I ended 2014 with too much to eat and too much to drink. It was a most delicious meal with some of my favorite friends, and I think a good time was had by all. (In particular, I ended it with the above chocolate bourbon cake that one of those friends brought over. If I had to decide on the last food I would ever eat, this cake would be on the list for serious consideration.)

But at the end of the day, it’s all just too much. Yesterday, I kicked off my 10th annual Dry January, during which I do not drink at all* and pretty quickly notice the benefits: better sleep and better eating habits in particular. I hesitate to use the word “clean” to describe the feeling, because I don’t usually walk around feeling dirty, but it’s something like that.

This year, I’m trying to expand the idea to include a bunch of other things that I know I should be doing. More fresh air, less gluten… you can probably guess the whole list.  It’s a cliche — healthier in January — but I think it’s as good a time as any to make a start. I haven’t been feeling that well lately. I’m sluggish, stressed, and a little short-tempered. I think this will help.

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*Disclosure: my brother and his family are coming to Vermont for the first time EVER this month. Dry January will be suspended for their visit.