Health benefits of participating in Dry January

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Still fresh into the new year, many of you may still be doing well with maintaining your New Year’s resolutions.

Norton Healthcare says one of the most beneficial New Year’s resolutions is participating is Dry January, which is the month-long challenge encouraging people to give up alcohol.

Not only does Dry January help save you money after the holiday season, doctors say the break from alcohol can improve sleep, boost energy, lower blood pressure and help with weight loss. 

Dr. Monalisa Tailor of Norton Healthcare said, “The biggest benefit of a Dry January, in my opinion, is the impact on your sleep and the impact on your mood. Winter is hard. It’s cold. It’s hard to get outside.” 

She added, “We all want to cozy up and not do much. Alcohol is going to be a depressant, and it’s going to make you feel even lower, especially if the weather impacts you.”

Health experts also say an extended break from alcohol can decrease risk for several types of cancer, including stomach cancer and breast cancer.