This year was my second time committing to Dry January (you can read about my first year experience here!). It was one of the five things I did to jumpstart 2018. Some of my experiences this year were similar to ones that I had last year. All in all I think it’s a great way to kick off a new year, and I’ll certainly be partaking again in January 2019.
A little background to give you an idea of what I really gave up for the month of January. I don’t usually drink that much during the week. At the occasional happy hour or dinner out with girlfriends, I’ll have a glass of wine, but rarely do I have more than two drinks on any given weeknight. On the weekends, Michael and I usually go out to dinner on Friday and Saturday, which includes drinks before dinner and at dinner. So I knew the hardest part of Dry January for me would be the weekends.
5 Things I Learned from Dry January
- It wasn’t nearly as hard to abstain from alcohol this year as it was last year. Michael and I still had dinners out with friends on the weekends, but for the most part, I didn’t really head to any bars to socialize after hours during the week this year. Instead of post-work happy hours and networking events, I really dedicated January to getting back into a better workout routine so I spent most of my happy hours at SoulCycle instead.
- I still felt guilty not ordering a drink when I would go out for dinner. Try going out to dinner on a Friday or Saturday night (in a town like D.C. where everyone is drinking) and ordering just water. I know there are plenty of people who don’t drink for various reasons so it shouldn’t be an issue, but I always feel like the waiter or waitress is annoyed with the fact that I didn’t order an alcoholic beverage (it’s likely just me). I definitely felt the need to explain that I was doing Dry January.
- This should come as no surprise, but I saved so much money! Instead of dinners costing $30-$50 for just myself, they ended up being around $20-$30 (at a nicer restaurant). I had this same experience last year, but it still blows me away how quickly a bill can add up when you’re drinking.
- I actually enjoyed picking up casual dinners instead of eating out. Picking up takeout for dinner on Fridays/Saturdays was an easy way to avoid the temptation of drinking. And I actually enjoyed it! As much as I love getting out and about, by the time the weekend rolls around (especially Friday), I’m much more inclined to pick up dinner and have a casual night in. This habit also lent itself to saving even more money since we weren’t dining at nicer sit-down restaurants.
- Although it wasn’t all that difficult to abstain from alcohol for a month, I definitely enjoy my red wine and the occasionally margarita or moscow mule too much to ever totally give it up. I’ll likely stick to minimizing my drinking during the week. Even this past weekend, I went out both nights and only had five drinks total for the entire weekend so I’d say that’s a win! It’s all about balance.
With Lent starting this Wednesday, I know a lot of people are trying to decide what to “give up” for the Lenten season. If you’re still stumped, definitely consider an alcohol free Lent. It was a fun challenge and definitely something that you’re reminded of on a daily basis.
Did you participate in Dry January?! If so, what did you learn from your experience?! Would love to know in the comments below!
Photography by Leigh Anne Brader on location at Aspen North, a Miller & Smith property.
WOO! Congrats on completing Dry January without cheating – unlike some of us! ;] It’s such a healthy way to kick the year off and I’m sure it was nice to have Michael as a support system, too!
I’d say your reasons were cheap worthy! hahah Congrats to you too!
I did mostly dry and loved it! For weight loss reasons. A glass or two on the weekend if I did drink. But I love the idea of dry week days. I’m much more productive at night and it helps with weight. So I will definitely be aiming for dry week days. Thanks for the idea!
Love that Tress! And totally agree on the productivity! I was so incredibly productive all month! Definitely going to try to stick to it during the week!
Loved reading this! I did dry-ish January (went strong for the first half and then definitely cheated in the second half, hah) but still found myself not missing my nighttime glasses of wine (I mostly cheated for social reasons that seemed worthwhile!). I’m impressed you went the whole month and I agree that going out and just ordering water can seem hard for whatever reason!
xo,
Sarah
http://www.dctoat.com
I saw you were doing it too! It’s definitely easier to do if you just shut down your social life for a while. haha Obviously totally not realistic. It’s a fun challenge to do every year as a nice reset after the holidays!
Congrats on finishing dry January! I did as well with one cheat night so I was pretty proud of myself and I extended Dry January to Feb 6. I learned similar things to you and enjoyed it as a fresh start to 2018, I was super productive with no hangovers!
Heidi || The Wanderlust Home
That’s awesome, Heidi! Only one cheat night AND you went over the full month – amazing! I agree, it’s just a really nice way to kick off a new year – fresh start, reset, and promotes productivity! Hoping I can hang on to some of those habits!
LOVE your desk!! Currently on the hunt for Richard a new one. Please please share source!!
Hey Emily! Thanks! It’s actually a desk in a model home that I shot in … I reached out to ask them where they sourced it from, but I think I found it online … It appears to be the “Ronin Rustic Lodge Warm Pine Wood Classic Desk.” I found it on Houzz and Kathy Kuo Home. Hope that helps! Let me know if you need help looking for other options!
http://bit.ly/2owjmA5
https://www.kathykuohome.com/Product/Detail/13145-Ronin-Rustic-Lodge-Warm-Pine-Wood-Classic-Desk?gclid=Cj0KCQiAiKrUBRD6ARIsADS2OLn2n8rZY0o5Ym9wf1HheIkau-vsrMNlV7IrxslQVLU4NK73F6ctjOoaAs0EEALw_wcB
What day planner do you use?? I need to get one for 2018!
I use the LifePlanner by Erin Condren! I’ve used the LifePlanner for years, it’s my favorite! You can check it out here!