10 things you can do in Liverpool for Dry January

The benefits of giving up the ale can be surprising in many ways… but don’t worry we’ve put a list together so that you can occupy yourself without having a bevvy.

Following the festive celebrations of Christmas, it’s highly likely that a considerable number of us will contemplate veering onto a path of sobriety with Dry January.

Most likely, you’ll be thinking about how much better you’re going to feel for it – or at least you hope that’ll be the case.

Let’s take a look the unexpected things that happen to your body when you quit alcohol:

“We’ve all heard the term ‘in moderation’ or being reminded to enjoy alcohol but ‘responsibly’,” says Lola Biggs, dietitian at natural health supplement brand, Together Health.

“However, sometimes there are times in life when cutting out alcohol completely is the aim. Whether it’s for a dry January or a complete lifestyle change, removing alcohol from our diet can reveal some interesting symptoms,” notes Biggs. “And not all of them feel good initially.”

Indeed, the list of benefits from giving up alcohol is lengthy, and it can impact nearly every aspect of your wellbeing, says Nathan Penman, clinic manager at Nuffield Health. “Alcohol is a toxin that our body needs to work overtime to remove from the system, so while it’s doing this, other areas get neglected,” explains Penman.

Here, experts share a few examples of what you may notice when you go booze-free…

Weight loss without dieting

“Alcoholic drinks contain a lot of calories, which don’t contain nutritional value, and aren’t necessarily used by our bodies,” says Penman. “For example, if someone was to drink six glasses (175ml) of wine weekly (which is in line with the recommended amount of 14 units), this would equate to about 800 calories.

“Cutting this out is reducing a substantial amount of your weekly calorie intake, which will make it easier to achieve a calorie deficit overtime and, therefore, weight loss.”

Restlessness

“Initial rises in anxiety and restlessness can often be experienced when you take a break from drinking,” explains Biggs. “This is due to the body adjusting to its removal and trying to rebalance brain chemicals, in particular dopamine, a hormone which is involved in feeling reassured.

“This is happening while your body is also adapting to new habits, or in other words, the lack of a key habit – that nightly glass of red!”

Funky dreams

“Sleep can also change, as you begin to fall into deeper sleep, even if it takes longer to drift off without the wind-down wine,” says Biggs. “With this deeper sleep, more vivid dreams become a little more likely, as there is up to a three-times-increase in REM sleep associated with quitting alcohol.”

Sweet cravings

The good bacteria that co-exist with us in our gut lining are influenced by the alcohol we drink, says Biggs.

“When we stop drinking, changes can take place in our behaviour which can influence our food cravings,” she continues. “Often people notice they start craving sweeter things, even if they do not consider themselves to have a ‘sweet tooth’ normally.

“Keep meals protein-rich and varied to increase food satisfaction, and over time your microbes will tend to re-align and adapt to the new no-alcohol situ – and you should feel less bound by food cravings.”

Glowing skin

Alcohol dehydrates us and damages cells in our skin, notes Penman. “Over time, these damaged skin cells can result in a cracked, dry and damaged appearance, with the potential for more breakouts,” he adds.

“By reducing your alcohol intake, you’re giving the skin time to rehydrate and regenerate, allowing for a healthier glow.”

Lower blood pressure

“Drinking a lot of alcohol can affect the muscles in your blood vessels,” warns Penman. “This can cause them to become narrower. When your blood vessels are narrower, the heart has to work harder to push blood around your body, increasing your blood pressure.

“Lower blood pressure will also greatly reduce the risk of developing heart disease, making it less likely a person will experience a heart attack or stroke.”

Improved sex drive

To begin with, alcohol can have a positive effect on sexual hormones such as serotonin, dopamine and testosterone, explains Penman.

“However, over time these levels will start to reduce, which in turn lowers the amount of sexual drive a person will experience – and could potentially lead to incidences of depression or anxiety,” he continues.

“The good news is our bodies are amazing healers and after a period of a few weeks without alcohol, the body will naturally start to increase levels of these hormones again.”

Counting the days

“You might notice yourself counting days more, being more in tune with the date, and more observant of your bedtimes, as the body starts to get used to no alcohol in the system, and this shift heightens awareness,” says Biggs.

She says everybody’s response to quitting alcohol is unique, but studies have shown that at around seven to 10 days, initial unwelcome symptoms are starting to shift – and increases in general energy, clarity of mind and more steady moods can often be felt.

“Within a month, the body has often worked through the restoring process and the chemical effects of regular alcohol have reset,” says Biggs. “This can give you more motivation to continue to bypass a beverage, and stay committed to your aim.”

Here’s 10 things you can do this Dry January:

Splash Art

England’s first interactive art studio has opened in Liverpool, offering visitors the chance to create their own masterpieces by splashing, squirting, splattering and shooting paint at a blank canvas.

Splash Art, located in former theatre The Green Room in the Ropewalks district, offers a variety of artistic experiences, from pendulum art to dart and spin. You can even blast each other in the dark with neon paint-filled guns.

Not only can you create memorable experiences together but everybody will leave with their very own pieces of art.

Find out more here.

Bubble Football

Bubble Football is a hilarious and chaotic twist on the beautiful game, strap yourselves into your giant inflatable bubble and step onto the pitch, then barge, bounce and bump your way through a thrilling five-a-side match.

Players will be rotated every few minutes to ensure everybody gets plenty of fun game time.

There are different packages available – for more info an to book tickets click here.

Rock Climbing

Climbing used to be considered the preserve of adrenaline junkies but has now moved mainstream with the onset of indoor climbing walls, so why not try indoor rock climbing at Awesome Walls Climbing Centre?

Awesome Walls is a climbing centre based in Liverpool, offering a safe environment where climbing is fun!

Find out more here.

Walk along New Brighton Prom

Jump the ferry over to Seacombe and walk the promenade up to New Brighton!

Add a bit of magic to your stroll along the prom and follow the Mermaid Trail. Designed by local artist Barry Canning-Eaton and decorated by local schools and arts groups, the trail of colourful, life-sized mermaid statues can be followed around New Brighton Promenade.

Find out more here.

Gravity MAX

Gravity maximises the time you spend with your friends and family, combining the best elements of entertainment into one place. From adrenaline seekers to fitness fanatics, and family fun to social shenanigans, they’ll take your leisure time to new heights.

Find out more here.

ArCains

One of Europe’s biggest gaming arcades, ArCains offers 3 floors, 2 bars and 100s of games to play, based at the Cains Brewery Village.

Find out more here.

RLB 360

RLB 360 is a unique visitor attraction encompassing visitor centre, tower tour with 360 views and immersive audio-visual experience inside the landmark Royal Liver Building.

It is a truly unique tour that every proud Scouser needs to experience!

Find out more here.

Take a stroll through Sefton Park

One of Liverpool’s best-loved spaces, Sefton Park is 200 acres of stunning beauty.

The Grade One listed park features plenty of pathways to wander down while taking in the breathtaking views of the Palm House and boating lake.

Sefton Park’s Eros and Peter Pan statues will make your winter walk feel more magical.

Escape Live – Liverpool ONE

Reckon you can escape?! You need to work in a team of 2-6 people to solve puzzles in an immersive, 360 room, where everything is a potential clue. There’s only 60 minutes to break free from a locked room before it’s too late. You and your mates have to work together to find the clues if you’re going to make it out in time. Have you got what it takes?

Find out more here.

Rollerdrome at Invisible Wind Factory

IWF Rollerdrome is Liverpool’s immersive roller skating experience. A place where music and state of the art audio visual production meet wellbeing, fitness and fun.

The Rollerdrome features a high quality, 18m x 12m sprung wooden floor, lots of skates, protective gear to hire and loads of delicious snacks and pizza slices!

Find out more here.