For more on how reflecting on past habits can impact your mindset, check out The Psychology of Year-End Nostalgia. Stress might indicate that we’re overcommitted, loneliness might signal a desire for connection, and boredom might point to a lack of fulfillment. By accepting emotions rather than avoiding them, we gain clarity and a sense of agency over our lives. For example, Anna is consciously healthy in many areas yet she feels out of control with chocolate. This aligns with Ross’s “Comfort Craver.” These individuals crave substances that provide pleasure or reward. Beyond chocolate, these individuals “love” doughy or creamy foods and may also reach for alcohol, pain-killing drugs, over-exercising, pornography, and/or gambling.

Alcoholic beverages are often high in calories and sugar, contributing to weight gain. When people give up alcohol for January, they frequently find they lose weight without making other changes, as they consume fewer empty calories. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts. At Westwind Recovery®, we’re committed to making sobriety achievable and sustainable.

• 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.
• Abstinence involves recognizing and modifying a behavior, such as deciding to consume less sugar.
• By eliminating alcohol, many people notice they sleep more soundly, wake up feeling refreshed and experience increased energy levels throughout the day.
• Sharing your experience through your practice’s channels can also strengthen connections with your patients and team.
• In the U.S., 41% of alcohol consumers now opt for low or non-alcoholic options for health benefits.

Abstinence vs. Recovery

On our site, you can use specific filters to search for a therapist who meets your needs. Just select your state and insurance, then check off “addiction” or “substance misuse” under specialties. PsychPlus makes it easy to live a happy, healthy life with options for both in-person and virtual care from licensed psychiatrists and therapists. Taking Ross’s insights a step further, instead of indulging the urges, Anna can ask herself, “Where did this need for ‘comfort’ begin? ” For Anna, she identifies chocolate as a “friend” when she felt lonely or fearful as a child.

Chronic alcohol consumption promotes the release of inflammatory cytokines and triggers systemic inflammation throughout the body. By abstaining from alcohol, however, you give your body a chance to reduce these inflammatory responses, lowering your risk of chronic diseases and supporting overall health. This article is not meant to be a replacement for medical advice. We recommend speaking with a therapist for personalized information about your mental health.

This therapy modality helps you move past ambivalence to find the motivation to stop drinking once and for all. An alcohol counselor will help you identify your personal motivations for quitting and help you stick to your goals. If you struggle with your drinking habits — http://lol54.ru/music/mp3flac/140042-winter-dance-party-2014.html whether you can’t control your consumption or you frequently engage in heavy drinking as a coping mechanism — this is a sign you should seek help.

Whether you’re curious about your relationship with alcohol or just want to feel more mentally balanced, Dry January offers an easy way to start the year with intention. For professional guidance on your mental health journey, check out the resources available at PsychPlus. Dry January is more than just a break from alcohol; it’s a mirror that reflects our deeper relationship with discomfort. While it’s natural to seek external comforts, over-reliance on unhealthy soothers often keeps us disconnected from our true selves. By learning to sit with discomfort, we can break free from the cycle of numbing and develop healthier, more fulfilling ways to emotionally nourish ourselves. Tell Your FriendsLetting your friends know you’re doing Dry January can limit peer pressure and awkwardness if you’re somewhere getting drinks.

Physical changes

• Giving yourself the gift of time and space to explore these questions is an investment in your well-being, as well as in the relationships that matter most.
• I’m thrilled to share with you a recipe that’s not just a drink, but a celebration in a glass – the Sparkling Pomegranate and Passionfruit Gin Fizz.
• Journaling is known to support mental health by giving us an opportunity to work through stresses, negative emotions or overwhelming thoughts.
• As the month unfolds, let it be a time of revelation, learning not just about what you won’t do but also about who you are and what you truly want in the new year.
• Ever noticed how alcohol might help you fall asleep quickly but leaves you feeling drained the next day?
• The endorphins created when we get our body moving help our mental health too – they boost energy, improve mood, and decrease anxiety.

Visit our Blog Page or you can  Book an Appointment with one of our providers for personalized guidance. Ever noticed how alcohol might help you fall asleep quickly but leaves https://hr-life.ru/node/52793 you feeling drained the next day? That’s because alcohol disrupts deep sleep, reducing overall sleep quality. Without it, your body can enter more restorative sleep cycles, resulting in better rest and improved cognitive function.

Play it safe this summer and be mindful of alcohol’s effects on the body

A clear sense of purpose can help sustain your commitment, especially during challenging moments. Skipping a single drink means fewer empty calories, less stress on your liver and heart, and a lighter burden on your body. A weekend without alcohol can leave you with cherished memories, new experiences, and quality time with loved ones—plus the joy of waking up hangover-free on Monday morning.

Yogic and Mindfulness Traditions on Discomfort

And finally it can help us track our success – consider creating a habit tracker to note how many days you’ve gone without alcohol and what benefits you notice as a result. Understanding how to do Dry January is a great first step towards a healthier, more mindful lifestyle. At Westwind Recovery®, we believe in supporting people every step of the way as they explore sobriety. Whether you’re looking to cut back for the month or considering long-term changes, we’re here to help. The benefits of giving up alcohol — whether for a month or long-term — are worth exploring.

Improved Sleep and Cognitive Function

The NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator can help you recognize and find high quality treatment for alcohol use disorder. If you drink excessively, seek medical help to plan a safe recovery as sudden abstinence can be life threatening. NIAAA’s Rethinking Drinking can help you assess your drinking habits and provides information to help you cut back or stop drinking. If you’ve been drinking heavily or are concerned about alcohol dependence, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting Dry January or making any major lifestyle changes.

Natural Remedies for Depression

At Westwind Recovery®, we provide safe, personalized care for those needing more structured help to manage their drinking habits and achieve long-term wellness. Dry January isn’t just a trendy challenge; it’s a chance to evaluate how alcohol fits into your lifestyle. Many people drink out of habit or social pressure without considering the long-term effects. Taking a month-long break provides a clean slate to notice changes in your mood, energy levels, and overall outlook on life. Alcohol consumption, even in moderate amounts, can contribute to brain fog, decreased energy, and reduced focus — all of which hinder productivity. By participating in Dry January, you eliminate these effects, leading to clearer thinking and enhanced cognitive function.

For example, instead of heading to happy hour, figure out other things you can do like a workout or art class. A challenge is always easier when there’s someone else supporting you and holding you responsible. It’s easy to fall into all-or-nothing thinking, believing that the only way to benefit from Dry January is by staying completely dry.

Slipping up by having a glass of wine with dinner might feel like failure, but it’s not. Having a clear, personal intention keeps you grounded and makes the experience more meaningful. That said, if you suspect you have a dependency on alcohol, it’s important to approach this challenge with caution and speak with a medical professional. For those who drink heavily, quitting cold turkey can have serious health implications, and it’s best to seek medical advice before attempting abstinence.