” I am doing Dry January.”
“Oh, how’s it going” or “Oh, that’s nice for you.” or “Why would you ever do that?” – These are responses I had when I heard about friends doing Dry January prior to this year. Honestly, responses I had prior to about 45 days ago. 2020 was a long year. No one is going to argue that. We had to learn how to process with and cope with an unprecedented (yes, I worked in that 2020 buzz word) number of societal challenges, injustices, and new norms. An NPR study in October sites that Americans were drinking 14% more in 2020, and women were drinking 17% more compared to the previous year. We’re home more, there’s less to do, alcohol is cheaper at home than in bars — there are plenty of reasons.
Now, let me say, I am not here to judge or say alcohol is bad. This was a very personal decision that I am choosing to share publicly, and I fully intend to indulge in a glass of champagne at the end of the month. That said, this year, I know quite a few people who have chosen to embark upon Dry January. More than ever before. So, if you’re curious as to why I decided to try it, or better yet, see how it’s going, read on! If not, check out these boozy cocktail recipes instead!
How it Started
I have a slightly competitive streak in me, and love a good challenge. However, I don’t love the idea of New Year’s Resolutions. Committing to something for an entire year seems fairly unrealistic to me, especially given the hindsight of 2020 — we know we can’t anticipate what’s coming. So, I prefer to set-up quarterly commitments. (Hear more about my 2021 resolutions on my Instagram story, @by.katherinetinsley). With that point of view, a monthly challenge is right up my alley — I can do anything for 30 days, right? With 2020 in the rearview mirror, I wanted to take a month and re-set my body and my mind. Similar to why many Christians give up something for lent, for me these 30 days are about self-discipline, sacrifice, and commitment.
Finding a Community
Doing most things by yourself isn’t very fun. Social media offers a great way to find a community and support in your endeavors. My mom also decided to participate, and having a partner in crime is definitely helpful! I also purchased Hilary Sheinbaum’s book, The Dry Challenge: How to Lose the Booze for Dry January, Sober October, and Any Other Alcohol-Free Month, and have really found a lot of the facts helpful, as well as her story very relatable.
How it’s Going
In order to be successful, I’ve had to find ways to make it fun. This includes lots of mocktails and diet soda or club soda in fun glassware. You can find my mocktail recipes on my Instagram story, @by.katherinetinsley. An easy favorite, diet ginger ale in a champagne glass! Also, Heineken 0.0% tastes remarkably similar to beer. As far as what is alcohol free vs. isn’t (did you know – pure vanilla extract contains 35% APV?!) I am going off of what you can vs. cannot buy in the United States under 21. If I can buy it underage (legally!) then it’s fine for Dry January. This includes bitters, tonics, and many cocktail mixes.
Benefits
Many of the benefits that participants in Dry January are looking for, I’ve found! I am also participating in Weight Watchers WW+, but have already seen the slim down benefits of going alcohol free! I’ve also noticed my resting heart rate seems to be lower and I am much more hydrated on a daily basis! I am also finding I have more energy in general, especially for projects after work, whether it be working on the blog or organizing old family photos.
I have yet to experience the clearer skin or better sleep — stay tuned!
We’re half way there!
We’re only about half way through January, so there is plenty of time to hop on board in any form or fashion (dry weekdays?) if you’re interested in participating. If not, I appreciate your support from the sidelines! My Dry January started at midnight on January 1st, and will end on January 31st (my birthday!) so I’m planning to make it a solid 30 days alcohol free!
For my latest mocktails and more, follow along on Instagram, @by.katherinetinsley.
Want to see how it ends? Go check-out my next post.
