Dry January is officially underway! For those going booze free this month, we’ve compiled a list of things to do instead of drinking. If you're usually someone who has a habitual post-work beer or who likes to go out with friends on the weekend, it might be a bit hard to think of some alternative ways to fill your time. We’re here to help you out! Each week we’ll drop another post with ideas for things to do that week instead of drinking!
1. Go for a walk
After a long day of work, it’s pretty easy to impulsively grab a can of beer or pour glass of wine and sink into the couch to relax. Let’s be honest, this is a pretty effective way of relieving stress, but it’s certainly not the only way. Try going for a short walk after work one evening this week. Pop in some headphones and listen to a podcast or playlist you’re into. The cool air and physical movement will have you feeling refreshed in no time, and getting out of the house is a great way to leave the stress of work behind.
photo: @boozefreebar
2. Visit a booze-free bar
As more and more people begin seeking out alternatives to alcohol a whole new wave of hangout spots are arising that are completely booze-free. Awake in Denver, AltBar in Rochester, Gem in New Jersey, Wildcrafters in Florida, Sans Bar in Austin, and Ocean Beach Cafe in San Francisco—the list goes on! You can even get Psychedelic Water at some of these spots! See if there's an alcohol-free bar in your area and hit it up this weekend.
3. Mix up some mocktails
There’s something innately satisfying about combining an array of ingredients into something greater than the sum of its parts, but a lot of people seem to think that the list of alcohol-free cocktails (aka mocktails) doesn’t expand much beyond the Shirley Temple. This couldn’t be further from the truth! We’ve been coming up with twists on classic cocktails of our own built around Psychedelic Water. Here are a few of our favs for you to try out:
- Mind-Opening Margarita
- Hibiscus + Lime Sparkler
- Psychedelic Sunburst
- Blackberry No-jito
- Psychedelic Punch
4. Visit a museum or gallery
If you’re looking for a stimulating night out, consider going to a local museum or art gallery. A lot of museums have certain evenings where tickets are cheaper, and there’s nothing like learning something new or marvelling at some fantastic art to pass the evening. This is also a great activity to do solo if you’re the only one of your friends going sober this month.
5. Re-engage with an old hobby
Guitar collecting dust in the corner? Grew up and became "too cool" for that Lego collection? Why not try your hand at an activity you haven’t touched in a while, something you let go in the busyness of life? You never know, it could reignite your interest, or at least get you feeling nostalgic.
6. Try out a new hobby
Have you had your eye on something you want to try out for a while but have been putting it off? Consider this permission to make the jump! Maybe you want to start painting, or are interested in trying out a new sport. Whatever it is, a new hobby is a great way to keep yourself occupied this month, and will give you something to look forward to during the long, cold, winter days.
7. Spend some time reflecting
We often have a tendency to just shut our brains off when we need to rest. We watch TV, scroll social media, or crack open a bottle of beer. The problem with this sort of rest is that it often isn’t that refreshing. Sometimes what we need to do is embrace the art of just doing nothing. Find somewhere quiet, sit, and just be with your thoughts. You might be surprised where your mind takes you. As the Depeche Mode song says, Enjoy the Silence.
More tips to come! Check in next week!
