We're all for treating yourself right - especially during Dry January, or whenever you're trying to change your alcohol habit.
But all too often, when people cut out booze they end up replacing it with sugar, either by drinking sweet sodas or eating more desserts. But part of the point of reducing our alcohol intake is to get healthier, right?
With that in mind, here are 14 ways to treat yourself that don't involve alcohol or sugar. Some are free and some are more expensive, but think of it this way: total up the amount of money you might normally spend on booze each month, and allocate it to one or more of these treats instead.
- Mix up a delicious alcohol-free cocktail. Browse our library of recipes created by our co-founder and cocktail book author Adrienne for inspiration.
- Take a hot bath. There is nothing like getting in a warm aromatherapy bath to relax and restore your mind, body, and soul. While many may not relate baths to health, it is one of the best things that you can do!
- Get a massage. With a goal of slowing down your nervous system, massage therapy can be used to release stress and tension, provide relief from symptoms, heal injuries and support wellness. Many of us can benefit from a massage — it’s a great way to improve wellness, help with pain and more.
- Go to a local museum. Museums help to teach, inspire and connect communities. They make you feel good, they make you smarter, they're an effective way of learning, and they are a great way to spend time with friends and family.
- Plan a special meal with your partner or a friend. Pick a great restaurant you've been wanting to try, or cook at home. Pair with some alcohol-free wine.
- Get a facial. Facials help to renew skin cells by circulating the blood flow under the skin, which then can decrease puffiness and fluid build up that comes from our lymphatic system. Good circulation is important in that it brings oxygen, proteins and nutrition to the skin, while ridding our skin of toxins.
- Try acupuncture. Acupuncture is believed to stimulate the central nervous system, which releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being. The most common side effects of acupuncture are things everyone wants: better sleep, more energy, mental clarity, better digestion and less stress.
- Start a hobby you’ve always wanted to do. There are plenty of YouTube videos that make it so easy and free to learn something new! Some ideas you could start with are to learn to crochet, macrame, or needlepoint.
- Get your nails done. Regular manicures and pedicures actually provide great benefits for your overall health and well being, especially in cold and harsh winters.
- Garden. Working in dirt boosts your mood and lowers dementia risk. Another thing you could do to treat yourself in the garden is to buy new yourself a couple of new outdoor or indoor plants and/or pots to add to your collection.
- Go to a local museum. Museums help to teach, inspire and connect communities. They make you feel good, they make you smarter, they're an effective way of learning, and they are a great way to spend time with friends and family.
- Hire a housekeeping service. Get a clean house, enjoy some extra time to relax, feel more joy and organization, and have a healthier home.
- Drink a cup of tea. Research and purchase an artisanal tea you might really enjoy. We like Art of Tea for their teas, and educational resources.
- Make a healthy, sweet treat. We love recipes from Sweet Laurel Bakery—a grain free, refined sugar free and dairy free bakery based in Los Angeles, CA.
We hope you make time to treat yourself to one (or more!) of these ideas this Dry January.
If you have any questions or other ideas we should add to this list, please let us know by emailing us at hello@drygoodsdrinks.com.