What's changed about Dry January
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Every year, one of the most popular New Year's resolutions is observing Dry January.
- Case in point: On TikTok, #dryjanuary posts were up 50% toward the end of last year compared to the same period in 2023, Axios' Analis Bailey reports.
Why it matters: Studies show that temporarily abstaining from alcohol comes with health perks like better sleep, less stress and weight loss.
- Cutting off booze is especially popular in January as people look to wind down from the drinking, eating and merriment of the holidays.
Zoom in: The New York Times' Nicole Stock has a few new tips and tricks to help you navigate Dry January — whether you're a first-timer or returning to the challenge.
- Tell people. It's one way to hold yourself accountable. And it can be easier to navigate social situations involving alcohol if friends and family know.
- Replace, don't erase. Stock's example: If you're used to a nightly glass of red wine, replace it with tea instead of cutting out the ritual. Another example: Don't skip social occasions just because others will be drinking and you won't — or you'll burn out quickly. Instead, find non-alcoholic options you love and order 'em.
- Make it damp. Instead of quitting booze altogether, you could use the month to reset the way you think about alcohol and mindfully drink less, Axios' Carly Mallenbaum notes.
Zoom out: Dry January has been observed for more than a decade. What's changed in the last few years is the increasing availability of fun, varied non-alcoholic drinks — from unique sodas to beers and wines that taste like the real thing.
If you're looking for inspiration, here's a list of mocktail recipes that are going viral on social media And here are six new non-alcohol beers to try, via Axios Denver's John Frank.