Reflecting on Dry January 2025: What I Learned the Second Time Around

A year ago, I took on the challenge of DryJanuary?USA It was 31 days without alcohol to reset, reflect, and see what benefits (or struggles) came with it. While I'm not a huge drinker, it was an insightful experience, one that left me feeling healthier, more mindful, and, to my surprise, eager to do it again. So, 2025, rolled around and I decided to give it another go. Here’s what I learned the second time around and how this year’s experience compared to last.

The first week is still the hardest. Even though I knew what to expect, the first few days were an adjustment. It’s not just about skipping the drink itself, it’s about breaking habits. A glass of wine while cooking, a beer with friends, or a glass of great bourbon to wind down after a long day had become ingrained routines. Finding alternative ways to relax was a challenge, but herbal tea, hot cocoa, and simply drinking mocktails helped.

Last year, one of the biggest surprises was how much better I slept. This year, the effect was equally noticeable. Maybe my body knew what was coming, or maybe I just paid closer attention, but I found myself waking up feeling more refreshed and with more energy throughout the day. Less tossing and turning, fewer groggy mornings, which I certainly did not mind.

Last year, I worried about how Dry January would impact social gatherings. When meeting friends after work or out, I worried about feeling awkward or missing out. This year, I approached it differently. I found myself more confident in ordering non-alcoholic options without hesitation, and I didn’t feel the need to explain my choice. I've grown to enjoy zero alcohol beer and finding new ways to mix drinks that don't have alcohol. To my surprise, I had better conversations and left gatherings feeling more present.

Last year, I used Dry January as a hard reset. This year, I saw it as a reminder. I don’t drink excessively, but this challenge reinforced the idea that I can enjoy social settings without always reaching for a drink. It’s not about elimination but about intention. Choosing when and why I have a drink rather than just going through the motions. Its now cool to have mocktails and every major beer label is coming up with a zero alcohol option that tastes great and is less filling.

Dry January 2025 reinforced what I learned last year but also gave me new insights. It’s not just about giving up alcohol for a month, it’s about taking stock of habits, health, and mindfulness. I won't be alcohol-free forever, but I can say that Dry January continues to be a valuable exercise in self awareness.

The DryJanuary?USA website is helpful and you can get daily emails all month to let you know that you aren't alone. If you’ve ever considered trying Dry January, I encourage you to go for it. You might be surprised by what you learn about yourself along the way.