It’s the end of the year and you partied like it’s 1999. And it was good! But…the hangovers? Not so much. Even if we’re not all about resolutions, the new year is a time of reflection.For many, it’s also an opportunity to reset habits. If you feel like you might want to cut back on your drinking, consider Dry January.
Started in 2012 by Alcohol Change UK , Dry January is now a global movement. They describe it as a way to “ditch the hangover, reduce the waistline and save some serious money by giving up alcohol for 31 days.” Taking drinking off the table for a limited period really allows you to see if it’s an issue for you. Many people who have done Dry January report that they drink less in general afterward, making it a great way to kick off the year with clarity and intention.
As Jim Carrey wisely said:
If you aren’t in the moment, you are either looking forward to uncertainty, or back to pain and regret. I’m very serious about no alcohol, no drugs. Life is too beautiful.
More Reasons To consider Dry January
You’re anxious and not sleeping well
Yes, there’s plenty of reasons for your anxiety and insomnia. But did you know that alcohol—despite what we’re often told—actually hurts your sleep and can increase anxiety? By taking a break, you give your body a chance to reset, improving both your rest and mental clarity.
You want to do a “check-in” on your drinking
You don’t have a drinking problem per se, but you know alcohol can become problematic over time. Deciding to not drink for a month can be a great gut check to make sure you’re not drinking as a crutch or to avoid bigger issues.
Because there are health ramifications to drinking…and they’re kind of major
Despite the myth that a little wine every day is good for you, recent science disputes this. Alcohol is a toxic, psychoactive, and dependence-producing substance classified as a Group 1 Carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer – this is the highest risk group, which also includes asbestos, radiation and tobacco.
According to a study funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, alcohol was the leading risk factor for early death in 2016 for people aged 15 to 49. Alcohol use caused death by injury, self-harm and by worsening tuberculosis in this group. And another study found that men who drank heavily as teenagers had three times the risk of developing prostate cancer later in life.
Because #soberissexy
Bella Hadid, Adele, Gisele Bundchen, Jada Pinkett Smith and many more of your fave celebs have chosen sobriety as a way of life.
One reason not to Stop Drinking in January
If you have been binge-drinking or drinking excessively, going “cold turkey” might not be the way to do it. Sudden withdrawal can have serious health risks, so consult with a professional counselor or doctor for recommendations tailored to your situation.
If you decide to try Dry January (or sober October or stopping drinking for any reason) here are a few helpful suggestions.
Prep by writing about it in your journal before you start
Why are you doing it? What do you hope to achieve personally? Do you see any roadblocks along the way, and how can you prepare?
Get a friend to join you and/or hold you accountable
We need to preface this by saying for the sake of your relationships do not talk endlessly about how you’re not drinking and making it a big deal. Whether you mean it to or not, it can easily come across as “virtue signalling” and you’ll think that you’re not invited to brunch because you’re not drinking mimosas when it’s really because you won’t shut up about not drinking mimosas.
Don’t. Be.That. Person. Do talk to a close friend or your SO and see if they’d be interested in joining you. It’s always easier to do something like this together.
Read This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness & Change Your Life by Annie Grace
Seriously, this is hands down the best book for examining your relationship with alcohol. We can’t recommend it enough.
Don’t be upset if you have a drink
Yes, you read that right. Choosing not to drink, for whatever length of time, is between you and you. Instead of beating yourself up, look at the event like a research scientist: “Oh, that’s interesting. Why did I do that?” Journal about it and treat the experience as a learning moment.
Get additional support
This could be a therapist, a support group at your school or work, or an online resource. For an online option we like Monument for people interested in changing their relationship with alcohol but don’t necessarily identify as “alcoholics”. Another option is to attend a residential drug and alcohol detox facility.
Ultimately, any habit change like this is an opportunity for self-discovery and if you approach it like that you can’t lose.
The Best Mocktails we’ve tried
Mocktails might seem a bit…weird at first. Why not just have a soda and be done with it? Because part of the appeal of a cocktail is aesthetics. It’s more considered than bubbles in a can. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Virgin Cosmopolitans
Ingredients
3 oz Reduced Sugar Cranberry Juice
1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
2 oz sparkling water
1 oz orange juice
Instructions
Place cranberry juice, lime and soda in a cocktail shaker or similar (a mason jar works great!). Add plenty of ice and shake gently. Pour into a martini glass and add a splash of orange juice and serve.
From the Mindful Mocktail
Fizzy Basil Lemonade Mocktail
Ingredients
fresh basil leaves
seltzer
lemonade
ice
Instructions
For each drink, gently muddle about 2 tablespoons of torn fresh basil leaves in the bottom of a tall glass. Add ice and fill the glass about halfway with lemonade (homemade or store-bought). Top the glass off with a pour of seltzer, and stir together. To serve, garnish with fresh slices of lemon and a sprig of fresh basil.
Watermelon Margarita Mocktail
Ingredients
1 medium seedless watermelon, cut into chunks
.5 cup fresh lime juice
4 tsp agave
5 tbsp sparking water
Instructions
In a blender, puree enough watermelon chunks so that you have 4 cups of watermelon puree. Add lime juice and agave and mix again. Pour into 4 cups. Top with sparkling water.
From FoodDoneLight
If you’re short on time or want a ready-made option, there are now incredible nonalcoholic beverages in cans that feel just as special as a cocktail. Here are some of our favorites:
- Ghia Le Spritz: A bittersweet, herbaceous spritz available in flavors like ginger and lemon.
- De Soi: Co-founded by Katy Perry, these adaptogenic sparkling beverages come in sophisticated flavors like Champignon Dreams (strawberry, grapefruit, and mushroom).
- HOP WTR: A refreshing, hop-infused sparkling water perfect for those who miss the bite of beer. Zero calories, zero sugar.
- Kin Euphorics: Known for their mood-boosting qualities, their canned options include Lightwave and Bloom.
- TÖST: A sparkling nonalcoholic beverage with hints of white tea, cranberry, and ginger.
- DRY Botanical Bubbly: Lightly sweetened sparkling drinks with unique flavors like lavender, cucumber, and vanilla.
With these options, you can skip the alcohol but keep all the flavor and fun. Cheers to finding new favorites!
Ultimately, any habit change like this is an opportunity for self-discovery. Whether you make it the full month or not, approaching it with curiosity and self-compassion ensures you can’t lose.
Are you doing Dry January? We’d love to hear your experiences and favorite mocktail recipes! Share with us in the comments or tag us on social media.
