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I won't drink to that! Dry July Foundation

4 July 2022

How giving up alcohol during July may change your life (and get you free NGV tickets!)

Many of us enjoy a drink, and alcohol can absolutely be enjoyed in moderation. But hands up if you’ve ever had a killer hangover? It’s not much fun, right?

And while the pounding head, dry mouth, fatigue and general grumpiness are temporary, there are some other, more permanent, health implications of drinking – from skin problems and poor energy to mood swings, disease and addiction.

If you’re someone who drinks – either regularly or occasionally – and want to explore how taking a break may benefit your health and wellbeing, then the time is now! Dry July is a national campaign that encourages you to give up the booze for a month to raise funds for people affected by cancer.

Whether you choose to actively fundraise, or you just stick to the task of not drinking, your monthly commitment will be a positive experience and help you to reframe your future habits – you may go on to have a healthier relationship with alcohol, take the occasional break or stop drinking altogether.

Your body will thank you!

Giving up alcohol can help you to:

Not drinking for a month can also help you to lower cholesterol and liver fat, stabilise your blood pressure and improve your concentration. Plus, your bank balance will thank you – the average household saves $140 a month during Dry July!

Sound appealing? A good first step is for you to learn more about your own alcohol consumption by:

You can have fun without drinking

Think that drinking is embedded in the way you socialise, interact or de-stress? It’s simpler than you think to change your behaviour. This can include finding ways to reward yourself without alcohol (for example, food, shopping, movies, a spa treatment), or using hobbies, friends, exercise or chores to distract yourself when you feel like a drink.

The hardest part may be when you’re with friends in a social setting, whether that’s out or at home. You can always choose one of the new alcohol-free venues that are popping up or order a tasty non-alcoholic drink instead (DUSA is running a mocktail-making workshop on Thursday 14 July – perfect timing! If you’re in Burwood, don’t miss it).

Need some more inspo? Our dedicated Wellbeing Ambassadors are on the job! During July, Karuna Santosa and Emily Zhang will be out and about sourcing some awesome alcohol-free events and activities for you to try. Stay tuned to Deakin Life Insta stories throughout the month to be a fly on the wall and get ideas for your crew!

An amazing Dry July outing: win tickets to the NGV’s Picasso exhibition

**Congratulations to the winners of the NGV Picasso exhibition double passes: Mae Williamson, Saurabh Pokarna, Brian Graydon, Samantha Loten and Sandra Taranto.**

We have five double passes – valued at $70 each – to give away to The Picasso Century. This incredible exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria (running from 10 June to 9 October) features over 80 works by Picasso alongside more than 100 works from many of his contemporaries.

To enter, just complete your details in the entry form below once you’ve read the terms and conditions. Entries close at 5pm, Friday 15 July and we’ll announce the randomly selected winners on Monday 18 July. Good luck!

Ready to tackle Dry July or considering a lifestyle change?

Visit the Dry July website for all you need to know about this worthy cause, or Hello Sunday Morning for information and resources on changing your relationship with alcohol.

Support is available if you’d like to improve your health and wellbeing:



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