The real benefits of dry January!

“Dry January” is a one-month alcohol free challenge to help people start the new year on a healthier note. It was started in 2013 by the Alcohol Change UK charity. Since then, it’s become a worldwide health initiative with millions of people taking part every year.

 Whether it’s to challenge themselves, to take a break after overindulging over Christmas or to raise awareness of alcohol dependence, Dry January has become the new way to start the year for many people.

What are the health benefits of Dry January?

• Boost your mood
  • A glass of wine might seem a good idea after a long day, but alcohol can actually increase feelings of anxiety. You may find that your mood is more stable when not consuming alcohol.
• Sleep more soundly
  • Whilst it’s common to fall asleep quickly after having a drink, many people wake up a few hours later and end up feeling groggy in the morning. Drinking moderate or high amounts of alcohol decreases “restorative” REM sleep, according to a review in The Journal of Neuroscience.
• Save money
  • Research by the University of Sussex in England found that, whilst Dry January had lots of benefits to the participants, by far its biggest advantage might be the positive change to bank accounts, with 88% of those who participated saving money as a result.

And if all the above reasons weren’t enough, not having any alcohol for a month helps lower blood pressure, reduces diabetes risk, lowers cholesterol and reduces levels of cancer-related proteins in the blood.

If you would like further information about options to help you look after your health and wellbeing, contact ECIS at ecis@ecins.co.uk