IT'S not often that you get prescribed social media time for your health, but experts believe that watching short clips on TikTok and Instagram could help people achieve their Dry January goals.
Around 200,000 people are expected to participate in the alcohol-free movement, which aims to improve health, however polls show that the average person will only make it until 11 Jan.
For those who are struggling to lay off the beer and the bubbles, you might be happy to know that distracting your brain with interesting or entertaining online content can reduce the urge to drink.
The psychological hack is backed by Georgia Foster, a Melbourne-based therapist who runs The Drink Less Mind program, and says the key to sticking with Dry January is "tricking your brain into thinking other thoughts".
She recommends watching a funny video on social media, or calling a friend, whenever a thought arises about craving an alcoholic drink.
"In that nanosecond it will shift you away from that instant go-to thought to have a drink," she explained.
If you're not much of a social media user, physical activity can also serve as an effective distraction - as can other dopamine-boosting activities, such as listening to music, exploring the great outdoors, and meditating.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 07 Jan 25
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 07 Jan 25
