Start Tournée Minérale: tips from Evi Hanssen

Where in the Netherlands we have Dry January with IkPas, our southern neighbors have their own Tournée Minérale. The Belgian version of Dry January started last Tuesday, February 1. Well-known Flemish Evi gives her compatriots some tips to make February a successful alcohol-free month. You can read her advice below. It may be of some use to you during your own KortDroog month or another alcohol break later in the year.

Tip 1. Find a buddy or a team and stop together

Evi decided to stop drinking alcohol on her own. Her environment reacted lukewarm. "Was that necessary?" it often sounded. Yes, that was necessary, Evi thought. Because she soon noticed the benefits of a sober lifestyle. “Sleep got so much better over time,” says Evi. But in retrospect, she would have liked some help and support during her (now 2 year) alcohol break. So ask for help and support or even better: take a break together!

Tip 2. Keep it simple: stop drinking alcohol, the rest will come later

It's a common thing: wanting to change everything at once. And no alcohol, and no sugar, and more exercise, and….unfortunately such an energetic decision only works for a few. Do one thing at a time, the rest will follow. Evi: “I only noticed a difference after two to three months of not drinking. It's a domino effect. You will sleep better, have more energy, exercise more, eat healthier, your digestion improves… your body starts to recover and that also promotes your mental well-being.”

Tip 3. Switch and be strict with yourself

Half-hearted intentions don't work. Maybe sometimes I just…except when I…because then I'll do it next time….You stop. Now. Point. No exceptions. You don't drink for a month. The queen is coming. You don't drink alcohol. Pretty clear right?

Tip 4. Accept and accept

Yes indeed, not drinking alcohol takes getting used to. You have to look for a different form of relaxation. You have to reinvent yourself at a party. Always start your morning fresh. You may find life has become a bit duller all in all. But Evi experiences this very differently: “Because I have more energy, I just start doing a lot more things. Drinking a bottle of wine with friends used to be an activity in itself, but now I want to go into town or go for a walk after half an hour. If you have a sober conversation, you will also get to the heart of the matter faster. You will not repeat yourself endlessly and think in a more solution-oriented way. Alcohol is a drug, a quick fix, and of course it works. It numbs you and makes a boring party less boring. It is also a huge connector, but I now notice that I don't need all of that, on the contrary.”

Tip 5. Find a tasty alcohol-free alternative

You really don't just have to have water, tea, coffee, soda and spa now that you (temporarily) don't drink alcohol. Look for something that makes you happy. Also take the time to discover what can appeal to you now. Think of GIMBER, and Evi herself loves NONA drinks.

This article is based on the article: 'Evi Hanssen gives tips to temporarily renounce alcohol', source: hln.be.