Why should you consider doing Dry January?
For many people, January is a time for resolutions; for some, that means participating in Dry January. Dry January is a way to challenge yourself to stop drinking alcohol for one month in order to notice the benefits of being alcohol-free. After a month of indulgence during the holiday season, January is the perfect time for a reset.
Why should you consider Dry January? Here are three reasons to give it a shot next month.
To reduce your risk of cancer
Drinking alcohol regularly can affect your health negatively in several ways, including increasing your risk of cancer. Drinking alcohol increases your risk of several cancers, including mama,colorectal, esophageal, hígado and oral cancers.
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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the International Agency for Research on Cancer both classify alcoholic beverages as a known carcinógeno humano. The more a person drinks—especially if they drink regularly over time—the higher their risk of developing alcohol-associated cancer. And even those who drink no more than one drink a day have an increased risk of cancer compared to someone who doesn’t drink at all.
To save money
Alcoholic beverages tend to be more expensive than non-alcoholic beverages, especially when purchased at restaurants and bars. Consider putting aside the money you would have spent on alcoholic drinks in January to purchase an item, or an experience, you have been saving for.
For better sleep and energy levels
Drinking alcohol, especially close to your bedtime, can affect the quality of your sleep. Though you may fall asleep quickly after drinking, you might notice that you wake up in the middle of the night or have a more fitful night of rest. The next day, your energy level may be lower, leading you to be less active. If you try out Dry January, pay attention to how you sleep and how energetic you feel.
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If you’re not ready to commit to a full month, try only drinking on the weekends or reducing the amount you drink to one drink instead of two. It’s never too late to cut down on consumption—any reduction in the amount of alcohol you consume is positive for your health and a great way to kick off the new year.