Submitted by Sherman Mom and Springfield Moms reader, Lori Harlan
Maybe you had a night of overindulgence on New Year’s Eve. Or a year (ok, almost two!) of increased drinking to cope with COVID stress. No judgment here.
Whatever your motivation, Dry January – 31 days alcohol free – is a great way to hit reset. Something about the new year and the feeling of a fresh start makes it the perfect time to take a break from alcohol.
Does it feel overwhelming to consider passing up booze or beer for a month? That’s normal. Our culture is saturated in alcohol advertising.
Almost $2 billion dollars a year is spent to convince consumers that alcohol makes life more enjoyable. And as a result, we serve it at baby showers and kids’ birthday parties, sporting events and school fundraisers. Even playdates are fueled by ‘mommy juice’ or wine in a discreet cup.
So why not take a break and use the time to examine your relationship with alcohol? What do you have to lose, besides hangovers?
I know what you’ll gain – better sleep, more energy, clearer, brighter skin and extra spending money, to name a few perks.
If you’re willing to take a month off, consider these healthy alternatives for your free time:
Sober Socializing
Schedule a playdate at the museum or skating rink. Take alcohol out of the equation and use the time to genuinely connect with friends.
Mindfulness
Dry January is a great time to try out a yoga class or do a meditation video. You’ll have extra clarity without the fog of alcohol. Do some deep breathing or relaxing visualization to unwind instead of having a glass of wine after work.
Self Care
Deep condition your hair while you soak in a hot bath or get a manicure with girlfriends instead of meeting for happy hour. Invest in your own wellbeing with the money you’re not spending on cocktails.
Move More
Hit up a spin class or take a walk in the park. Movement improves your mood and reduces anxiety and depression.
Enjoy Your Family
Be fully present with your kids. Get down on the floor and play with their favorite toys. Put your phone in the other room and give them your undivided attention. You’ll both benefit from the lack of distraction. And if the kids are too much, swap babysitting duty with another mom so you both get some alone time.
Dry January continues to gain popularity, and countless resources exist on Facebook, Instagram and even TikTok. My personal favorite is author and podcaster Annie Grace whose Live Alcohol Experiment was the beginning of my alcohol-free adventure.
Considering Dry January in 2022? You might have to navigate some cravings or dodge offers of alcohol for those 31 days. But stick it out and see how you feel on February 1. You’ll have a better understanding of the role alcohol plays in your life, and you can decide how to proceed.
It might not be easy, but maybe there’s a message in that struggle.
Lori Harlan lives in Sherman with her husband, teenage daughter and two crazy dogs. She’s been alcohol free for two years. You can find her story and alcohol-free resources online at getconnectedaf.com. She also hosts sober slumber parties for women to build connections and find support. She can be reached at lharlan618@gmail.com.
