If you’re one of the several million people ready to ditch the booze this January, you are in good company. Dry January, as it’s formally called, has become extremely popular over the past several years, and for good reason. 

As the holidays start to wind down, you may be looking back on the past few months at your overindulgences and welcome a clean slate. This is the perfect time to start the 

New year (and the new decade) off right!

There are many benefits of taking time off from drinking. Let’s look at the questions to ask, benefits, and suggestions on how to be successful for Dry January 2020.

Suggestions and Dry January Benefits

1. Test-drive the sober side. Taking a break for 30 days is a great way to dip your toe in the sober pool. By not committing to more than a month, it provides you with a sense of freedom knowing you can go back to drinking when it’s over. The goal, of course, is for you to get a feel of what it would be like to be free of alcohol for an extended period of time. You that may find that the benefits of NOT drinking far out-weigh the temptations to go back. The best part is; it’s your choice. 
   
   
2. Expect improved clarity and mood. When you eliminate alcohol out of your diet, your body has the chance to function at a healthier level. Have you experienced groggy mornings from a few drinks the night before? Maybe you’ve been a little grumpy with a quick temper. By giving up the booze, you should expect to have more energy, clarity and overall an improved state of mind. 
   
   
3. Improved sleep quality.  Are you using alcohol to relax and fall asleep, but what ends up happening is by 2 AM, your mind becomes restless and you toss and turn all night? The alcohol prevents your body to heal and repair itself overnight, comprising your sleep. When you’re body is rid of the substance, it has the chance to reach deep levels of restful sleep. 
   
   
4. Save money. This might be one of the best reasons to give up alcohol! Whether it’s the grocery store or out to eat at a restaurant, you will see a decrease in your spending. Just one glass of wine averages $8 to $10 per glass, let alone a martini at $12. Reap the benefits and spend money on yourself that lasts longer than a liquid you consume. 
   
   
5. Lose a little weight. You may see weight loss if you’re accustomed to drinking heavily during the week. That’s because alcohol prevents fat loss in the body. The trick is to not substitute the lack of a drink with sugary or fattening foods. Choose a healthy diet and be sure to exercise a minimum of 3 times per week. (This helps with your energy and mood too!)
   
   



6. Substitute with non-alcoholic drinks. There are a plethora of choices on the market today that you can enjoy besides water, iced tea or soda. If you’re a beer drinker, you may want to try one of the many delicious N.A. beers on the market. You can find hoppy beers, IPA styles, and lagers. Wine choices can be found by selecting de-alcoholized wines such as Fre, St. Regis, and many more. Of course, there is always club soda with cranberry, tonic with lime, spritzers, seltzers and crafted mock-tails to choose from. When dining out, be sure to ask for alternatives. Get creative at home by trying some fun recipes online or Pinterest.
   
   
7. Show up and be present. The biggest fear of giving up alcohol is the worriment of not having fun. If you’re already asking how you can still have a social life, you can read a blog entitled, How to Have a Social Life Without Booze. It’s not just possible, but expect to have a good time without drinking. The best part is that you will remember every conversation you have, not worry about driving intoxicated, and will be able to show up and be present to your family, friends, and coworkers. 
   
   
8. Question the Drink, literally. Ask yourself why you drink in the first place. What is the reason you usually have a beer, wine or cocktail? Is it on weekends only? To relieve stress? Help calm your mind or alleviate pain? It’s important to question your relationship with alcohol in the first place. By looking at your triggers and desires, you can begin to understand your habits. If you are questioning how much you’ve been drinking, pay attention to that voice. It’s there for a reason. Take this time as an opportunity to examine your intentions and uncover your truth. 
   
   
9. Gain inner power and strength. By making the decision to participate in Dry January, you are saying to yourself that you matter. You’re important and you’re strong. 

If you’re ready to give it a go, consider joining the private Facebook group, Question the Drink. There you will find weekly suggestions, tips, recipes and live teachings to get you through the month. 

There is no shame in admitting to yourself that you might be drinking too much. The fact that you are considering the effort to ditch the drink this month says a lot about your intentions. Bravo, friend! Now let’s get to it – join us today!