Quit Drinking

THE EXPERT: Lauren Booker, alcohol consultant for Alcohol Change UK, the charity behind Dry January and author of Try Dry: The Official Guide to a Month off Booze (Square Peg, £12.99)

- Lauren Booker

If you’re thinking of going dry at the beginning of the year, you won’t be alone. Last year,four million Brits quit alcohol in January. You could even raise money for your favourite charity at the same time.

THE PHILOSOPHY:

Quitting alcohol for a month can transform your life, as it gives you the chance to reassess your relationship with alcohol, says Booker. If you’ve ever drunk to ease social situations or to mask loneliness, job dissatisfaction or relationship issues, taking a break from alcohol gives you the chance to find more productive and long-term solutions.

THE ADVICE:

1 Do some mental prep