Credit: Julia Dzafic/Lemon Stripes
The Local Moms Network shares about Dry January!
Anyone else kind of love Dry January—or at least enjoying the perks, from better sleep to glowing skin? Mommy Wine Culture—the idea that motherhood is hard and wine takes the edge off—has become pretty prevalent. And while both of these things are true, we all know that wine or other substances can be a Band-Aid for pretty much any problem a person might have. So we’re taking these few weeks to 3 reasons we’re enjoying Dry January, and why it’s helping us reevaluate the Mommy Wine Culture (and why that doesn’t necessarily mean we don’t pour a glass next week):
- Parenting Without Being Hungover Is 100 Percent Easier. Parenting is hard, under ideal circumstances. The whining, the crying, the negotiating, the keeping tiny humans (or teenagers…) alive…it’s the hardest job in the world. Doing that with a headache, fatigue or nausea? That’s literally hell on Earth. Dry January gives us permission to skip any hangovers for an entire month…and that’s a great thing. And come February, we plan to be more cognizant of how much we’re drinking…because we all know that the difference between 1 glass or two glasses (especially post-kids, or post-35ish) can be the difference between being present and being in pain. After a 5-day hangover (ouch!) Anne Hathaway famously said she was going to be sober until her kids were out of the house—and we get it.
- We Love the Ease of Saying “I’m Doing Dry January.” Of course, you can always skip a drink, even without being pregnant/in a 12-step program/breastfeeding…if your friends would judge you for it, we beg of you—start to make some new friends. But, even if your friends aren’t peer pressuring you to have that drink, the habit can be preventing you from consciously making a choice. You put the kids to bed, turn on Yellowstone and pour a glass of Cab…but is that really what you want in that moment? Or would a glass of ice water with lemon, a tea, a seltzer hit the spot even better? Cheers to choices!
- It Forces Us to Develop Better Coping Mechanisms. If anyone else is finding this month that you’re taking the time to practice better self-care…whether it’s working out, going to bed earlier, eating healthier foods, or getting back into meditation/therapy/etc., you’re not alone. The funny thing about giving up alcohol or other substances, is it forces you to find healthier ways to cope with the mental and physical assault that parenting can feel like. And we should be doing all those things, all the time.
So let’s be real here—many of us plan on pouring a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or mixing up a marg in Feb…and that’s fine. What we hope is that Dry January helps us all revaluate how and why we drink (and how Mommy Wine Culture plays into that).
What did you think about this Dry January share? Interested in more from the Local Moms Network? Visit any of the links below!
Boost Your Mocktail to Superfood Status
Thoughts on Dry January? Many people are embracing it—a month-long break from alcohol to reset and refocus on wellness. For some, it’s a chance to improve sleep, boost energy, or save money. Others see it as a moment to reflect on their relationship with drinking and explore healthier habits.
But Dry January can also spark mixed feelings. Is it challenging to skip social drinks with friends? Do you find it rewarding, or does it feel restrictive? We’re curious to hear from YOU! Are you participating in Dry January? If so, what inspired you? If not, what are your thoughts on the idea?
Let’s start a conversation about the impact of Dry January—whether it’s a one-time experiment or something you’ve turned into a lifestyle – Email Christine and Julie at [email protected] if you have a moment and share more today…. if you’d like 🙂
