Go dry this January to boost your fitness and wellbeing | Tenant news

Starting a new year is a great time to give your health a boost and take a fresh look at your daily habits.

In the UK, the most popular New Year’s resolution for 2026 is to eat healthier, followed by saving money and being more active.

But there’s a way to kickstart health improvements this January that doesn’t mean strict diets or long gym sessions: take part in Dry January.

Energy, sleep, and mood

Taking a break from alcohol can improve sleep, increase energy, and help you explore routines that support your body and mind.

You might even notice your skin looks brighter (goodbye, post-party puffiness) and your clothes feel a little roomier.

Alcohol-free drinks

Swap alcohol drinks for a tasty alternative such as sparkling water with fruit, herbal teas, or alcohol-free beers and gins. There are also a wide range of mocktail recipes you can try.

Planning alcohol-free evenings and trying new activities instead will help the winter weeks fly by.

Many people notice improved wellbeing when they go dry, which can make it easier to try other healthy habits too.

Exercise and fitness

Giving up alcohol can improve how your body responds to activity. Muscles recover faster, stamina improves, and everyday movements feel easier.

Walking, cycling, or light workouts can feel more effective when the body isn’t processing alcohol. Finding activities that are enjoyable and achievable is the key to staying consistent.

If you‘re a wheelchair user or have limited mobility, try chair exercises like stretching, seated yoga and resistance bands.

Mental health benefits

Going dry can improve your mental health, helping you feel calmer, less anxious, and more in control of your choices.

Alcohol-free evenings provide time to explore new hobbies like reading, cooking, journaling, or listening to music.

Tracking progress, such as energy levels, sleep quality, or mood changes, will help you stay motivated and build lasting healthy routines.

So, regardless of your lifestyle or abilities, use the start of this new year to focus on small improvements that make you feel good, to set yourself up for a healthier year ahead.

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