Hey everyone! My name is Mara and I’m the social media & community manager here at RTB. As someone who focuses on mindful drinking and moderating my alcohol intake, I’ve tried several dry months over the last couple of years. Why do I love them? If I had to sum it up, I’d say they remind me how much more intentional I feel when drinking isn’t the focus in my social life.
If you’re considering Dry January, unsure about it, or just curious, I wanted to share why sober months work for me—maybe it’ll inspire you to give it a try!
Financial Reset
The first time I tried Dry January, my reason was purely financial. I went a little (okay, a lot) overboard during the holidays—gifting, going out, and celebrating every moment with a glass of bubbly. At the end of the month, I realized I’d saved over $500 by not drinking. And the wild part? I don’t even drink that much! These aren’t wild nights out until 3 AM—they’re early dinners with friends, a random cocktail here and there, buying a drink for a friend, or a bottle to pair with a new Housewives episode. Needless to say, it adds up.
That financial break made me pause and reflect: What am I spending my money on, and is it actually benefiting my future? Dry January gave me the chance to redirect my resources toward things that align with my long-term goals.
Personal Growth and Perspective
Because of that, taking a break from alcohol gave me space to reevaluate my habits. Why was I reaching for a drink? Society teaches us that alcohol is the default for every occasion—celebrating, grieving, or unwinding. But I often found myself thinking, ugh, I don’t want to drink a lot tonight, which made me question: why was alcohol automatically part of my plans, just because it was available?
Wellness and Mental Clarity
Sober months have been a huge boost to my wellness journey. I leaned into barre and Pilates, which left me feeling stronger, more in tune with my body, and smiling ear to ear—even if I’m sweaty and not perfect at it. That hour to recharge made me genuinely happy.
This mindset spilled into other areas: being intentional with my food choices, how I spend my time (less pub nights), and who I spend it with. By focusing on how I felt instead of what I assumed people wanted me to do, I naturally started prioritizing my health. Over time, I moderated my drinking simply because I valued feeling good too much to compromise it.
Redefining Celebration
Prioritizing my mental and physical health led me to find new ways to celebrate. For example, instead of bottomless mimosas on Saturdays, a long-awaited hangout with a close friend now looks like a morning hike followed by a lemon poppyseed scone. It’s become less about drinking and more about connecting with myself and the people I love, which has been really important to me.
If you’re considering Dry January, take a moment to reflect on your “why.” Being intentional with your choices will shape the experience. It’s not about cutting out fun because you can’t drink—it’s about discovering new sources of joy and reminding yourself why you were interested in doing this. Trust your instincts! There’s a reason you’re feeling this way.
And, take it one step at a time. If you complete the whole month, that’s awesome! If you don’t, that’s totally okay. Remind yourself that there’s no pressure, and you truly have nothing to lose in trying. For me, the benefits have brought some really lovely days (especially mornings), and who knows? It might create space for some positive changes for you, too.
