Dry January: A Reset or a Long-Term Change?

Architecting Wellness

— 3 min read
Dry January: A Reset or a Long-Term Change?
Dry January can be a great reset, but lasting change comes from mindful moderation. Learn how to approach this challenge without falling into an all-or-nothing mindset.

Every January, millions of people take on Dry January. Whether it’s to reset after the holiday season or kick-start healthier habits, this month-long alcohol-free challenge can be a powerful way to reflect on your relationship with alcohol. But while a month without drinking can have amazing benefits, it’s important to focus on what comes next.

Let’s dive into the pros and cons of Dry January and how to approach it without falling into the all-or-nothing mindset.

Why Dry January Can Be a Game-Changer

1. A Physical and Mental Reset
Cutting out alcohol, even for a short time, can lead to:

  • Better sleep quality
  • Improved mood and energy levels
  • Reduced inflammation and bloating

Your body works hard to process alcohol, so giving it a break can improve your overall well-being in just a few weeks.

2. Mindful Awareness
Dry January helps you take a step back and notice patterns. Maybe you relied on wine after stressful workdays or automatically reached for a drink at social events. This month-long break creates space for reflection and allows you to make more intentional choices moving forward.

The Downside of "All-or-Nothing" Thinking

While Dry January can be beneficial, it’s important to avoid the mindset that you’re either "on" or "off." Some people go from complete abstinence in January to overindulgence once February hits. But wellness isn’t about extremes, it’s about balance and building sustainable habits.

Instead of viewing Dry January as a strict detox, think of it as an opportunity to lay the foundation for long-term mindful moderation.

What Comes After January?

If you’re participating in Dry January, here are some ways to transition into sustainable habits:

  • Drink-Free Days: Incorporate 2-3 alcohol-free days into your regular routine, even after January.
  • Explore Alternatives: Try non-alcoholic drinks like sparkling water with lime, kombucha, or non-alcoholic craft beers.
  • Stay Mindful: Ask yourself why you’re reaching for a drink. Are you celebrating, decompressing, or socializing? Becoming more aware of your "why" can help you make intentional choices.

Remember, balance doesn’t mean perfection. It’s about making choices that align with your goals and values.

Here’s a curated list of non-alcoholic beer, wine, and spirits brands that provide fun and delicious alternatives:

Non-Alcoholic Beers:

  1. Athletic Brewing Co. – Known for craft-style NA beers like IPAs, golden ales, and stouts.
  2. Partake Brewing – Low-calorie NA beers with a variety of options, including pale ale, red ale, and IPA.
  3. Heineken 0.0 – A classic, non-alcoholic version of Heineken’s famous lager.
  4. WellBeing Brewing – Craft non-alcoholic beers like wheat ales and amber lagers.
  5. Lagunitas IPNA – A hoppy non-alcoholic IPA with full flavor and low bitterness.

Non-Alcoholic Wines:

  1. Surely Wine – Premium alcohol-removed wines, including sparkling brut, rosé, and sauvignon blanc.
  2. Fre Wines – Affordable alcohol-removed wines in options like cabernet, chardonnay, and rosé.
  3. Gruvi – Known for their dry prosecco and bubbly rosé.
  4. St. Regis Wines – Budget-friendly alcohol-free options for red, white, and sparkling wines.
  5. Leitz Eins Zwei Zero – A German producer known for high-quality, alcohol-free riesling and sparkling wines.

Non-Alcoholic Spirits:

  1. Seedlip – Botanical blends that make great gin-like mocktails, with flavors like citrus and spice.
  2. Lyre’s – A wide range of non-alcoholic spirits, including whiskey, amaretto, and rum alternatives.
  3. Monday Gin and Whiskey – Craft NA gin and bourbon alternatives with rich flavor profiles.
  4. Ritual Zero Proof – Known for their non-alcoholic tequila, whiskey, and gin blends.
  5. Free Spirits – Bold, non-alcoholic alternatives for tequila, bourbon, and gin with layers of flavor.

Bonus Cocktail Enhancers:

  1. Ghia – Mediterranean-inspired aperitif with citrus and herbal notes, perfect for mocktails.
  2. Kin Euphorics – Adaptogen-based drinks designed to boost mood and energy without alcohol.
  3. TÖST – Sparkling non-alcoholic refreshers made with white tea, ginger, and citrus.
  4. Optimist Botanicals – Alcohol-free botanical blends crafted to mimic gin, aperitifs, and more.
  5. For Bitter For Worse – Booze-free cocktails with complex flavors designed for sipping.

Support for Those Who Need It

For some, Dry January can bring up deeper challenges with alcohol. If you or someone you know is struggling, you’re not alone. Here are some helpful resources:

Progress Over Perfection

Whether you’re doing Dry January for health, self-reflection, or a personal challenge, remember that every small step counts. The goal isn’t to be perfect, it’s to make progress toward a more intentional and balanced lifestyle. And if you slip up? That’s okay. What matters most is your commitment to your overall well-being.

What’s one mindful habit you’re working on this month? Let me know in the comments - I’d love to cheer you on!

Read more