Dry January (and beyond).

Note: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. As an affiliate marketer and as an Amazon Associate, I will receive affiliate commission on qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

Have you heard about Dry January?

It's a movement that's been gaining popularity in recent years as people look for new ways to keep accountability to achieve their new years resolutions, and/or perhaps just to give their bodies a reset from all the holiday parties, and/or may be questioning their relationship with alcohol in general.

There are so many benefits that come from Dry January. There are studies that have shown that even a short break from drinking alcohol can have positive effects on the body. This includes improved liver health, reduced risk of cancer, better sleep, and a better overall physical health. Additionally, it also gives your bank account a reprieve from frivolous spending that might have been spent on drinks.

The truth of the matter is, that if you're reading this during January or any of the months thereafter, this movement is just not for January. It's for any month that you choose. I will use myself as an example, I started in August for medical reasons, but the truth is I'd been drinking basically since I was 21 years old, and figured my body could really use the break. Surprisingly, for the most part, I've enjoyed being a non drinker that with every month it does get easier. Yet there are still moments where the 5 o'clock hour hits on a Friday and I can hear a phantom pop of a wine cork inviting me in to unwind.

There have been some interesting discoveries I've made along the way, such as, there seems to always be a reason to drink in our society. Whether it's a rough day, a birthday, a hard week at work, a job promotion, the start of vacation, the holiday season, anniversaries, stressed out mamas needing an escape, etc... The list truly goes on and on. It's so engrained in our society that it's hard to escape it, and there's a reason for it. The good old dollar! There's so much money to be made from it! That's why I believe it's found its way into every single facet of American society.

Here's a bit of my story.

A few year ago, I remember when I read the book Quit Like A Woman by Holly Whitaker on Audible, that I truly felt so scammed by the power of marketing. In recent years, there was a focus on "Mommy Needs Wine Time" because of probably how much money the powers that be make from it. Because they know moms are stressed out juggling the mental load of it all. Anyway, I was pissed when I had that realization! I pride myself on always thinking outside the box, and beating to the sound of my own drum. But I fell for this marketing strategy hook, line, & sinker. Although, I read this book a few years ago, it really opened my eyes to it all. Even though I had eventually continued drinking (I made it 6 months at this attempt), I was now aware. This new found awareness made me begin rolling my eyes at the marketing, and hell, even rolling my eyes at myself at the times I kept falling for it. Even the memes of mommy wine culture are not so funny to me any more. Who am I? lol. This is just my own personal story of what had me begin questioning my relationship with alcohol. Funny how it was because I felt duped by marketing.

So here I am now doing this again where I've just approached the 4+ month mark, and have found new ways to integrate non-alcoholic drink options and activities into all these societal events, celebrations, and the many other reasons drinking alcohol is so prevalent in our society. I'm in no way an expert at any of this. I'm very much a student. But I definitely have found tools that work for me that have kept me successful thus far and would love to share with you.

The first tool I'd like to share with you that has worked for me is what I call My Book Arsenal. I found when I read these books it helped me to begin evaluating the relationship I've had with alcohol. I think it's an important conversation to have with oneself. It never hurts to check in with yourself, right?

My Book Arsenal:

Click on the photos below to find out more in depth about these books.

Quit Like A Woman by Holly Whitaker

This Naked Mind by Annie Grace

The Sober Diaries by Clare Pooley

Sober Curious by Ruby Warrington

Note: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. As an affiliate marketer and as an Amazon Associate, I will receive affiliate commission on qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

If some of these books are of interest to you. Let me know! I'm more than happy to read them again, and will probably reference them in the podcast on an upcoming series I have planned. Which leads me to the question: Would you be interested in hearing more in depth about this journey on my podcast? Let me know about that, too!

Calling all potential podcast guests!

Would you like to share your own personal story of Dry January and beyond the 30 days? Are you a medical professional that could provide further insight on the effects of alcohol on the mind, body and spirit? Have you read any of the books in My Book Arsenal and would like to provide your experience on how they impacted your life? If so, please contact me here to potentially be a guest on a podcast series I have on this journey. I'd love to continue to learn more from you.

Don't forget to be kind to yourself.

Before I go, it's important to add that despite the many benefits, Dry January or any month you choose, can be a difficult challenge. It can be hard to say no to drinks in social situations, and it can be even harder to break old habits. So remember that it's ok to take this break, and to be kind to yourself during the process. With patience and commitment, a break from alcohol no matter how small can be a beneficial and rewarding experience.

P.S. I'll loop back in future posts and/or on the podcast re: other tools I've found that have helped me through this journey.