Dry, Damp, or Dripping January?

Dry January 2024 is upon (some of) us. What are your plans?

I’ve never been one for hard resolutions. Honestly, most of the best and most sustainable changes happen gradually throughout the year for me. But this time around, I've been thinking a lot about alcohol and its place in my life. Last year, I made a lot of changes and adjustments in favor of my health, daily habits, and - honestly - my vices. Alcohol took on a larger role for me in my social life, and having a best friend that’s a superb bartender around town encouraged me to explore more of my tastes. And since I’ve been reading a lot about dry January, it’s apparent that everyone else is thinking a lot about alcohol or the lack of it as well.

Dry January folks typically take the month of January to focus on sobriety - meaning no alcohol - for a variety of reasons: sober-curiousness, health, better sleep, etc. And since it’s been proven that even slightly reducing your alcohol intake can help you sleep better, lose weight, and improve overall function for lots of systems, it’s a worthy goal.

But what about damp January? This simply means a reduction in your drinking and a bit more mindfulness about your intake. And you can probably guess what a dripping January looks like. That’s probably more like what we’ll have down here in South Louisiana due to an early 2024 Carnival / Mardi Gras. I’ll admit to you that January will be closer to dripping for me since I’ve found a new blended whiskey that I love and am planning a fun month of galas, parties, and celebrations.

I’ve always enjoyed a nice wine or spirit. 2023 saw me imbibing a bit more and getting very interested and particular about my likes and interests in terms of which cocktails I enjoy, what my palate likes, and what feels good to me. I plan to continue that exploration into the new year, and even doing more tea and spirit combos. Tea-based hot toddies, anyone?

For those of you looking to reduce or cease your drinking throughout the year or month, I’d hope you know by now how a good cup of tea can serve as an anchor to propel your routines forward. You can dress it up or sweeten it however you like. You can use it to power up or wind down. You can get your essential nutrients and even have it along with your favorite sweets. I’m clearly biased, but I truly believe there’s a tea out there for everyone.

Whatever you’re doing in January, I hope it’s fulfilling, that it serves you, and that you’ll get some rest while doing it.

Thanks for a great year, tea lovers. Talk to you soon.

Until next time,

xoxo Rachel