Could we learn from our former friends’ abstinence?

Dry January refers to a public health campaign that encourages individuals to abstain from alcohol for the entire month of January. Originating in the UK, the initiative aims to raise awareness about the effects of alcohol consumption on health and well-being, promote a healthier lifestyle, and provide an opportunity for individuals to reflect on their drinking habits.

As wargamers, living on the very edge of polite society, is it time we considered changing our ways? Rather than constantly adding to our “lead-piles” or “ stores of opportunity” why not consider a momentary pause?

Just one more kit? Ah please??????

But, how? How could I possibly not continue in my quest to refinance the Bolivian lead dependent economy? How could my Chinese cousins be given a moment’s rest without them becoming lazy?

There’s plenty of room left on that desk, I hear you say?
  • Set Clear Goals: Decide whether your goal is simply to abstain from plastic/ lead or to evaluate and adjust your overall relationship with internet shopping?
These will be done by January! ( I’m sure!)
  • Plan Ahead: Prepare for social situations where miniatures may be present. Think about what non- miniature games you can recreat combat with instead? Have you thought about matchsticks or shells?🐚
  • Find Support: Engage with friends, family, or a community group participating in Dry January. Sharing your goals can foster a supportive environment. Gamers might question your sexuality but true friends will admire your inner strength. Your steely resolve might even attract members of the opposite, or same gender.
These are my “ reserve!”
  • Explore Alternative Hobbies. Look for non-miniature hobbies to enjoy, such as tennis or cricket?Your local game store table rental fee can be pocketed to afford strings or a stump?
  • Track Your Progress: Keep a journal or use an app to monitor your days without miniatures and reflect on how you feel emotionally and physically.
But, these are special ones!
  • Stay Active: Use the time and energy you save from not painting to engage in new activities or hobbies, join exercise classes, or spend time outdoors.
  • Reflect on Your Experience: At the end of January, evaluate how you feel physically and mentally. Consider whether you want to continue reducing miniatures consumption moving forward.
A whole new “ you?”
  • Seek Resources: If you find it challenging to abstain from buying miniatures or feel that you have a problematic relationship with online shopping why don’t you turn into one of those miserly busy bodies who tells others how to live their lives?

Who cares if the delivery lorry sends a strange mix of anticipation and dread through your very soul. Will you get through that pile? Well yes you will! Today, with the Dice Studz, you will commit to painting what you have and buying many more in 2025! It’s the only sensible option. The alternatives are too terrible to consider….

Keep painting miniatures!

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised into today’s article then please join our happy band of brothers this Friday at Cardiff’s Firestorm Games.

You’re welcome!

13 responses to “Wargamers: is “dry” January for you?”

  1. I’ve sort of taken this on board – the money I’d spend on alcohol in January I’m now spending on toy soldiers! 🙂 If it was the other way round I’d be unconscious for most of the month! 😉

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Hey I’m glad to hear it! What would we be without our miniature armies????

      Liked by 1 person

  2. I’d be a dullard with no toy soldiers, whereas this way I can be a dullard with toy soldiers and happy with it! 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Nah: hobbies verging on a mania make us different ( in a good way!)

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Abstaining from buying hobby stuff has the same view from me as the dry months… I do not have a problem – although my children might when they try to clear my basement out when I’m dead. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Great post 👍 I too am steering clear of both alcohol and buying anymore minis this month. I’ve got enough of a backlog to paint haha

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I feel your pain Steve! I’ve gassed out my family undercoating minis indoors!!! The current wife is not happy but I feel I’m making progress!!!! Good luck with your art!!!??

      Liked by 2 people

  5. Any progress is good progress! It’s hard trying to get anything primed this time of year as well, there’s been barely any chances to get outside and spray minis 😓

    Liked by 2 people

    1. My garden shed spray booth may need some ventilation I’m afraid!🤢😷

      Liked by 2 people

  6. Excellent post! I’m celebrating dry January by going to warm dry pubs when it rains. 🙂

    Regards, Chris.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. That’s the spirit Chris! Safely into “ cheer yourself up February” so spend like there is no tomorrow!!!!!!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I’m so pleased I’ve seen your comment! I can now point my wife to it when she questions my spending habits so far this month! 😉

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Roger that: rearrange the following keywords in any particular combination; well- being, investment, only relaxation I get!!!!!!!

        Liked by 1 person

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