‘Dry January’, the act of abstaining from alcohol in the month of January, was first established by a UK-based health advocacy charity in 2013, and the wellness trend has since exploded in popularity all over the world. The campaign’s aim was simple – encourage as many people as possible to take a month off drinking and let them see the benefits for themselves.

Dry January is as much a tradition this time of year as putting away the Christmas decorations or setting New Year resolutions. And although it comes only once a year, the trend toward mindful drinking is slowly becoming an all-year around phenomenon.

Drinking mindfully means being aware of why and how much you drink, and taking a moment before you grab an alcoholic beverage. It comes in many forms and can be deciding to only drink alcohol on special occasions, limiting yourself to one or two drinks on a night out, or drinking lower alcohol percentage drinks.

Mindful drinking doesn't mean you have to go cold turkey, or even live the teetotal lifestyle, but rather to be thoughtful about your sips and the value alcohol adds to your life. Mindful drinkers are aware of the effects alcohol has on the body, and they’re cultivating a healthier relationship with alcohol. When you drink mindfully, you’re more likely to think about why you’re drinking. You can savour the moment rather than reach for that next drink. 

Mindful drinking can have incredible benefits for your body and mind after an indulgent holiday season. Studies show that your sleep can improve, you wake up with more energy, and you develop a healthier relationship with drinking. It also rebalances your brain chemistry and helps you experience more positive feelings.