‘I’ve stayed sober, happy & healthy’
Daisy Steel, 47, is a D radio broadcaster from Frome in Somerset. She has five children, aged between 12 and 26, and is married to Jonathan, a 47-year-old computer programmer.
She says, “After moving from London to Somerset eight years ago, I fell into a group of sociable new friends. Weekends involved boozy parties, fuelled with wine and cocktails, and Jonathan and I got into the habit of sharing a bottle of red most evenings. We were drinking far more than the recommended 14 units a week, and I felt permanently hazy and tired.
“By Christmas 2017, I knew my body needed a break, so I decided to do Dry January. Quitting alcohol wasn’t hard, but it did make me realise how much a part of my life it had become. My first sober party was a big hurdle, and I felt nervous walking in, but once I got chatting to friends, I was fine. Best of all, I woke up the next day feeling felt clear-headed and energised. “By the end of January, I was sleeping a solid eight hours a night, instead of waking up at 3am with insomnia. I had more energy, my skin looked brighter and my diet was better, because I wasn’t picking up takeaways after a trip to the pub. “I felt so much better, I decided to stay sober and, as a result, my mental and physical health have improved. I’ve dropped a dress size, I’m more focused at work and I’m more fun as a parent, too, because I’m not hungover and cranky. Then there’s the cash benefit – I’ve saved so much money by not buying alcohol! “Admittedly, parties aren’t as fun without booze, but it’s a joy to wake up the next day and not feel sick with worry that I said something stupid. It’s also taught me who my true friends are, because they’re the ones who’ve been supportive.
“Without Dry January, I would never have realised just how badly alcohol was affecting my sleep, appearance and mental health. It made me reassess my lifestyle and I’m now less anxious and happier than I’ve been in years. It’s been life-changing and I can’t recommend it enough.”