5 Ways Anyone Can Benefit from a Sober January

One of the most famous miracles in the Bible was when Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding in Cana. When the wine at the party ran dry, at his mother’s request young Jesus made a lot of wine (and he made the good stuff). From the teetotaling temperance movement to the sacramental nature of communion wine, alcohol and faith have an interesting relationship. But after a couple-month celebration of thanks, the birth of Christ, and the arrival of a new year, anyone may feel called to observe this month as Sober January.

One of my favorite writers, Buddhist teacher Allan Lokos, writes food for thought on ways to lead a life with more peace and mindfulness. One of his meditation exercises asks his readers this question: In what circumstances are you most likely to stray from your morals? Now, I am not trying to moralize about the “demon liquor.” In the interest of full disclosure, I write this having taken my last drink years go. Alcoholism is an illness in my family, so drinking is no longer for me. But I think there are several ways that a period of sobriety for all people may beneficial.

1. Money 

Billy Graham once said, “Give me five minutes with a person’s checkbook and I will tell you where their heart is.” While I may not agree with Billy Graham on everything, I do think this is true. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, average Americans spend about 1 percent of their money on alcohol, about a dollar for every $100 they spend. Consider the amount of money spent on booze in a month and think of ways that amount of money could pay for something you believe in.

2. Health

The average healthy woman should drink no more than seven drinks in a week, and a man no more than 14 — or one drink a day for women and two for men. The health benefits of drinking are sometimes exaggerated, especially when ignoring the health risks of heavy drinking. A Sober January may be a kick start to thinking about your healthy habits for the New Year.

3. Spiritual fitness

In 12-step programs, the concept of spiritual fitness is important. But often when we focus on the external — be it drinking, eating or shopping — we risk missing out on moments that we can connect with the Divine. If a clear head and a month of sobriety out of devotion allows you to flex your spiritual muscles, why not give it a try?

4. Sobriety

The word sober doesn’t only apply to people who always avoid alcohol or those who are serious and, well, dry. Sober can also mean clear-headed, temperate, moderate, thoughtful, calm, or restrained. Thinking of all of the mental and spiritual benefits of focusing on sobriety could be a great exercise in spiritual wellness and self-care. When I teach yoga classes, I often ask people to set an intention for their practice. Sober January could be a way to set an intention for 2016.

5. Empathy

Millions of people suffer with alcoholism. While other illegal drugs are usually targeted in the war on substances, alcohol flies under the radar.. In our culture, drinking is considered to be a safe way to indulge and have fun. But for those who are predestined to drink alcoholically, this carefree lifestyle the alcohol companies sell can be a death sentence.

I can guarantee that you know someone who has struggled with alcoholism. For those people, simple things a like work-related happy hour or a bottle of wine given as a housewarming gift can cause discomfort. Taking time to experience a period of sobriety provides an opportunity to walk a mile in the shoes of someone who doesn’t drink because they can’t drink safely. It will also remind you that when you host a social event for adults that non-alcoholic options are always appreciated. I’ve been to parties where my only options were tap water or juice boxes. A Sober January might introduce you to some new, yummy non-alcoholic options like fruit flavored seltzers and spicy ginger beer.

So think about Sober January, or even just a sober week or two. Pay attention to what you gain from the experience. And for anyone out there avoiding drinking for any reason at all, I raise my soda to you.