Have you heard of Dry January? It's a growing trend among health-conscious individuals who want to reset their relationship with alcohol for the new year. If you want to explore the benefits of going dry for 31 days, read on to learn more about this popular health movement.
What is Dry January?
Dry January is a one-month commitment to abstaining from alcohol. This means that participants will not have any drinks containing alcohol or even non-alcoholic beer during the month. The goal is to give your body a break from drinking and reset your relationship with alcohol and create healthier habits throughout the year.
Benefits of Dry January
One of the biggest benefits of participating in Dry January is improved sleep quality. Alcohol can disrupt your natural sleep cycle, so choosing not to drink can result in better sleep, increased energy levels, and improved concentration during the day. Additionally, reducing your consumption of alcohol can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels over time. Finally, taking a break from drinking can also help you save money! A recent study found that people who participated in Dry January saved an average of $71 in the first month alone.
Not Ready for an Entire Month?
If you're not ready to commit to an entire month without booze, you don't have to! There are other ways to reap some of the same benefits as Dry January while still having an occasional drink, such as moderating how much or how often you drink. For example, if you usually have a drink every night after work, try switching it up by having one drink three nights per week instead. Or if you typically buy a six-pack each weekend, try cutting back and just drinking two weekends out of the month instead! Small changes like these can make all the difference in creating healthier habits around alcohol consumption.
Dry January is quickly gaining popularity as an annual tradition among health-conscious individuals who are looking for ways to reset their relationship with alcohol in the new year — but it's certainly not for everyone! If committing yourself fully isn't something that appeals to you, consider making smaller changes, such as moderating how much or how often you consume alcoholic beverages for better overall health and wellness this year. Whatever route you decide on — good luck!
The next time you're in an Advance ER office, ask us more about the health benefits!