Dry January, Let’s Compare Our Progress So Far This Year
Women and beers are seen at a restaurant on May 11, 2022.
It’s been two weeks since the 2024 New Year’s celebration. Many of us in New Jersey have decided to participate in “Dry January” this year. I have never done it before, and I decided to see how my willpower hold up. Before I let you in on my progress, I’ll give you the deets in case you’re not familiar with this annual voluntary detox.
What Is It?
It’s rather simple. If you drink at all, a little or a lot, you stop during January. The Dry January campaign was started over 10 years ago in 2013 by Alcohol Change UK. They’re a charity focused on reducing alcohol harm. Each year more and more people jump on the wagon (or is it off the wagon) and take on the challenge. Their website says, “Dry January, are you in? Take on 31 days alcohol-free… for a total body and mind reset.”
It’s the last part that stood out to me. I’m what you would call a moderate to light drinker. I’ll have maybe six beers a week. When I think of giving up alcohol, I think of feeling good because of the accomplishment. It’s more than that. You’ll think clearer and you’ll have more energy. Studies have shown that giving up alcohol for a month provides physical and psychological health benefits.
Studies Show
A study by New Scientist magazine found that subjects considered normal drinkers, who gave up alcohol for January saw a decrease in liver fat, improved blood sugars, and lower cholesterol. They also slept better and had better concentration. It also improves your blood pressure and helps with weight loss.
The Best Reason to Go Dry
Giving up alcohol can help people realize whether they have a problem with alcohol or not. If I am unable to stop then that can help me realize I have a problem.
So Far So Good
I quit smoking on St. Patrick’s Day 1995, and it was much harder than this. I’m about a third into this dry thing and doing fine. I was tested three times.
The first was stopping when the ball dropped at midnight. After a night of enjoying some brews, I needed to stop while the party continued. I could have started once I woke up in the morning, but I felt that would be cheating on the first day.
The second was when we lost an elderly family member a couple of days later. Sadness is something that can trigger the feeling that you “need” a drink.
The third was on the 5th when a bunch of us went to the Knicks/76ers game. There’s always the urge to have a beer at a basketball game. It wasn’t that hard considering a single beer is north of ten bucks.
My niece is giving dry a try, but she said she’s got a wedding on the 20th so that’s gonna be a huge challenge.
How Are You Doing?
I realize that going dry for me is much easier than most. I hope that if you’re “giving dry a try” you succeed. If we make it to the 31st then maybe we could shoot for February 29th (It’s a leap year). One day, one week, one month at a time.
Here’s a toast wishing you a booze-free and Happy New Year!
These Celebrities Have a January Birthday
People born in January are either a Capricorn (January 1–19) or an Aquarius (January 20-31). For most of the month, the earth sign Capricorns rules the first month of the year. With everyone burnt out financially and emotionally by the holiday season, Capricorns tend to get the short end of the stick when it comes to celebrating their birthday. Capricorns are the last earth sign of the zodiac, represented by the sea goat, a mythological creature with the body of a goat and the tail of a fish. This sign is known for being skilled at navigating both the material and emotional realms. Ruled by Saturn, the “timekeeper” of the zodiac, Capricorn is one of the most ambitious and persevering of all signs.
They are ambitious, determined, materialistic, perceptive, and disciplined. Because of their unwavering focus, Capricorns can sometimes be perceived as cold and unemotional. That doesn’t mean that Capricorns don’t know how to have fun. The sea goats tend to become increasingly youthful, optimistic, and playful as they age. Inside every Capricorn is a mischievous little troublemaker.
Aquarius Traits
On January 20, Aquarius season begins. Air sign Aquarius is represented by the water bearer, the mystical healer who bestows water, or life, upon the land. They are the last of the air signs, and of all the zodiac signs, Aquarius is the most innovative, progressive, rebellious, and humanitarian. Aquariuses are known to be intellectual and curious, often interested in conspiracy theories and out-of-this-world thoughts.
Aquarius is ruled by Uranus, the planet that governs innovation, technology, and surprising events. This perfectly complements Aquarius’ nontraditional nature. Aquarius also have a reputation for being cold and detached, sometimes so focused on their plans that they neglect their family and friends. Even though Aquarius can let the present slip away from them, their free-spirited and eccentric personalities make them so charismatic.
Some of the most talented actors, musicians, and iconic figures in Hollywood celebrate their birthdays in the month of January. Keep scrolling to see which of our favorite celebrities celebrate a December birthday.
Joel Katz is the Morning Show Personality, Assistant Program Director, Podcast Host, Voiceover artist, audio producer, and Digital Content Writer for Magic 98.3. Joel has been working in New Jersey radio since college and started at Magic in 2002 as the Morning Show Host, “I can’t think of another place where I’d fit more perfectly; it’s just a great company with awesome people.” Joel is married to Kathleen, his elementary school sweetheart (they were each other’s first dates at age 9), shares a birthday with his oldest son, Ty, and has twins, Kiera and Liam. Joel runs at least 3.1 miles every day and enjoys playing basketball, doing laundry, saving his turn signal for when he really needs it, kissing dogs through a fence, using coasters, making that cool noise by rubbing his fingers on balloons, and chasing after ping pong balls on a windy cruise ship.
