January 2023: Dry January: A Case Study
“It is dry January. Life is hard without alcohol but you can surely do it.”
-Anonymous
Every year during the holidays, when eating and drinking too much becomes the norm and a way to pass the time amongst family and friends, the notion of taking some time off and starting the new year with a clear head seems like a great idea. Most of us would love to eat healthier, get more exercise, and of course, drink less frequently, the top 3 most popular new year’s resolutions.
I’m stubborn and if I commit to doing something, I like to see it through to the end no matter how arduous the journey. Call it a competitive nature. A whole month though without booze? 1/12th of a year? Why so long?
I tell you, if I had to rank the months in order from my favorite to least, January would without a doubt land at #12. To throw another wrench in there and power through it without the assistance of spirits has been an experience in itself. Here’s what I’ve learned.
The Middle (or “The Peak”)
“One day at a time”
-Anonymous
If you can make it through weekend one, you’re off to a great start. That first Saturday morning when you’re right around the one-week mark, you’re reintroduced to your REM cycle or what I call “high school sleep,” and you wake up feeling like a million bucks. You ask yourself, “is that what life used to be like?” You have more energy, have spent less money, and are feeling much more consistent every day. That first Monday comes around and it is no thing. Bring it on to do list, I can’t wait to cross items off!
Weekend 2 comes around and when you sit down at a restaurant with friends, you really wish you could join them in that first round of drinks. You try not to draw attention to yourself by ordering a non-alcoholic substitute but secretly, you can’t wait to talk about it so that everyone around knows your struggle. They indulge you and tell you how impressed they are but really, they’re not. You make it through the dinner and end up having a nice enough time and when you wake up the next morning, you’re glad you held you’re ground and live to be hangover free another day. All is well with the universe, and you start throwing the idea around that maybe this is your new normal. You don’t need alcohol to have a good time. Sadly though, and I hate to break this to you, but this is the pinnacle of your 30-day journey.
End of the Line
“I feel sorry for people that don’t drink because when they wake up in the morning, that is the best they’re going to feel all day.”
-Frank Sinatra
Right around day 17/18 though, as that 3rd weekend approaches, you’re not nearly as excited about having to take it on as you were the first two. The void in your Friday & Saturday nights becomes even more apparent and now after those dinners end, you can’t wait to get home but when everyone wants to order desert (and an espresso martini,) you have to stick it out and down another Heineken Zero (if you’re lucky). Yep, it’s a different kind of fun but make no mistake, there is still fun to be had.
In conclusion, I’ve realized that when I’m not drinking, I feel great in the mornings and not as great as I would in the evenings with a cocktail or two. When I am drinking, I may move a little slower in the mornings but then I feel awesome at night. It’s a trade-off, whatever works for you! I can see how people give up the stuff when moderation isn’t in their vocabulary and more power to you. You have extra energy, brain power, and most importantly, time! It’s almost scary how much faster your mind works when you see it in action with its full potential.
In the end, this journey is not a punishment but an opportunity. Challenging yourself and staying in control with how you live & design your life. The Game is whatever you make it. Set goals, abide by them. If you have a slip, challenge yourself to get back up. I am a firm believer in finishing whatever you start. For those of you who didn’t set down this path, I’m envious and can’t wait to join you for a drink!
Disclaimer: Saturday 1/21 after I wrote this, I had 2 drinks at dinner. Deal with it.
“We’re not alcoholics. We generally only drink on the weekends. Except for special occasions. And boredom. And Thursdays, which some people consider weekends…”
-Anonymous