Forget going off booze, this year I’ll drink for the health boost. Sláinte

Ihave never quite understood Dry January. Everywhere I turn friends, family and colleagues are swearing off the booze – but surely this is the worst possible time to ditch the drink? Dark, cold and depressing, I don’t mind admitting I need a little pickme-up to get through these dreary days. But it appears I’m in the minority.

The “sober curious” movement – whose followers drink less or not at all and can be found boasting about their abstinence on social media – is spreading. There’s even alcohol-free club nights popping up all over the UK to service this new phenomenon. I can think of nothing worse – wild horses couldn’t drag me onto the dance floor without some Dutch courage to lubricate my moves.

This week’s cover star Natalie Robb reveals she has also joined the ranks of the teetotallers, ironically, as her Emmerdale character, Moira, hits the bottle on-screen.

She tells us on pages 6&7:“It started as Dry January last year but I just kept going – now I’ve got so much more energy and I’m more productive. And I don’t miss the two-day hangovers.”

I agree with you on the hangovers, Natalie, but let’s not overlook the health benefits of drinking in moderation.

A quick google uncovers a recent survey by researchers from Queen’s University Belfast who have found that people who drink up to three glasses of wine or beer a week are seven per cent less likely to die or develop cancer.

Studies also show it can help depression, heart health AND a daily glass of wine can even help you lose weight. I’ll drink to that.