The new year brings with it many good intentions: from going to the gym more often to not drinking alcohol for a month, better known as Dry January. Frederike de Groot, co-founder of the alcohol-free liquor store World of Nix, notices that more and more people are choosing to give up alcoholic drinks.
“We see different motives for participating in Dry January,” says De Groot. “People want to start the year fit, take better care of themselves and make more conscious choices. It’s all about improving your lifestyle.”
The trend of less alcohol
According to De Groot, the popularity of Dry January started a few years ago, but nowadays they see a broader trend. “People now make conscious choices about their alcohol consumption all year round. Where Dry January used to cause a big peak, we now see that the interest is much more widespread.”
December was also busier than ever at World of Nix this year. “People were consciously looking for alcohol-free alternatives for their Christmas dinners. It is clear that more and more people are experimenting with an alcohol-free lifestyle.”
Why less alcohol?
De Groot sees several reasons for the growing interest in alcohol-free alternatives. “People are more aware of the impact of alcohol on their bodies and want to live healthier. Of course, this does not apply to everyone, but it does apply to a large group that is interested in healthy food and conscious choices.”
For some, it remains a month without alcohol, but there are also people who change their behavior for a long time. "After a month you already notice effects: you sleep better, feel fitter and sharper. That motivates people to deal with alcohol more consciously after January," De Groot explains.
Personal experience
De Groot speaks from experience: "I stopped drinking alcohol myself and I feel much better. I am fitter, sharper and don't have to think about it anymore. After a party, I can just exercise the next morning. That feels really good."
