Seriously, was it a fad? A soundbite to make you feel superior?
It hasn’t been for me. This is my fourth year doing it, and I doubt I’ll ever stop.
Forgive me if you’ve been around for a while and you’ve heard this story before, but I started Dry January actually in October one year. So I guess this all started with Sober October, actually. 🤔 Anywho, I had a bit of a health scare. Dehydration has always been an issue for me. (I literally passed out once, had to be taken to the ER and everything) So the perfect storm of dehydration + a few other issues had me in the doctor’s office for a very uncomfortable exam. I was fortunate that the results weren’t anything to be very worried about.
However, if you know anything about the American health system, you won’t be surprised to hear that it took me a hot minute to get in to see the doctor.
As I anxiously awaited my doctor’s appointment, I was researching what I could do to give my body the best chance of healing possible. I already do a decent job at moving regularly and eating well. The number one priority was hydration, number two was reduce any potential inflammation. (BTW, these two things can help your body heal just about anything.) Cutting alcohol hits both of these priorities with one easy action. Inaction?
And just like that, I was planning a Dry January challenge over on Instagram with some friends.
Over the years, I’ve had a few dozen people join me. Their stories are not mine to share in detail, but a few are fully sober now. Quite a few are like me, what you’d call sober curious, I suppose. We view alcohol a lot more as a special occasion drink rather than the default.
While it is no longer “challenging” to take a full month break, it continues to have great benefits for me. Not only the numerous physical benefits, but also the mental benefit of choosing 31 straight days to say no. This is no small feat by the way, think of how many people can’t get through a month of a New Year’s resolution! Building that self-control bank up means that it is easier for me to be more thoughtful about other day-to-day choices. *Foreshadowing for a post coming soon about less screen time.*
So no, for me, it wasn’t a fad. It wasn’t a way to feel superior to others. It isn’t even something I talk to many people about. But it is a choice that I keep making because I believe it to be a good one for me. And to my friends that continue to participate with me, I appreciate you more than I can say!
Have you ever tried a month of no alcohol? I’d love to hear what you learned!
Living Wildly Well 