Happy February! Dry January is over, and for everyone that participated, congratulations! Successfully making it one month without drinking alcohol is a huge victory. Any time taken off from drinking is a huge victory. Perhaps you only made it seven days. Maybe only three, and that’s okay. The important takeaway from any effort made is that your mind and body are curious about sobriety, and that curiosity will grow.

I have decided to keep traveling on my sobriety journey because of the benefits I received in dry January. The benefits far outweigh any momentary discomfort from abstaining, and I can’t name a good reason to go back. I see no advantages to drinking alcohol.  

Here are the Top 10 benefits I received in Dry January:

1. I wake up feeling rested and recharged.

My sleep has dramatically improved. The first two weeks of dry January were difficult as I had minor insomnia. However, now I am getting restful sleep which positively affects all facets of my life. I treasure a good night’s sleep and wasn’t aware how even one drink affected it. Now, I am aware, and sleep is more important to me than having a drink. 

2. I have more energy.

Better sleep means more energy. I am not napping at midday anymore. My house is clean. My ToDo list is complete, and I am not freaking out feeling overwhelmed by a growing mountain of tasks. When I need to do something, I am not paralyzed by procrastination. I simply do the thing that needs to get done. I feel energized in return for accomplishing tasks and feel excited about living life instead of feeling dread.

 3. I am more creative.

The ideas are flowing again. The words are flowing again. As an artist, creativity is pretty important to my life. Drinking alcohol was putting muck in my wheels. It was blocking my vision. Being sober is like turning the lights on in my mind. Those lights are precious to me.

 4. I feel more positive and hopeful.

I have always struggled with anxiety and depression. It has been a battle for as long as I can remember. Alcohol is the last thing my brain needs. Alcohol is a poison that depletes our brain of chemicals needed for healthy cognitive function. If I already struggle with depression, anxiety, and general mental health, why would I continue to poison my brain making these issues worse? Without alcohol, I am happier, more content, more peaceful, and can maintain a positive outlook.

5. I am a better mother.

Sobriety has improved my parenting. I have more patience. I am more focused on my children’s needs. I have more energy to deal with the sometimes chaotic mornings trying to get to school on time (even though we are still late more than not, we are now all able to be chill about it instead of mom being a lunatic in the drop-off loop).

6. I have more clarity of mind. 

Dry January forced me to process feelings I was trying to avoid with alcohol. Initially, it hurt to feel my feelings. However, now, I have a better understanding of certain difficult situations and can let go of things I cannot control. I am only in control of my choices today. My future is shaped by my choices today and in moving forward. 

7. I am making healthier choices regarding diet, exercise, and well-being.

Being more conscious of not putting poison in my body has overlapped with my food choices. I am eating better. I am choosing food with more intent. The better you treat your body, the better you feel. I want to feel good. Sobriety has given me a baseline of what feeling good is. This baseline includes regular exercise. Exercise is crucial for my mental health.

Once you make health a priority, anything that threatens it becomes clear. Alcohol is the greatest threat to my overall health and ability to make healthy choices.

8. I am more productive.

Productivity is linked to sleep, exercise, healthy eating habits, and healthy brain function. Alcohol is a toxin that affects everything we need to be productive. I have accomplished more in my personal goals in dry January than in the entire year of 2022. I enjoy being productive. I am determined to reach my goals. Alcohol is a disadvantage to my goals. Drinking alcohol is a hindrance. A roadblock. Why would I invite it back?

 9. I am reaching my highest potential.

I have yet to reach my goals, however, I am living my life as if I already have. Reaching your goals is a destination. The journey to your destination is your life. Sobriety has given me the ability to live to my highest potential while on that journey. I know if I keep moving forward, I will end up at my destination which I am sure will inspire new goals and a new journey.

I do not want to poison myself on my journey.

 10. My skin looks better.

Alcohol dehydrates you. Dehydration deepens fine lines and destroys any healthy glow. It turns out, beauty sleep is a thing. If we aren’t sleeping well, we aren’t getting our beauty sleep. We can plaster expensive anti-aging creams on our faces all day long, however, nothing will benefit our skin more than sobriety. Looking and feeling our best does improve our confidence. Confidence is a cornerstone of living our best life.

In conclusion, I feel better than ever abstaining from alcohol. I visibly see improvements in all areas of my life. I have wasted years of my life drinking, having hangovers, and making poor choices. Sobriety is life-giving, so I shall continue in February, one day at a time.

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Awakening to a New System: Deconstruction and Collective Change