Every January, it seems like everyone is on a mission to press “reset.” You see it all over social media, people committing to new habits, healthier routines, and more intentional living. One trend that’s been gaining traction is Dry January, where folks give up alcohol for the month. It’s not just about cutting back; it’s about starting the year with a clean slate.
Now, for us Christians, January often means something similar - but with a different focus. Many of us begin the year with fasting, whether as part of our church’s tradition or our personal walk with God. And while Dry January and fasting come from completely different places, there’s something powerful about both. They’re about discipline, focus, and taking the time to prioritize what really matters.
Let’s talk about it!
So, What’s Dry January All About?
Dry January is exactly what it sounds like, a commitment to give up alcohol for the entire month. It started in 2012 thanks to Alcohol Change UK, and since then, it’s become a global trend. People use it to hit the brakes after the holiday season when they've had maybe one too many cocktails (or glasses of wine).
But here’s the thing, Dry January isn’t just about skipping happy hour. The benefits are real:
• Your body loves it: Better sleep, glowing skin, weight loss, and even a healthier liver.
• Your mind feels lighter: Alcohol can mess with your mood, so taking a break can reduce anxiety and help you think more clearly.
• Your wallet thanks you: No overpriced drinks? Yes, please!
For some people, Dry January is about checking their relationship with alcohol. For others, it’s just a way to feel better and start the year on the right foot. Either way, it’s a reminder that saying “no” to something for a little while can have big payoffs.
The Christian Iteration: Fasting
Now, if Dry January is about saying no to alcohol, fasting is about saying no to distractions. For us, it’s about drawing closer to God and realigning our focus.
Every year, churches encourage members to start with a fast. Whether it’s for 21 days, the whole month, or even longer. And fasting doesn’t just mean food. Although Biblically - the type spoken of in Matt 17:21 is fasting from food. While a lot of people do a full or partial fast (like only fruits and veggies with the Daniel fast), others give up things like social media, TV, or anything that pulls their attention away from God.
The point of fasting isn’t to lose weight or check off a religious box. It’s to quiet the noise and create space to hear from God. It's warfare weapon. Think of it as a someone taking the time to sharpen their axe before "sleighing their Goliath" - A term coined by Mattie James. Cutting out the distractions simply helps you hear your warfare tactics more clearly.
Why January?
There’s something about January that just feels right for a fresh start. The holidays are behind us, and the new year is full of possibilities. Whether you’re committing to Dry January, fasting, or just trying to better your life in some way, the energy of January makes it easier to focus on your goals.
For us as women, especially those of us balancing careers, family, and faith, January is a chance to re-focus, gain clarity and chart the course for the year. Whether it’s through prayer, journaling, or simply saying “no” to what doesn’t serve us, this is our time to realign with the life God has called us to live.
The Bigger Picture
Here’s what’s interesting: while Dry January focuses on physical health, and fasting focuses on spiritual renewal, they both share the same foundation - discipline and intention. Both practices require you to pause, reflect, and make choices that benefit your well-being.
Think about it:
• When you’re fasting, you’re not just giving up food or habits; you’re drawing closer to God and asking Him to guide your steps.
• When you’re doing Dry January, you’re giving your body a break and checking in on your relationship with alcohol.
In both cases, you’re saying, “I’m putting something on pause so I can focus on what really matters.”
Let’s Talk About Motivation
At the end of the day, it all comes down to your “why.” Are you doing Dry January to reset your body? Are you fasting to hear from God more clearly? Or maybe you’re just tired of feeling distracted and want to reclaim your time and energy.
Whatever your reason, the goal isn’t perfection, it’s progress. If you slip up, it’s okay. What matters is that you’re making an effort to grow and reset, whether that’s physically, mentally, or spiritually.
Ready to Reset?
Here’s my challenge to you: take a moment to think about what’s been distracting you. Is it alcohol? Social media? Netflix? Whatever it is, consider giving it up. Even if it’s just for a week, and see what happens.
And if you’re fasting, remember that the goal isn’t just to give something up. It's not a diet. It’s to replace it with time in God’s presence. Pray, journal, or just sit quietly and listen. Let this be a time of renewal for your mind, body, and soul.
So sis, what’s your reset going to look like? Let me know in the comments, or share this with a friend who’s on the same journey. Let’s hold each other accountable and make 2025 the year we show up for ourselves and for God in a big way.
You’ve got this! ❤