HEALTH
What is Dry January and what are the benefits of giving up alcohol for a month?
The health challenge has been getting more and more popular as the younger generations turn away from alcohol.
New Year’s Day has passed and the groggy heads should be clear by now. There is one sure way to prevent a hangover this January and start your year off with a health kick; Dry January.
The idea behind Dry January is to take a break from alcohol after the indulgent holiday season. It has since gained widespread popularity as a New Year’s resolution and is often promoted as a way to kickstart a healthier lifestyle and reassess one’s relationship with alcohol. Data suggests 35% of American adults took part in 2022.
Not being able to complete the whole month is by no means a failure and any steps taken to improve one’s health can always be regarded as a positive.
It is difficult to break with long-standing habits.
What are the benefits of giving up booze?
Giving up alcohol for a month can lead to various health benefits such as improved liver function, better sleep quality, and enhanced energy levels. Alcohol can have an impact on mental well-being and taking a break may contribute to improved mood, reduced anxiety, and better concentration. Alcohol can also disrupt sleep thus participants may experience improved sleep and wake up feeling more rested.
Abstaining from alcohol for a month can save money that would otherwise be spent on drinks, whether at bars or in stores. It can heighten awareness of the role alcohol plays in social situations, potentially leading to reevaluations of what you enjoy as a person. Participants can find alternative ways to socialise and connect with others that don’t involve drinking.