New Year, new start

New Year’s Day can be hangover hell. Your head is banging after a big New Year’s Eve night out. The after effects are still lingering from your debaucherous work Christmas party, never mind enough drink to float a boat (and drown out your annoying relatives) on Christmas day, and many more alcohol-soaked festivities besides.

Like millions of others up and down the country, it’s probably the point you think “enough is enough; it’s time to cut back on the booze for a while”.

But, after you’ve gotten over the initial horrendous hangover, it isn’t always so easy to keep up your good intentions during those long, cold winter months.

“By the time the January 1 comes round, I always feel really tired and unhealthy after all the parties,” says Caroline Lawson, 27, an IT manager from London. “But after a week or so of being good, I normally feel like drinking again. It can be a struggle to stay on track, especially if you’ve promised yourself a bit of a detox for the whole of January.”

Luckily, Drinkaware can help. Here are our top tips to sticking to your New Year’s resolution to cut down your drinking in January and beyond:

Distract yourself

The simplest way to cut down on your drinking is to find something fun to do instead. Check out our ideas for sober nights out. Or why not invite your friends round for dinner, but keep the alcohol to a minimum? Here's how to host a “low alcohol dinner party.”

Use the Drinkaware unit calculator and drink diary

It can be difficult to keep track of how much you drink. The Government’s guidelines say that men shouldn’t regularly drink more than three to four units a day and women two to three. However, many people don’t know what a “unit” of alcohol really is. For example, a large (250ml) glass of wine is over three units, a pint of beer can be two to three, whilst a single vodka is one unit.

Our unit calculator shows how much alcohol is in your favourite tipple and our drink diary allows you to keep track over the days and weeks. With this precise information you can make sure you stay within the healthy limits; consistently managing to do so will give you a great sense of achievement and boost your motivation.

Think of how much healthier you’ll be

We all know drinking too much is bad for our health. Drink within the Government guidelines, however, and you’ll drastically reduce your chances of suffering from serious health problems such as cancer and liver disease. And, with no hangovers, you’ll feel far more energetic and clear-minded. Keep these positives in mind every time you reach for that third glass of wine or pint...

Learn more about the effects alcohol can have on your health, by reading the “Alcohol and your health” section on this site.

Think how much better you’ll look

Alcohol is laden with calories. The worst culprits are beer, lager and cider; some brands contain an amazing 250 calories per pint, which is the equivalent of a small bar of milk chocolate. And wine’s not much better, with over 500 calories in an average bottle.

As well as your waistline, alcohol also has a bad effect on your skin, hair, nails and even how you smell. Should you want to torture yourself and learn just how much alcohol can effect your physical appearance, our "Beauty and the alcohol beast" explains all. 

Cut down on your alcohol intake and you’ll be feeling better about your looks in no time. Even just a couple of booze-free days each week can really help. Just think how jealous your friends will be when you’re looking great come spring time...while they’re still bloated, grey and suffering from their latest hangover.

Think how much more money you’ll have in your pocket

Go on, admit it, how many times in December do you wake up the morning after the night before and shudder at how light your wallet is? January is a tight month for everybody after the excesses of the festive season, and in the current economic climate the chances are you are feeling the pinch more than ever. But by reducing what you drink, you can save money for other things. £20 a week that you would’ve spent on alcohol translates to £80 you can spend during the month on gym membership or a trip to the sales.

Whether you decide to cut down or simply monitor your alcohol intake this year, Drinkaware will have all the information and tools you will need to make a difference. Have a happy, healthy 2009!

Page last updated by

Unknown, 10 May 2012.

Page checked on

23 Dec 2008