Leslii Stevens ERYT500, YACEP, Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher, Ayurveda Practitioner
I don’t drink. Why? Because, quite frankly, I can’t stand the taste, and waking up feeling like a bus hit me the next morning is not my idea of a good time. But let’s face it for many, alcohol is as much a part of the holiday season as awkward family conversations and that one relative who always brings up politics. Social drinking is the norm, a staple at gatherings to "lighten the mood" or help endure your third cousin’s karaoke rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody."
But let’s talk about something that’s been happening over the past few years: people are drinking more—a lot more. Therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, sums it up perfectly: “Alcohol sales have skyrocketed as people have felt increasingly stressed... But problem drinking is likely to make things worse.” (Translation: drinking to “de-stress” often just adds to the mess.)
The holidays, as fun as they can be, are also a pressure cooker of stress. Between family drama, grief, or just the sheer exhaustion of hosting everyone, alcohol often becomes a go-to coping mechanism. But is it helping or just giving you a hangover and an empty bank account?
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering about your relationship with alcohol, January is the perfect time to experiment. Enter: Dry January a month of hitting pause on alcohol and seeing what happens.
What Is Dry January, and Why Should You Care?
Dry January is pretty simple: you commit to 31 days without alcohol. No wine, no beer, no cocktails—just a lot of water, tea, and maybe some creative mocktails. For some, this is a breeze; for others, it’s a challenge worthy of a Rocky training montage.
But here’s the thing: whether you continue to abstain after January or not, taking a month off can be an eye-opener. Morin says, “Taking a month off from drinking could help you step back and examine your relationship with alcohol. You might learn you depend on it to manage stress or feel comfortable in social situations. Or you might discover you feel better and think more clearly when not drinking.”
Let’s be honest: who doesn’t want to feel better and think more clearly?
The Benefits of Going Dry
Still not convinced? Here are some perks of skipping the booze for a month:
Better Sleep: Sure, alcohol might make you fall asleep faster, but it also messes with your sleep cycles, leading to those "why am I awake at 3 a.m.?" moments. No thanks.
Glowing Skin: Alcohol dehydrates you, which means dry, dull skin and the appearance of fine lines. Give your skin some love and let it breathe.
Weight Loss: Those empty calories in alcohol add up. Cut them out, and you might notice a difference in how your clothes fit.
More Energy: No hangovers = no sluggish mornings. Imagine waking up ready to take on the day instead of crawling to the coffee pot like a zombie.
More Cash: Let’s not forget the money you’ll save. That overpriced cocktail at brunch? Keep that $15 in your pocket.
How to Rock Dry January (Without Losing Your Mind)
Okay, so you’re in. You’re ready to give Dry January a shot. How do you set yourself up for success? Here are some tips:
Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Hide the booze. Put it in a cabinet, give it to a friend, or (if you’re feeling dramatic) pour it down the drain.
2. Get a Buddy: Team up with a friend who’s also doing Dry January. Misery loves company—or in this case, mocktail recipes.
3. Plan Fun Activities: Fill your calendar with things that don’t involve alcohol. Try a new hobby, hit up a yoga class (you know I’m all about that), or cook a fancy meal.
4. Reward Yourself: Use the money you save on alcohol to treat yourself—maybe to a massage, a new book, or that thing you’ve had sitting in your Amazon cart for weeks.
A Word of Caution
Now, if you’ve been drinking heavily, going cold turkey might not be the best move. Morin warns, “People who consume alcohol regularly might experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop abruptly, and for some individuals, that could be dangerous.” If that sounds like you, talk to a healthcare provider before making any big changes.
Why It’s Worth It
Dry January isn’t about shaming yourself for enjoying a drink. It’s about hitting pause, stepping back, and asking yourself: is alcohol serving me, or am I just on autopilot? For me, skipping alcohol isn’t a challenge I’ve never been a fan. But I get that for some, it’s a ritual, a comfort, or just plain habit.
Whatever your reason, giving Dry January a shot could lead to some surprising insights and maybe even a healthier, happier you. So, are you in? Let me know how it goes I’ll be over here, sipping tea and living my best booze-free life.
댓글