinic, Hannah Trueman to reveal key advice for staying on track and the health benefits of giving up alcohol for even a short period of time.
- Alongside this, DASH has created a free Dry January® challenge tracker and tips to help you stay motivated when building new healthy habits.
As we head into the New Year, many will embrace that “New Me” feeling. Research from Alcohol Change UK, the charity behind the Dry January® challenge found that 15.5 million – more than one in four – Brits plan to take a break from alcohol in January 2025.
Healthy drinks company, DASH Water, has conducted research to discover the date that most people are likely to give up on Dry Jan – after being named the Official Soft Drink of the 2025 Dry January® challenge by Alcohol Change UK.
By scraping comments and posts on Instagram for “#dryjanuary” and “#dryjanuaryfail” since January 2016, the research found that the 20th of January is the date that most people are likely to give in and have an alcoholic drink.
To help overcome hurdles and make it through the month completely alcohol-free, DASH Water has partnered with renowned Consultant Counselling Psychologist, Dr Ritz to explore ways you can help to prepare for the challenge and ways to stay on track.
Dr Ritz comments,
“Dry January® is an excellent opportunity to reset, build healthier habits, and create a greater sense of control over your choices. It isn’t just about abstaining; it’s about discovering how much better you can feel by choosing habits that align with your values. Celebrate every step forward—each one counts. Here are some actionable tips and mindset shifts to help you prepare and stay on track:”
- Micro Habits for Big Wins: Take it one day at a time. Start each morning with a grounding affirmation, like “Today, I choose to nourish my mind and body.”
- Create Positive Alternatives: Replace evening drinks with mindful activities—a soothing bath, journaling, reading or starting a new series with and choosing a drink replacement.
- Leverage Neuroplasticity: You have the power to rewire your brain. Engage in activities like mindfulness, journaling, or visualisations to reinforce your identity as someone who thrives without alcohol.
“Visualise yourself feeling vibrant and proud at the end of January. Your brain will follow where your focus goes.” - Reflect on Progress: Use a journal to track how you’re feeling without alcohol. Ask yourself: “How do I feel now compared to before?” Noticing improvements in energy, focus, or mood can reinforce your commitment.
Mindset Shifts
- It’s Not About Deprivation: Instead of “I can’t drink,” say, “I’m choosing not to drink to prioritise my wellbeing.” This reframing can shift your experience from one of loss to one of empowerment.
- Compassion Over Perfection: If you slip, avoid harsh self-criticism. Instead, use the experience to learn. Reflect on what triggered the slip and plan how to handle a similar situation in the future.
- Rediscover Joy: Use this time to explore hobbies, connect with nature, or practise gratitude. Joy can be a powerful motivator.
Alongside this, DASH Water has partnered with Hannah Trueman, senior nutritionist from the Body Fabulous Clinic, to explore the benefits of giving up alcohol for even a short period of time.
Hannah comments,
“Eliminating alcohol lightens the load on your liver, allowing it to focus on detoxifying more effectively, reducing inflammation and restoring your body’s natural balance. This reset provides a valuable opportunity to cultivate healthier habits and set the stage for improved long-term wellness.
“Giving up alcohol for even short periods can have numerous benefits for both physical and mental health.”
Hannah suggests that in just one week, you’ll notice better hydration, improved sleep, reduced inflammation, and increased energy as your liver begins to recover and nutrient absorption improves.
By two weeks, many see clearer skin, stabilised digestion, and enhanced immune support. At three weeks, better sleep patterns, mood, and reduced anxiety are common, as cortisol levels normalise. After a month, expect healthier liver function, a stronger gut microbiome, improved metabolism, and sharper focus.
How to build healthy habits for 2025
Wellness experts from DASH Water have produced a free Dry January® challenge tracker, to help keep you accountable and on track as we enter the New Year and learn more about the benefits of Dry January®.
