“Dry January” has become a common ritual at the top of the new year. Taking the month to detox from alcohol is a noble pursuit, but with drinking so culturally ingrained, it can be a struggle to plan your week without the temptation of a drink. Here are some activities and indulgences that work for us during Dry January.
Take a trip to the arcade. Relive the good old school times with friends and loved ones. Whether you’re into pinball, pacman, or the old shoot-em-ups, arcades are a fun social activity that doesn’t involve drinking. Locally, check out Up-Down near Lake & Lyndale or find your nearest Dave & Buster for a more carnival experience.
Try a new winter sport. Whether you’re into bigger thrills like skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, or a more relaxed journey in snowshoes, ice skates, or cross country ski, winter brings with it many outdoor recreational activities. Stay sober and burn some calories, all while enjoying the winter tundra.
Dive into a craft. Completing a DIY-project can feel super rewarding. Channel your creative side with collaging, knitting, painting, sculpting, jewelry-making, or any number of crafts that catch your eye on a walk through Michaels. Creating something by hand is known to help the mind relax. Pair your craft night with tea or fun mocktails.
Join forces for an Escape Room. A fun social activity with a friend or two, escape rooms are more than just a series of puzzles. It’s a whole story where you and your friends get to play a critical role. A well designed room can be full of secret compartments, high stakes, and exciting discoveries. With one hour to “solve the room,” the experience is brief, but perfect as a pre or post-dinner date night activity! Locally, check out Escape the Room Minneapolis.
Hit the movies. Check out the latest blockbuster or try that independent cinema you’ve always wondered about. While streaming provides a world of choice, there’s something special about re-capturing the magic of the cinema post-covid.
Take reading more seriously. If you’ve dabbled in reading, but want to take the plunge, the discussion and accountability of a book club can make for a very rewarding experience. If you’re looking to stay home, GoodReads is a fun Amazon-powered app to read reviews and discover new books, as well as see what your friends are reading!
Become a mocktail mixologist. There’s a world of delicious mocktails out there. Mocktails are non-alcoholic mixed drinks that replicate the complexity and upscale look of craft cocktails, just without the alcohol. YouTube provides a great guide to discover your own personal favorite blend of of sodas, juices, herbs, and syrups. We have our own favorite mocktails using our CBD Sparking Water.