Why go dry (in January)
One of my goals for 2025 is to go dry in January.
For anyone not familiar with the term “Dry January,”?its modern roots can be traced back to an Alcohol Change UK ambassador named Emily Robinson. In 2011, she kicked off the new year by signing up to a February half-marathon and decided to give up alcohol for the month leading up to it.
Why I’m Going Dry
My why for this goal is health related. Now that I am in my mid-fifties and knowing it is literally all downhill from here, I have been exploring changes that I can make to increase the likelihood of not only a longer existence but higher quality of life along with it. (I specifically chose the word likelihood as there are genetic and environmental factors that come into play here but my philosophy in Sales has always been to control what you can control, and I am now applying that to health.)
What Sparked the Change
Last year, my youngest son introduced my to the Huberman Lab podcast series.? One of the many subjects he tackles with various doctors is alcohol consumption. Simplified, the takeaway was:
?Over the course of the last several months, I have managed to cut back (generally) to two a week but have been asking myself the question….
Why drink at all?
After reflecting I realized my reasons were psychologically driven.
1.???? Media Influence: We are constantly and systematically barraged in the media with images of happy people toasting with their drink of choice. And how often during our binge-worthy shows do we see harried mothers commiserating over a glass of wine?
2.???? Accessibility: My recent quest for a Diet Coke while at a stadium event illuminated that there are more alcoholic than non-alcoholic choices at some venues for sports and concerts. Again the presumption that alcohol and fun are inextricably linked.
3.???? Social Fear: Since most of my drinking is in social settings, there is an element of not wanting to stand out as or being viewed as anti-social and/or having people wonder if I have a “problem”.
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Why I’m sharing this goal?
1.???? Safety in Numbers: Increasingly, I am crossing paths with others who do not drink. I am also inspired by the number of young adults who are choosing not to drink and therefore not forming the habit.
2.???? Better Workouts: I can notice a difference in the quality of my workouts the day after I have had even just a drink or two—especially the dehydration!
3.???? Accountability: As I said in my last post, statistically, there is a greater than 40% chance of achieving a goal that is written down!
Looking Ahead
Going dry (in January) is not just a health reset—it’s a chance to redefine how I approach social settings, unwind, and celebrate without relying on alcohol. Who knows- this could be the beginning of a longer-term change.
I’m curious:
Here’s to trying something new and seeing where it takes me. Cheers (with sparkling water, of course)!
Top 25 Most Influential Lawyer in Canada (2023); Female Trailblazer of the Year (Canada Law Awards)(2024); Managing Partner & Serial Entrepreneur
1 个月Might need to be dry February for me! Maldives ruined the January plan!:) lol
Sr. Manager | Data Analytics | GenAI | Process Digitization | Innovation
1 个月This is great, Kelley Hippler. For 2025, I will focusing on reducing my fast/processed food consumption and eating more homemade food, and to learn cooking.
CAIO at Ameritas
1 个月Processed Foods! and in one month, my weight in down 4 pounds, my energy is higher and my Half marathon times have dropped below 2 hours. maybe its all in the mind, but the body is definitely liking the change. ??
This is great Kelley! I am also doing dry January and I will say in the three(ish) weeks I have been sleeping so much better! The recent Surgeon General warnings help in the push :-). HNY!! Hope all is well. Here is to everyone achieving thier goals for 2025!
Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers | Founder The GC Collective | Former GC to High Growth Companies | Certified Professional Coach
1 个月Kudos to you Kelley Hippler -I’m joining you in dry January. Let’s just say the ski incident and following surgery has helped me get through the first 10 days following the “no wine with pain med rule” ??