Between boozy work parties and your favorite aunt’s homemade eggnog, it’s easy to let December fly by in a cloud of alcoholic cheer. Why not consider committing to Dry January? This increasingly popular trend of abstaining from alcohol for the first month of the year not only offers an opportunity to walk back some of December’s overindulgence, but can also help you make better long-term decisions about when and how you drink.

The Origins of Dry January

The idea of giving up alcohol after the holiday season probably doesn’t have any single creator, but it was popularized in 2012 by Alcohol Change UK. In 2018, more than 4 million people committed to giving up drinking for the entire month of January.

The Benefits of Dry January

While the original purpose of Dry January was to help people think more consciously about the effects of drinking, the benefits of a Dry January can be felt by anyone who commits to going a full 31 days without alcohol. The benefits of giving up alcohol for a month tend to last beyond the period of strict sobriety. Individuals who committed to Dry January were more likely to continue drinking less in August. Trying out a Dry January can also be a great way to reevaluate your overall relationship with alcohol, with benefits extending throughout the year.

Is Alcohol Really Good for You?

In a word, no. Although conventional wisdom long suggested that moderate drinking can be beneficial for your health, more recent research suggests that even light drinking is probably not very good for you. Drinking alcohol can result in a general weakening of your immune system, meaning frequent drinkers are likely to get sick more often and stay sicker longer.

Tips for a Successful Dry January

So you’ve decided to try Dry January. Fabulous! Here are some tips to help keep you focused from a hazy New Year’s morning to the first day of February:

• Keep track of the days you haven’t had a drink to affirm your commitment and stay motivated.
• Engage in new activities or hobbies to distract yourself from the urge to drink, such as reading a book, starting a new fitness program, or trying out a new hobby.
• If you enjoy the social aspect of drinking, try out mocktails or other alcohol-free drinks that mimic the experience of drinking without the actual alcohol.
• Take care of yourself by indulging in self-care activities like going to the spa, getting a massage, or watching a movie.

The Long-Term Benefits of Dry January

In short, giving up drinking for Dry January can result not only in an improvement to your immediate health and well-being but also in a host of long-term benefits. So, after you’ve packed away the Christmas lights and finished off any gingerbread-themed cocktails, why not think about going alcohol-free for January? It’s a great way to kick-start a healthier new year!