For those looking for a healthy start to the year as they return to their regular routines this week, "Dry January" is one option.
The idea behind having an alcohol-free month in the new year started in the United Kingdom in 2013, but the concept has since grown in popularity.
While a Dry January may be a preferred challenge for some, Health Promoter at Lambton Public Health, Christine Baczynski said the main thing to keep in mind, "drinking less is better."
"You can enjoy benefits from drinking less in January -- and year-round -- and some of those benefits can include more energy, improved wellbeing, improved concentration, lower blood sugar, lower blood pressure, improved sleep quality," she said. "For some people, a detox or a completely Dry January is a great way to kick start health habits in the new year but that may not be a realistic goal for other people. So any decrease in your alcohol consumption is a good start to the new year."
Does one dry month actually make a difference?
Baczynski said according to the latest research, Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health, the risks of developing cancer or heart disease increase depending on how much alcohol is consumed per week.
"For example, at the level of three to six drinks per week, your risk of developing several types of cancer, including breast and colon, increases. So if you were to do one month of no drinking or drinking less, you're going to enjoy some of those shorter term benefits, like improved sleep quality [and] more energy," she said. "Any amount of alcohol use comes with some sort of risk or harm, whether in the short or the long term. So any reduction in your alcohol use is beneficial."
Baczynski said drinking less could also translate to financial savings.
For those planning to drink less this year, Baczynski shared some tips to help achieve that goal.
"Keep track of your drinks. Keep a log of how much and how often you drink and that can help you understand your patterns and set limits. A lot of the time we aren't even aware of how much we're actually drinking," she said. "Have days where you don't drink at all and that can help reduce overall consumption and give your body a break. Find alternatives, choose non-alcoholic drinks like sparkling water or other alcohol free beverages. There's actually a lot of mocktail options available these days."
Baczynski said another tip to keep in mind if drinking is to remember to eat and drink lots of water.
Available resources associated with substance use, including alcohol, can be found on the health unit's website.
However, Baczynski said those looking for specific advice about their health should contact their health care provider.