The Gentlemen’s Corner w/ Colin Furcht – What is Dry January

The Gentlemen’s Corner

The Gentlemen’s Guide to Dry January

We’ve all heard of Dry January and many of us may have even taken part in it. What is Dry January and why should I consider it? Well, it actually started in the UK around 2014. It was a push to abstain from alcohol for the month of January. Here in the US, it has a broader audience now that it has become a social media topic. Especially during and after COVID, alcohol consumption has been on the rise and while that is a whole other topic, let’s focus on the next 31 days.

Is it really a big deal?

Making a conscious decision to change any habit takes at least 21 days. Even if you don’t think your drinking is a habit that needs to change, the benefits of taking a month off are pretty compelling. Just like a resolution, YOU need to make it, live it and be accountable. That said, having a ‘buddy’ on your team certainly can’t hurt. No matter how much you drink on a weekly or monthly basis, take a look at what just 30 days ‘off the sauce’ can do for your body

1. Removing the temptation. Just as if you are on a diet, remove the things that could make it hard to stay on track. Don’t buy that six pack, put that fifth of bourbon in a closet and empty and almost empty bottles of wine. If you are truly focused on keeping your commitment, make it easier on yourself.
2. Stay in and work on you. We are generally social people, especially here at Lake Norman. Meeting friends out for dinner or a drink, (maybe to see live music?) is part of the cloth of this area. That’s what we do. Consciously making the decision to remove yourself from the ability to have just one drink is hard. I promise, 30 days will fly by! Maybe this is a great time to take up a new hobby, read more or just get out and enjoy nature. The options that don’t include having a drink are endless.
3. How will this make me feel. There are many health benefits for taking a month off from alcohol. From the break it gives your liver, to better sleep, to losing weight, to lowering your blood pressure, to changing your attitude and just helping you feel better. Whatever your reason, know that there will be a positive impact. Why not give it a shot?
4. But I don’t drink much anyway! Fair enough. Even if you are a strict 1-2 drink kind of person when you go out, what can it hurt? Keep track of your sleep, your weight and just your overall health. It will be hard to prove that this short ‘time out’ isn’t helping you in some way.

5. What if I still want to go out? That’s absolutely fine. There are plenty of non-alcoholic options when you go out. Club soda, virgin mixed drinks, non-alcoholic beer are all great options. As long as you are sticking to the plan, there’s no one telling you NOT to go out. Expect that some of your friends who aren’t on the same program will probably try to test you. Stay strong!

6. The financial benefit. Depending on how much you have when you go out, this could be a good bit of money on a monthly basis. Consider how much just 3 drinks a night for 7-8 nights a week would be. A $10 drink, which is about the average between a beer a liquor drink here in the area, this could be over $200 plus tips! I know my bar owner friends aren’t happy about Dry January but some actually close for a few weeks to give staff a break. Again, I’m not necessarily saying to stay in but you need to decide if you can be out and not have that drink. 

Do I really need to do this?

Nope. I’ve never been that guy who lays down mandates with my ideas. You are all adults. I’m just asking you to consider the idea and see how it impacts you. There’s certainly nothing to lose. We may think the little bit we have week after week isn’t a problem. I’m not here to make you feel bad or judge. Many of us enjoy drinking with friends and family, especially around the holidays. If you have tried it and found it to be helpful, do it again. If you’ve never tried it, maybe see if you can make it for two weeks? The Super Bowl isn’t until February so there should be no big events you might miss! Remember, having a buddy it in with you can only help you be successful. Utilizing the benefits of your brotherhood has many valuable effects on your life!

Colin Furcht- BRO Beard Products CEO/Live Music Promoter

Colin has been a long time Lake Norman resident and has been very active in the community. From Commissioner to founding the Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade to now a featured Author, small business owner and live music promoter! His desire is to bring men together and encourage them to reach out. He has always said, ‘look out for yourselves and each other.’ All men need a Brotherhood. www.brobeardproducts.sho