For some of us, the New Year brings its own set of goals, practices, and resolutions, from exercising more to eating healthier. A resolution that has grown in popularity in recent years is “Dry January”, i.e. participating in a month-long sobriety challenge in which people try to abstain from alcoholic beverages for the entire month of January. What started out as an initiative led by international charities has now become a common practice among revelers and socialites.
The idea of Dry January is to give our bodies a much-needed alcohol-free break while being mindful of our overall mental and physical health. So why are people taking up this challenge? Does abstinence from alcohol really have positive effects on your body? Read on to find out all about dry January and its potential benefits!
How did this awareness-raising movement become so viral?
Dry January, also known as ‘Drynuary’ or ‘Dry January’, is a relatively recent social movement that encourages people to abstain from drinking alcohol for the entire month of January. This challenge gained popularity in 2013 when Alcohol Concern, a UK-based alcohol awareness charity, launched the first Dry January campaign. Since then, it has spread to many countries around the world and has become an increasingly popular way for individuals to practice better health habits and reduce their overall alcohol consumption.
The French are particularly inclined to take up this challenge because of their long tradition!
For centuries, traditional French culture has encouraged moderation in the consumption of alcoholic beverages. In France, wine often accompanies meals and it is customary for diners to have a drink with dinner rather than drink to excess or get drunk. This culture has been passed down from generation to generation and is now an integral part of French identity.
The French also take a special interest in Dry January because of the importance it places on health and well-being. France is one of the few countries where the majority of citizens exercise regularly – a large percentage of them say they engage in physical activity at least three days a week – and are well informed about healthy lifestyle habits. such as a good diet and abstinence from tobacco or excessive drink, which is why many French people choose dry January as an opportunity to improve their general well-being by refraining from consuming alcohol. alcohol for an extended period while continuing to enjoy all the other aspects of life they enjoy throughout the year.
Additionally, certain economic benefits associated with participating in Janvier sec are particularly attractive to many French citizens. By participating, people can save money on drinks by not buying them for an entire month and can use that extra financial flexibility for things like vacations or home improvements – a priority for many. many French citizens when they travel or change their way of life.
Here are some of the benefits of a dry January:
Better quality of sleep:
According to a study conducted by the University of Sussex, abstaining from drinking for a month has been scientifically proven to improve overall sleep quality. The study followed some 500 participants in the UK, US and the Netherlands during the dry month of January and found that, on average, participants reported sleeping 55 minutes longer each night and woke up fresher. In fact, the researchers determined that the relief provided by blue light exposure was even greater than that provided by decreasing alcohol consumption. This suggests that for those looking to get better rest, a “dry January” could be helpful in resetting their sleep habits.
Greater focus:
Recent studies suggest that by abstaining from drinking alcohol in January, people may experience a number of cognitive benefits, such as better concentration. Scientists have studied the effects of a month without alcohol and found that mental alertness increased significantly. Study participants had better executive function and faster information processing than those who continued to drink alcohol. Additionally, researchers determined that by abstaining from drinking during this time, participants felt more motivated and energized throughout the day.
A hydration boost:
Recent research has confirmed the idea that abstaining from drinking for a month not only reduces alcohol intake, but also improves overall hydration. A study by the University of Surrey in conjunction with Alcohol Change UK found that participants who abstained from drinking for a month saw their daily fluid intake increase significantly – more than double for some participants. Participants also reported feeling more alert after reducing their alcohol intake, suggesting that better hydration impacts mood and energy levels.
Liver detoxification:
Dry January has been shown to be an effective way to detoxify the liver due to its ability to reduce fat buildup and inflammation. A study of 136 people published in 2019 found that people who engaged in Dry January had reduced levels of two liver enzymes associated with liver damage: ALT and AST. Additionally, a 2020 experimental trial involving 24 healthy adults reported a decrease in lipid peroxidation after abstaining from alcohol for a month, indicating that Dry January is beneficial in reducing oxidative stress. on the liver. It can therefore be concluded that the practice of Dry January offers beneficial effects in terms of liver detoxification.
