So, you’ve finished Dry January. You started the year off on the right foot, challenged yourself and felt amazing. You have a few choices - you can jump back into old habits, aim to reduce your drinking going forward, or keep going dry for a good cause. Here’s why you should consider staying alcohol-free in February.
First of all, February is the shortest month of the year. Need we say more?
Second of all, 29,200 Canadians have already decided to take the pledge. Every year the Canadian Cancer Society puts on a fundraiser in February that challenges us to abstain from drinking while raising funds for cancer research at the same time. Money collected will directly benefit Canadians suffering from this disease.
We all know someone affected by cancer in one way or another, but few of us know that alcohol can increase our risks. In fact, any type and any amount of alcohol increases your risk of head and neck, breast, stomach, pancreatic, colorectal and liver cancers.
So.. how does this fundraiser work? You can visit their website to sign up for the challenge and choose how long you want to participate. During the month, you can ask family members and friends to sponsor you on your journey. If you’re late getting started, you can still join and donate.
Then of course, there are the benefits of going dry: an increase in energy, better sleeping habits, healthier skin and potentially even weight loss. And not to mention, a clear (hangover free) head!
While this feat may seem out of the question, there are tons of ways you can prepare for the month ahead. Plan out strategies and alcohol substitutes, get some friends to join you for moral support (there is strength in numbers) and most importantly- don’t quit! Even if you slip up, dust yourself off again and keep going.
The most important thing is to remember why you’re doing it. In this case, you aren’t only benefiting yourself. Your decision could make a difference in someone’s life.
