Brain Decides To Ring In 2023 With A Lifestyle Change

I'm not a big New Year's resolution person. But this year, in 2023, I wanted to do something different. Start off the new year with something that I've always thought about doing, but have never done. Give up alcohol.

Dry January is giving up drinking alcohol every day during the first month of the year. No beer, no mixed drinks, no celebratory shots, no alcohol, period. For many of you reading this, the thought of not having a drink for over 30 days is a daunting task. But experts say by quitting alcohol for just a month, you can experience numerous health benefits including mental clarity, quality of sleep, energy levels, weight loss, and help with depression according to WTHR. 

I wouldn't categorize myself as a regular drinker. I typically am a social drinker. When I go out to eat or meet some friends at a bar I'll have a beer or two, or three. Do I drink to excess? I have been known to once in a while, and I usually regret it every time by the way I feel later that night or the next day. I've considered giving up alcohol in the past, but I figured that the start of a new year would be a reasonable time to try. I want to know if I need alcohol to have a good time. I want to see if I feel better by cutting out the relatively small amounts I drink during a normal month. What do I have to lose?

Let me know if you're jumping on the Dry January trend or any tips that made the journey easier. One tip is to do it with your partner, so my wife Holly will be joining me this month. I'll make sure and post check-ups with our progress!

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