So it was Christmas and another year is over. A new one has just begun, with just one New Year’s resolution this time.
I’ve decided to go through January without any alcohol. This challenge is known by many different names, e.g. Dry January in the UK and Dropless January in Finland. It’s not my first time doing this, but I’ll have to admit it’s been many years since the last time.
The reason for going through a voluntary one-month drought is quite simple. I think it’s useful and healthy to occasionally stop and think about your alcohol consumption habits, and perhaps to some extent also re-evaluate your relationship to alcohol, our social drug of choice.
How does it feel when a weekend doesn’t kick off with after-work beer or a glass of red wine? Does it feel uncomfortable attending a dinner party (or any other social event for that matter) completely sober? Will there be any alcohol cravings after a few weeks?
We all know about the negative effects of alcohol. Even moderate drinking (i.e. consumption that doesn’t lead to a hangover) will have an impact on your physiology and mood. Alcohol is a strong depressant and can of course lead to addiction as well.
Needless to say that there are positive effects as well. A few glasses of Champagne can elevate almost any party and having a pint in a pub with a friend you haven’t met for a long time feels just right. I’ve also always thought that good wine and food pairing is crucial for a successful dinner.
Finding the right balance between the positive and negative is the key thing here and I’ll admit that I’m a bit intrigued by this new movement called Sober Curious. That’s a culture that encourages a sober lifestyle, but welcomes individuals who aren’t willing, ready, or planning to give up alcohol completely.
Currently I’m reading a book called Sober Curious: The Blissful Sleep, Greater Focus, Deep Connection, and Limitless Presence Awaiting Us All On The Other Side of Alcohol. It’s written by Ruby Warrington, who is one of the leading lights of the movement. The book tackles several interesting questions, such as how different would your life be if you stopped drinking on autopilot? Or if you stopped drinking altogether?
I’ll promise to post on update on this topic on February 1st, focusing on the feelings and (presumably mostly positive) experiences that came along the ride.
Meanwhile I’m wishing everyone a happy new year – let's hope it's a good one!