Dry January is credited to a charity in the United Kingdom known as Alcohol Change UK as a public health campaign to encourage people to abstain from alcohol after the potentially overly indulgent holiday season. Its origins may date even further back to a World War II era effort by the Finnish Government known as “Sober January.” The idea is the same: try going the month of January without drinking alcohol.
Benefits of Alcohol Abstention
Millions of people in the United Kingdom and across the world have found that remaining sober from January 1 to February 1 has a number of health benefits. It can also be the start to an alcohol-free life. One of the biggest health benefits is that you may lose weight by not drinking alcohol. Beer, wine and liquor all have a high amount of sugar and carbohydrates. Many diets encourage complete abstention from alcohol specifically because of their high sugar and carbohydrate content.
Another benefit of going sober is that you may save money. Alcohol can be expensive, very expensive. Whether you are buying alcohol from the store or buying drinks at a bar, alcohol adds up. Consider the benefit to your wallet and your waistline by giving up alcohol for January.
There may be other health benefits as well such as better sleep and a clearer complexion. Excessive drinking can cause high blood pressure, high cholesterol and a number of liver problems. Even just 31 days without alcohol can help relieve some of the stress you have put on your body.
Are you ready to change your life, regain your health and feel better? Consider giving Dry January a chance. You never know. It may help you reevaluate your alcohol choices. You may find that you have more energy and want to exercise or get outdoors. Join the movement today.