Go Dry this January.
Happy New Year!
I hope you enjoyed your holiday and spent quality time with those you love. As you take down your decorations, reflect on January being a great time to reset after a month of overconsumption and spending.
Unsurprisingly, alcohol consumption sharply increased during the pandemic and 2022. We may be drinking more than usual in conjunction with the typical holiday increase. I wrote about this last year and will write about it every January, given that drinking too much increases the risk of harmful consequences.
According to WHO
The harmful use of alcohol is a causal factor in more than 200 disease and injury conditions.
Worldwide, 3 million deaths every year result from the harmful use of alcohol. This represents 5.3% of all deaths.
Drinking less alcohol is better for your health. There is nothing wrong with drinking and occasionally overindulging; the problem arises if you can’t socialize without alcohol, or having a drink is your go-to when you feel stressed. It can quickly become an unhealthy habit.
If there is going to be a time for me to overindulge, it will be in December, as with most of us. Consider joining me in taking a break for the month of January.
Dry January
Dry January is a public health campaign to abstain from alcohol in January. Perhaps taking this break is something to consider if any of this sounds familiar.
The idea for Dry January is an initiative of Alcohol Change U.K. that started in 2013. It campaigned with the promise that, post-holiday, revellers could “ditch the hangover, reduce the waistline and save some serious money by giving up alcohol for 31 days.”
Dry January can seem trendy; however, it is harmless and benefits your health. Since our social lives often revolve around alcohol, going without can be challenging. Maybe you habitually drink a glass of wine with dinner, have a drink at the end of the day, or when you are with your friends. Or maybe you’ve developed a habit of drinking to numb feelings of sadness and anxiety. Over time, these habits can add up and impact your health, relationships, and finances.
Taking this break can help you assess your relationship with alcohol, as we tend to drink more than we realize. This step back might help you discover how much you drink and what your drinking patterns are.
I only drink when socializing or when out for dinner; even then, I sometimes go alcohol-free. I’ve learned that if I don’t plan and ensure that I have plenty of sparkling water in front of me, once I’ve had my third glass of red wine, I’ll keep going until I can’t stand. This happened at the end of November when I gathered with some of my lovely neighbours and danced for hours. I did not bring any sparking water with me, and before I knew it, I drank an entire bottle of wine. Yikes! I don’t remember the last time I did that, and I felt awful for a few days.
We gathered with our fabulous neighbours again on New Year’s Eve to celebrate and dance. I brought a six pack of sparkling water and wine for the host. I danced for hours, was alcohol-free and had the best time. I woke up on New Year’s Day feeling good.
I have learned that If I fail to plan, I can plan on failing and will have to deal with the consequences.
Health Benefits
Dr. Roy Buchinsky, Director of Wellness at University Hospitals in Ohio, said some of the first things his patients report during a Dry January is noticing improved sleep and mental health. While many think a drink can help you relax, consuming alcohol before bed has been found to interrupt REM sleep. With improved sleep, patients found they had more energy and became more active. Reducing alcohol can also help reduce other health issues and diseases like diabetes, cancer, and liver and heart disease.
If you are dealing with alcohol dependency, you should not suddenly abstain, as acute alcohol withdrawal can cause severe medical complications. Ensure that you are connected to the appropriate medical support. If you are concerned about your use of alcohol, reach out for support.
What to drink instead?
Cocktails can easily be Mocktails.
If you’re going Dry for January, drink lots of water, tea, sparking water and experiment and have some fun making non-alcoholic drinks. Try mocktails, kombucha, flavoured iced tea and coffee. Mocktail Recipes
Take an honest look at your drinking patterns and if you are drinking, consider half and half drinks:
Half and Half Drinks
Shandy-1/2 beer, ½ ginger beer or lemonade
Michelada-1/2 beer, ½ lime juice
Red Eye-1/2 beer, ½ tomato juice
Wine Spritzer-1/2 red or white wine/ ½ sparkling water.
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Whether you’re eager to try Dry January or simply want to lessen your drinking habits and reap some health benefits, give The Dry Challenge a chance. This month, focus on recovering from December’s overindulgence, find healthier approaches to unwind and new ways to socialize.
I wish you a happy & healthy 2023!
Anita
DISCLAIMER; The information provided on County Yoga Loft’s website blog is for general health care informational purposes only. All information on the site is provided in good faith. However, it should not replace consultation or advice from a physician and/or other healthcare practitioners. The use or reliance of any information contained on this site is solely at your own risk.