As the calendar turns to a new year, we once again find ourselves in the middle of January. You probably have a lot of New Year’s resolutions you want to keep. For some, it is to eat a healthy diet. For others, it might be to exercise regularly. You might even be thinking about staying sober for an entire month. That means participating in dry January.
Lots of people go to holiday parties constantly between Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the new year. It is not unusual to have alcohol served at these gatherings, and you might think that your liver needs a break. Regardless of the reason why you decide to participate and dry January, there are several benefits you will enjoy.
1. You Will Sleep Better at Night
One of the biggest benefits of participating in dry January is that you will probably sleep better at night. This may sound a bit counterintuitive. After all, lots of people pass out after a night of heavy drinking. On the other hand, drinking alcohol can actually make it hard for you to stay asleep at night.
Too much alcohol can interrupt your REM sleep, which means that you will probably be restless at night. The average adult requires between seven and eight hours of sleep every night. If you drink heavily during the day, you will have a hard time staying asleep at night, which means that you won’t give your body a chance to recharge.
2. You May Have More Energy During the Day
Another major benefit of dry January is that you don’t have to worry about waking up in the morning with a hangover. This could give you more energy during the day. If you are having a difficult time completing everything on your to-do list, you should consider a dry January.
When you get more sleep at night, you will think clearly during the day, which will make it easier for you to complete everything on your to-do list. With extra energy, you may not even have to drink a cup of coffee in the morning to get your day going!
3. You Can Save Money
Of course, if you participate in dry January, you can save a significant amount of money. There is no way around it. Alcohol is expensive. No matter what you drink, the expenses will add up quickly. Beer, wine, and liquor can all take a significant toll on your bank account. Immediately after Christmas, when you probably spent a lot of money on Christmas gifts, you might be looking for a way to save money. One of the easiest ways to do so is to participate in dry January.
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4. Your Skin Might Look Better
Did you know that drinking heavily can have a negative impact on the health of your skin? Alcohol is a diuretic. This means that it causes you to go to the bathroom more often. Because of all the liquid you lose in your urine, it is easy to get dehydrated when you drink regularly.
When you get dehydrated, your skin begins to suffer. Your skin dries out, you might start to notice cracks and fine lines in your skin, and you lose a bit of the youthful bounce that your skin usually has. If you want your skin to look youthful, radiant, and vibrant, you should consider participating in dry January.
5. You Could Lose Weight
Do you want to lose weight as part of your New Year’s resolutions? If so, you should consider participating in dry January. Regular exercise is important for losing weight, but alcohol can cause you to put the pounds right back on. There is a reason why people refer to it as a “beer belly.” Many alcoholic beverages have high-calorie contents, and even if you drink something that doesn’t have a lot of calories, people tend to eat more when they drink.
If you are serious about losing weight this year, consider participating in dry January. You might be surprised at just how many pounds you can lose during the first month.
6. Your Mental Health Could Improve
It is important for you to take care of not only your physical health but your mental health as well. Did you know that your mental health can suffer when you drink regularly? It is not unusual for people who drink regularly to develop issues with anxiety and depression.
Far too many people rely on alcohol to help them cope with mental health issues. Alcohol is not a healthy way to cope with mental health concerns, and it could actually make them worse. Some people even develop something called a “hang-xiety,” which means that they develop anxiety as part of a hangover.
If you are looking for a way to improve your mental health, participating in dry January could be a great way to start. Do not forget there are professionals who can help you if you are looking for a way to reduce your drinking.
Reach Out To Riverside Recovery in Tampa, FL To Learn More
Dry January could be a great way for you to get your new year off to a fantastic start. If you or someone you know is having issues with alcohol, our team is here to help. At Riverside Recovery of Tampa, we provide you with access to some of the leading experts who can help you deal with a variety of addiction issues, including alcohol use disorder.
We provide you with a safe, comfortable environment to help you get on the road to sobriety. Contact us today to speak to a member of our admissions team, and let us help you get sober.