Discover the history behind the Dry January trend and find out why trying it out will eventually lead to a healthier lifestyle.
December is truly a month full of festivities. From multiple holiday parties to welcoming the New Year, no wonder your social battery and perhaps even your liver need a break. Sure, partying and drinking are a lot of fun, however as we’re entering 2025, we should see January as the perfect opportunity for a fresh start to reset and refresh your body.
Recently, more people are embracing the Dry January trend. It all started because of a marathon, Dry January is a great way to kick off the year with more energy and a healthier lifestyle.
Behind The Trend
Dry January started in 2011 when Emily Robinson signed up for a half marathon that was scheduled in February. She decided to give up alcohol in January to make training for the race easier. After one month of abstinence, she had more energy to run, slept better, and she also lost weight.
Women running in a marathon / Photo by RUN 4 FFWPU via Pexels
Because of the positive effects it brought her, in 2012, she decided to give up alcohol once again and joined Alcohol Change UK. Alcohol Change UK is a British organization that aims to reduce the harm caused by alcohol through awareness and community. Emily shared her experience with a larger audience through the organization’s help.
In 2013, the official Dry January campaign was launched. The campaign was centered around how a break from alcohol for a month leads to long-term benefits. Since then, the trend has snowballed into a lifestyle choice at the start of the year. It became a movement that helped people make healthier decisions when it comes to their health.
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Worth The Try
A total abstinence from alcohol for a month is not a bad idea. It is a good start for the upcoming year. According to research, inhibiting yourself from drinking for a month leads to better sleep, more energy, weight loss, and noticeable improvements in your skin and hair.
Alcohol is found to impair sleep rather than aid it / Photo by Ketut Subiyanto via Pexels
Moreover, it was found that participating in Dry January could aid liver regeneration. Maher Karam-Hage, MD, a psychiatrist who specializes in addictions, said that it only takes 30 days for your liver to regenerate dead or damaged cells. Therefore, Dry January is the perfect way to help your liver recover from the party-filled December you just had.
Less alcohol consumption is good for your overall health / Photo by General Kenobi via Pexels
Lastly, avoiding alcohol for a bit is a healthy long-term choice. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said that alcohol is one of the leading causes of cancer in the U.S. Furthermore, he is calling for awareness when it comes to the long-term risks of alcohol consumption and its relationship with cancer.
Banner photo by Nathan Cowley via Pexels.
