What I Learned from Dry January

Resetting my relationship with alcohol

I had pegged this as a goal months ago. The last time I tried to do Dry January, I only lasted 10 days. I was a miserable failure. I was determined to complete my goal this time.

Even though I had extenuating circumstances that arose after making this promise to myself, I pretty much made it. With my father’s passing two days after Christmas, perhaps I should have bailed on this goal. I allowed myself a pass on the day of his memorial service, but other than that, I did not imbibe.

I have to admit, there were times when I felt a bit left out. Alcohol is such a big part of social gatherings in our culture. Staying with family where everyone was drinking in the days surrounding my dad’s memorial service, it was super difficult to resist having a drink.

I found myself a bit anxious this month as well. I chalked this up to grief, but this, too, can be a symptom of alcohol withdrawal. My symptoms included heart palpitations and chest discomfort, but these occurred over two weeks after my last drink. I don’t know if this was directly related to my choice to quit drinking or not.

I am sleeping better. That has been a positive change.

I’ve also lost weight. 6 pounds! I love that my clothes fit better now.

My running has also felt pretty good, and I feel stronger. I’ve also stayed faithful to my run streak goal. I felt I needed it to help manage my normal level of anxiety, for running is my other secret weapon for battling this.

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