This year marked my fourth year as a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner. I’ve made it to purple belt and competed several times. I’ve made it through the blue belt blues. I’ve enjoyed more than anything, coaching others (especially my own kids)…but there’s no denying that the sport takes a toll on your body and your mind.

After a REALLY LONG day at work, I must confess it is far more appealing to come home, sit with my family and have a drink, than get my gear together and go out to train.

But in the age of health consciousness, mental wellness, and mindfulness, more people are recognising the toll alcohol can take on their bodies and minds. A simple pint after work or a glass of wine with dinner may seem harmless, but for many, it can become an unexamined habit that spirals into something more damaging. Campaigns such as Sober October, Dry January, and abstinence during Lent offer an ideal opportunity to reassess our relationship with alcohol and discover the benefits of stepping back from drinking.

I’ll be abstaining this October (as usual) but this year I will also be completing some physical challenges with a group of friends (ala Rogan).

The Cultural Norm of Drinking

For centuries, alcohol has been woven into the fabric of social life, from celebratory toasts to Friday night pub sessions. In the UK, in particular, the drinking culture is deeply ingrained. Alcohol is seen as a way to unwind, socialise, or mark special occasions. However, what many fail to realise is that alcohol, though socially accepted, can have profound impacts on physical health, mental clarity, and emotional well-being.

This is where initiatives like Sober October, Dry January, and alcohol-free Lent come into play. They are not simply about temporary abstinence, but about fostering a shift in our collective mindset. These initiatives give people a structured, socially supported reason to pause, reflect, and reset their drinking habits.

Sober October: A Fresh Start in Autumn

Sober October, which began as a fundraising campaign for Macmillan Cancer Support, has quickly evolved into a widespread health initiative. By encouraging people to take a month off from alcohol in October, it provides a chance to reset just as the year winds down.

For many, October represents a natural time to make lifestyle changes. The back-to-school mentality is in the air, and routines are beginning to solidify after the chaos of summer. Quitting alcohol during this time can help you recalibrate your daily habits and make it easier to maintain a more balanced lifestyle as the holiday season approaches.

Benefits of Sober October

1. Improved Sleep: Alcohol disrupts REM sleep, leaving many feeling groggy even after a full night’s rest. Cutting out alcohol can lead to deeper, more restorative sleep, boosting energy levels.

2. Weight Loss: Alcohol is loaded with empty calories, and for many, it’s a key contributor to weight gain. By ditching the booze, it’s easier to shed unwanted pounds, especially when combined with a balanced diet.

3. Mental Clarity: Without alcohol, brain fog often lifts. You’ll notice enhanced focus, clearer thinking, and a general improvement in mood. It’s a chance to rediscover yourself without the effects of alcohol clouding your judgement.

4. Financial Savings: Nights out, buying rounds, and those impulsive extra drinks all add up. By the end of the month, you’ll likely be surprised at how much you’ve saved.

5. Greater Awareness of Alcohol’s Effects: Sober October provides a break, but it also highlights how ingrained drinking is in your routine. When you take a step back, you might notice just how much your social life or emotional coping strategies revolve around alcohol.

Dry January: A New Year, New You

Dry January is perhaps the most well-known alcohol abstinence campaign. Launched by the charity Alcohol Change UK, it aims to help people start the year fresh by abstaining from alcohol for the entire month of January. It’s not just about giving your liver a break after the indulgences of Christmas; it’s about setting the tone for the rest of the year.

January is a natural time for change. The new year symbolises fresh beginnings and resolutions, so abstaining from alcohol fits in seamlessly. Many find that Dry January can be a springboard for reducing alcohol consumption in the long term or even quitting altogether.

Benefits of Dry January

1. Detox after the Holidays: After the excesses of December, a month without alcohol can help your body recover and reset. Liver function improves, and you may notice changes in your digestion, skin, and overall health.

2. Long-Term Impact: Research shows that completing Dry January can have lasting effects. Many participants continue to drink less throughout the year, as they’ve developed healthier coping mechanisms and redefined their relationship with alcohol.

3. Improved Mental Health: Alcohol is a depressant, and many experience improved mental health during Dry January. Anxiety decreases, mood stabilises, and there’s often an overall sense of accomplishment from successfully completing the challenge.

4. A Sense of Community: Since Dry January is widely recognised, it can be easier to stay on track. Many people will be participating, making it easier to find support and motivation in your social circles.

Lent: More than Just Self-Denial

For many practising Christians, Lent is a period of sacrifice and reflection that leads up to Easter. Traditionally, people give up luxuries or indulgences for the 40-day period as a way of fasting and renewing their spiritual devotion. Giving up alcohol for Lent can be a powerful way to reset, not only for health reasons but also for a deeper sense of purpose.

Even for those who aren’t religious, Lent can be a useful time to step back and re-evaluate lifestyle choices. The structured nature of the period, and the association with self-denial, can make it easier to stick to giving up alcohol. In a way, it’s a more meaningful version of the 40-day challenge, offering not only physical benefits but a spiritual or psychological renewal as well.

Benefits of Giving Up Alcohol for Lent

1. Spiritual Clarity: Whether you’re religious or not, abstaining from alcohol during Lent can create space for deeper reflection and mindfulness. Without the haze of alcohol, many find that they’re able to think more clearly and focus on what truly matters to them.

2. A Healthier Social Life: Lent offers an opportunity to rethink how you socialise. By giving up alcohol, you may discover new ways to connect with others, whether that’s over coffee, walks, or other activities that don’t revolve around drinking.

3. Discipline and Commitment: Completing the 40-day period can instil a sense of accomplishment and pride. The discipline required to abstain can spill over into other areas of life, helping you develop a stronger sense of self-control.

4. Better Overall Health: Like Sober October and Dry January, Lent offers the same physical benefits. Your liver gets a break, your sleep improves, and you might find that your skin, weight, and mental health all improve without alcohol.

Conclusion: The Power of Quitting

At the heart of Sober October, Dry January, and giving up alcohol for Lent is the concept of mindfulness. When we abstain from alcohol, we’re forced to reflect on the role it plays in our lives. Whether you drink to relax, cope, or socialise, these challenges offer a moment to pause and ask yourself: “Do I really need this?”

While these initiatives may only last for a month or 40 days, the benefits can extend far beyond the time frame. Many people report feeling healthier, more focused, and more in control of their lives long after the challenge ends. The ripple effect is undeniable, making now the perfect time to quit, reflect, and perhaps even start a new chapter in your relationship with alcohol.