Let's Talk About Dry January
- Ashley Place
- Jan 8
- 4 min read
January has a way of inviting reflection. After the fullness of the holidays fades, the quieter half of winter naturally encourages slowing down, resetting routines, and checking in with ourselves. One practice that often comes up this time of year is Dry January—the choice to pause alcohol consumption for the month.
It's not a rule or a reset button you have to press, but an opportunity to notice how small choices shape how you feel, especially during a slower season.
What Dry January Is — and What It Isn’t
At its core, Dry January is choosing not to drink alcohol for the month. It isn’t a declaration about your lifestyle, a judgment on drinking, or a promise about the future. It’s not about being “good” or “bad,” and it doesn’t require perfection.
For some people, it’s a curiosity driven experiment. For others, it’s a way to support rest, energy, and clarity during winter. For many, it’s simply a chance to observe without pressure. The value often comes from paying attention—how your body feels, how your evenings look, how your routine shifts when one element changes.
Why Some People Choose to Participate
People try Dry January for many reasons, and the experience looks different for everyone. Commonly shared benefits include:
more consistent sleep
steadier energy throughout the day
clearer mornings
a greater awareness of habits and routines
PBF Perspective: Awareness Over Rules
Life on the farm teaches us that progress doesn’t come from force. It comes from working with what you already have, through observation, timing, and small, steady actions . We pay attention to what is going on around us that we can't control - like the weather or the season. We instead adjust as needed rather than pushing against what’s naturally happening.
Dry January fits into this mindset well. It’s less about removing something and more about noticing what supports you in the given moment. Like tending land, it’s an ongoing process of responding rather than controlling.
Winter Is Already a Season for Less
Winter on the farm is quieter by nature. It’s a time for learning, planning, and preparation—not constant growth. Dry January aligns naturally with this slower rhythm. Choosing fewer late nights, simpler routines, or gentler mornings can feel especially supportive during this season.
Rather than seeing January as something to “power through,” Dry January offers a way to move with winter instead of against it.
Life Is Made of Choices, Not Absolutes
One of the most important things to remember about Dry January is that it’s temporary—and flexible. Some people return to drinking in February just as before. Some find they drink differently. Some simply take the awareness forward and make new choices when it feels right.
At the farm, we know no single decision defines a season. Life is shaped by the choices we make day to day.
Why Pause? Taking a month to step back from alcohol isn’t about restriction, it’s about noticing what feels good. People often find clearer sleep, steadier moods, and a gentle lift in energy. Sometimes it’s the little things, like a warm mug of tea, crisp winter air on a walk, or being present with your loved ones, that make the pause feel like a gift.
Tips for a Calm, Refreshing Month:
Sip with intention: Sparkling water, herbal tea, or lavender lemonade—choose hydrating drinks that feel like a little treat.
Celebrate the small rituals: Baking something from scratch, journaling by a sunny window, or organizing your space can turn ordinary moments into peaceful ones.
Move gently: Winter walks, stretching, or a few minutes outside can clear your head and lift your spirits naturally.
Reflect quietly: With a little extra clarity, notice what you want to carry forward this year.
Dry January isn’t about what you give up—it’s about what you create: calm, clarity, and the space to savor life, one small, intentional pause at a time.
Here’s to a gentle reset inspired by the farm, and a month of mindful sipping, slow breaths, and little luxuries that last.
Lose The Liquor, Not the Ritual
There's one secret weapon we always have stashed behind our Zen Bar at the farm, and thats Ritual Zero Proof Liquor alternatives. We love the complexity and taste of a good drink - but don't always want the effects (or after effects) of alcohol. Ritual has all the depth, bite, and flavor of the real thing - perfect for an afternoon picking lavender in the heat of a sunny July day. No dehydration, no headache, no worries about getting home safely.
Flavors With Function
Lavender has a long history of being enjoyed for its gentle effect on mood. When consumed, it’s often associated with feelings of calm, ease, and emotional balance—similar to how a drink can help someone unwind at the end of the day. The difference is in the experience: lavender offers a softer, more grounded lift, supporting relaxation and presence without dulling the moment. It’s a way to shift your mood intentionally while staying clear, connected, and comfortable.
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