If you’re considering a dry month or taking an extended break from alcohol, you’re in for a treat. More specifically, your body is in for a treat. 

We all know that less booze means fewer hangovers and headaches, as well as better sleep.

Whether you’re looking for mental clarity, reduced anxiety, enhanced immunity and gut health, or better skin - a hiatus from drinking might be the answer. 

THAT SOBER GLOW? IT'S REAL. BETTER SKIN + BETTER SLEEP  

My number one skincare secret? Going booze-free. Alcohol dehydrates the skin and does a number on our collagen and elasticity. When we remove alcohol our skin cells are able to retain moisture, resulting in fresh-faced, dewy goodness. 

Not to mention, getting a quality snooze promotes cell turnover. Waking up refreshed without the puffy-face-nightmare is a win-win.  

Pro-tip: Sip on a Curious No. 6 before bed. This stunner features calming lemon balm and soothing oat milk.

LESS STRESS AND ANXIETY

We’ve been sold the idea that a cocktail at the end of a long day will help us unwind and reclaim our peace. It’s not the cocktail that’s the problem, it’s the booze. Even small amounts of alcohol can lead to increased anxiety and a deregulated nervous system. No bueno.

Keeping calm and carrying on doesn’t need to be boring and there are some powerful herbs and adaptogens that can help you destress in a healthy way. Buh-bye hangxiety!

Pro-tip: Pour a chilled Curious No. 9 into a coupe and relax with a little help from California Poppy and South African Kanna.

TRUST YOUR GUT

Rather, trust what you’re feeding your gut not to disrupt its microbiome. An imbalance of bacteria can lead to all sorts of issues, including leaky gut, acid reflux, and nutrient deficiencies. From intestinal inflammation to decreased immunity, alcohol disrupts the homeostasis of our gut leaving it unhappy and ready to cause problems. 

Take a break from booze and you’ll see an improvement in digestion and build up your body’s natural defenses. There are studies linking everything from mental health to skin health directly to gut health! The importance of a happy belly cannot be overstated.

Pro-tip: Serve up a Curious No. 1 for a gut-punch in the best way. Gentian, bitter orange and fennel work together to aid digestion and bring balance while Rhodiola can help uplift your mood. 

CLEAR YOUR MIND

We’ve all experienced brain fog from time to time, but did you know that even weekly imbibing can lead to poor memory and lack of focus? That slow, cloudy feeling that follows a weekend of boozing isn’t as benign as you might think. Over time alcohol can begin to have adverse effects on the part of our brain that is responsible for concentration, learning, memory, and speech. 

Not to worry! Our brains are pretty remarkable, and after just a few weeks of sobriety they can begin to repair themselves, resulting in noticeable improvements. With more mental clarity we are able to concentrate on important tasks and complete them more quickly and efficiently.  

Pro-tip: Add Curious No. 3 to the rotation and enjoy the many benefits of ashwagandha, which can help with balancing brain chemistry.

REDUCE THE RISK OF CANCER

By now we’ve all heard the news that alcohol use can increase our risk for many different types of cancer. From oral and throat cancer to breast cancer and heart disease, alcohol has a bad reputation for increased risk among many doctors and researchers. Many countries across the globe are adopting a “no safe amount” when it comes to recommended alcohol guidelines. The U.S. could follow suit in 2025 with new guidelines due to be released sometime within the year. While everyone should consult with their own physician when it comes to health decisions, it’s safe to say that less is more when it comes to alcohol and its place in a healthy lifestyle. 

There are a million good reasons to drink less booze this year and no matter which one resonates with you, your body will thank you! 

Whether you’re taking a week off, a month off, or committing to a sober lifestyle indefinitely, you will absolutely feel and see the difference from head to toe.  

There’s more good news…delicious non-alcoholic options like Curious have roots, herbs, adaptogens and natural ingredients so you can drink something that will work for your body, not against it. Stay curious friends. 

Find more information, support, and all around guidance from Kristen Bear aka Creative Sobriety on her website

* These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not meant to replace professional medical advice. Curious Elixirs are not intended to treat or cure any disease. Please consult with health professionals before consuming ingredients new to your diet, especially if pregnant, lactating, or have a specific health condition. Nutritional and Ingredient information can be found on Curious Elixirs FAQ.