If you still have memories of that New Year's hangover, you might to make this month a fresh start.
It's not too late to make one more resolution that might actually make you healthier throughout the year.
More Americans than ever before are taking the pledge to give up drinking for January. A 'Dry January' campaign that started a few years ago in England is now making waves on this side of the pond.
Dr. Whitney Hardy, with the Ochsner Health Center, thinks it's a great idea.
"Especially because of the long-term benefits. Even decreasing your alcohol content by one day, you may decrease it throughout the year. So, it can have longer lasting benefits than just January."
Taking the challenge of no alcohol for the entire month, may help you keep that resolution to lose weight.
"Alcohol causes your body to hold on to fluid, which can also lead to weight gain," says Dr. Hardy. "Alcohol is also empty calories. A lot of us are trying to drop those extra ten holiday pounds, so this may be a great way to help do that."
Studies have shown psychological, as well as health benefits from going dry. It helps reduce one's anxiety level.
People who stopped drinking had lower levels of liver fat (which can be a precursor to liver damage), improved blood sugars and lower cholesterol than they did at the beginning of the month. They also reported improved sleep and concentration.
Improved sleep quality has plenty health benefits of its own. And, the benefits don't stop there.
"Alcohol can also dry out your skin," says Hardy. "So your skin may improve."
And, she says a 'Dry January' might actually make you healthier throughout 2019.
"Because you're altering your patterns of behavior. So, throughout the year, when you're thinking 'Do I really need that extra drink?' you may put it back, just because you were able to go 30 or 40 days without drinking."
Besides, if ever there were a January to try to go dry, this is it...since Mardi Gras is still two months away.