“Sober October” and “Dry January and February” all refer to the same thing, the practice of giving up alcohol for a pre-determined amount of time. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommends that adults drink in moderation, which is 2 drinks or less per day for men and 1 drink or less per day for women. If you currently aren’t a drinker, the CDC does not recommend that you start. (1)
But for those who do drink, more and more are giving up the bottle at the beginning of the year. According to a 2022 poll, nearly 20% of adults are participating in Dry January, which is up 13% from the prior year. (2) Dry January is often seen as a way to detox after the excesses of the holiday season, but there are many other potential benefits to this practice.
1. Better Health
One of the most obvious benefits of giving up alcohol for a month is improved health. Alcohol is high in calories and can contribute to weight gain, so giving it up can help with weight loss. Drinking alcohol in excess is also associated with short and long-term health concerns, from motor vehicle accidents to elevated blood pressure levels to issues that affect the liver. So giving your body a break from alcohol can allow overworked organs to recover and function more efficiently.
2. Better Productivity
Another potential benefit of dry January and February is increased productivity. Alcohol can impair cognitive function and make it more difficult to concentrate, so giving it up can help you think more clearly and get more done. This can be particularly beneficial if you’re trying to kickstart a new project or set new goals for the year.
3. Better Drinking Habits
Some people also use dry January and February as an opportunity to reset their relationship with alcohol and establish healthier drinking habits. This can involve setting limits for yourself, such as only drinking on weekends or only having one or two drinks per occasion. By cutting out alcohol for a month, you can break any unhelpful patterns of alcohol use and start the year with a clean slate. This is also an opportunity to substitute alcohol with healthier beverage choices, such as mocktails with creatine powder, sparkling water, teas, and smoothies.
READ MORE: Energizing Food and Drinks: Holiday Edition
4. Better Finances
Additionally, giving up alcohol for a month can help you save money. Alcohol can be expensive, especially if you’re drinking regularly, so giving it up can help you free up some extra cash. This can be especially useful if you’re trying to stick to a budget or save up for something special.
5. Better Sleep
Ditching the booze can also help you ditch the snooze button. Even though a couple glasses of wine may make you feel sleepy, alcohol actually has a negative effect on the quality and duration of sleep. (3).
READ MORE: Wellness Starts With Sleep
In conclusion, there are many potential benefits to dry January and February, including improved health, increased productivity, and the opportunity to reset your relationship with alcohol and establish healthier drinking habits. Giving up alcohol for a month can also help you save money and reduce your overall alcohol intake. Whether you’re trying to detox after the holiday season or just looking for a fresh start to the year, dry January and February can be a great way to improve your well-being.
References
1. US CDC. Dietary Guidelines for Alcohol. Accessed Dec 20, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/moderate-drinking.htm
2. Dry January Movement Grows in 2022, but for Many It’s More Damp Than Dry. Morning Consult. Accessed Dec 20, 2022. https://morningconsult.com/2022/01/10/dry-january-movement-grows-in-2022/
3. Alcohol and Sleep. Sleep Foundation. Accessed Dec 20, 2022. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/nutrition/alcohol-and-sleep
