TODAY

“Dry January” is under way, a month when millions of people voluntarily stop drinking alcohol and start the new year on a sober, clearer and healthier note.

If you’re asking why you should face the world without a sip of wine, beer or spirits for a month, there are some compelling health reasons to do it. Most people who try the challenge say they sleep better, have more energy and lose weight.

If you can’t totally abstain, try “dryish January” — a little more dry than the excesses of December. The goal is to consciously drink less even if you don’t give up alcohol altogether. See how it feels!

Follow the link to see why Dry January may be especially beneficial for women and tips on how to make it a success.

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Some of us start the new year with throbbing heads, grumbling stomachs and overall fuzzy feelings after year-end celebrations.

Is hoping for a quick hangover remedy useless?

There’s not a ton of research on hangovers but experts know that dehydration and inflammation work in tandem to create that icky, rundown feeling. Doctors say lots of water is one of the best ways to prevent or ease a hangover, while some people swear by sports drinks, pickle juice or a beverage with electrolytes like Pedialyte.

Follow the link to learn more about preventing and nursing a hangover.

Even when we know people’s names, why do we go for days without using them? By using someone’s name, you help them feel seen and acknowledged — and that’s an act of kindness. According to kindness.org’s research in collaboration with the University of Oxford, doing a kind act increases happiness, well-being, trust and compassion. And it can have the same powerful effect on those who receive the act. Try it, and put a smile on both your faces.