Dry Jan: The Halfway Point

We’re officially halfway through Dry January! Taking even a short break from alcohol can offer some excellent health benefits: improved sleep quality, better hydration, steadier energy levels, clearer thinking, and often noticeable changes in skin, digestion, and mood. For many people, it’s also a valuable reset that highlights just how much alcohol (even in small amounts) can influence day-to-day wellbeing.

We checked in with a few members of our team who have been participating in Dry Jan to see how the spirit-free month has been going so far. Here’s what they had to say:

Raquel

Even though I wasn’t a big drinker before starting Dry January, I’ve still noticed some really positive changes. My sleep feels deeper and more consistent, my energy is better throughout the day, and I’m waking up feeling clearer and more refreshed. I’ve also noticed less bloating and a bit more mental clarity, especially in the mornings. One of the biggest takeaways so far has been realizing how even occasional alcohol can impact mood, sleep, and overall wellbeing. It’s been a good reset and a reminder of how much better my body feels when it’s fully rested and well-hydrated. I’m excited to see how I feel by the end of the month and which habits stick moving forward.

Alanna

After spending two weeks in Europe indulging in chaud vin at the Christmas markets, I felt more than ready to take a break from alcohol. Between traveling and getting sick right before the holidays, I noticed a significant change in my resting heart rate and HRV (heart rate variability). According to my Oura Ring, my sleep quality was crap and I could feel the effects of that. Halfway into Dry Jan, I’m not seeing a huge improvement in my sleep data yet, which has me curious about other areas of my sleep hygiene routine. That said, I have noticed other benefits. My skin has stayed blemish-free and I generally feel less puffy and inflamed. It’s also been fun to experiment with mocktails and find tasty alcohol alternatives - Saskaberry Blonde ‘Ale’ is a new fave! 

Paula

Sleep has been the biggest factor for me. Even just one drink has a noticeable impact on how well I sleep, and I almost always wake up with a headache the next day. Without alcohol, I’ve felt clearer mentally and more capable in my workouts, both physically and in terms of focus. I’ve also noticed improvements in my skin, especially less bloating in my face, and I don’t feel nearly as dehydrated the day after. Overall, Dry January has reinforced how sensitive my body is to alcohol and how much better I function without it.

We can't deny the major benefits of taking a break from alcohol and regularly keeping consumption to a minimum. Have you completed a dry month before? Maybe this is the year you do. Cheers (with a mocktail) to better sleep, clearer minds, and healthy skin in 2026!