Dry January: Mama, I Made It

“Mama, I Made It”

Today is my 28th birthday and my conclusion of Dry January. Under normal circumstances, I’d consider doing anything for 30 days an accomplishment. Given the state of the world these days, I am chalking my success up to a small miracle. I am the type of person who likes to weigh the pros and the cons, make multiple lists, color code a few things, and then sleep on it a while before I make a decision.

Case in point: I recently went back to a furniture store I’d stood in almost exactly two years prior with the same mission I’d had then — purchase a couch. Long story short, I did make a decision — I bought the same exact couch my husband and I’d selected two years ago. The lesson? I might as well just go with my gut, because two years later, I’ll probably end up with the same outcome.

How does all this fit into Dry January? Well, because in my 28 years, I probably haven’t made a decision quite as quickly as I did to participate in Dry January. If you’ve read my previous Dry January post, or follow along on my Instagram, @by.katherinetinsley, then you know I am not a New Year’s resolution gal. With that point of view, a monthly challenge is right up my alley, and off I went on Dry January.

Dry January: How hard could it be?

Well, harder than I thought to put it simply! After 30 days without alcohol, I am looking forward to my glass of champagne tonight in celebration of my 28th birthday and 30 days dry! Having a support system with family, friends, and social media made it easier to find inspiration through out the challenge. I thrived off of mocktails, coffee, and caffeine free tea. My favorite mocktail, fondly nicknamed an “Old Fuddy-Duddy,” and created by my husband includes 2 shots of decaf Nespresso, 2-3 dashes of Peychaud’s bitters, and a lemon rind. You can find my more of my mocktail recipes on my Instagram story, @by.katherinetinsley.

Was it worth it?

100%. Will I do it again next year? Eh.

Research shows that participants in Dry January are less likely to begin drinking again at the same rate they were previously. Quarantine made for unique circumstances all around. The same reasons many individuals (myself included) noted an uptick in alcohol consumption in 2020 (working remotely, not driving, alcohol is cheaper at home, etc.) made it easier for me participate in Dry January. We weren’t going anywhere. I didn’t have to say no to drinks after work, or turn down a happy hour special at brunch. I am certain that made this experience easier.

Nevertheless, there were benefits.

With the past 30 days dry, I’ve had a chance experience the benefits (ok, let’s be honest — and the drawbacks) of being alcohol free. Here are a few things (in no particular order) that I either learned or accomplished in January. Maybe they were a causation of Dry January, or simple a correlation, either way I’m celebrating.

1. I ran my fastest 5k.
2. I cooked — a lot.
3. I lost 10 pounds (check out WW+).
4. I survived 30 days without alcohol.
5. I have more energy in general.
6. I finally bought a new couch.
7. I slept through the night, more than once.
8. I had clearer skin than I have since I was probably 10.
9. I got an average of 5,000 steps a day.
10. I began waking up naturally in the morning before my alarm.

So, what’s next?

A glass of bubbly!

After that, a goal to not let those benefits slip away just because vino is back in my life. And maybe, another 30 day challenge to try something else new!

Did you participate in Dry January? Share your thought below or on Instagram, @by.katherinetinsley.