In this episode of the Shannanigans with Shreya podcast, we discuss the popular trends of Veganuary and Dry January (tis the season!), exploring their scientific basis and societal implications. The conversation emphasizes personal choice in lifestyle changes and the significance of awareness in making informed decisions about health and sustainability.

Resources:

Neuroscience fact of the day

https://neurosciencenews.com/anxiety-neurodevelopment-screen-time-30079/

Dry January

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dry-january-1-month-no-alcohol-difference-health-study#Just-1-month-of-no-alcohol-offers-many-benefits

https://www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/dry-january-alcohol-biological-ageing

https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2026/01/dry-january-as-an-experiment-not-a-punishment/

https://www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2026/0102/1342359-how-to-make-dry-january-a-success/

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/health/wellness/dry-january-benefits-drawbacks

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/02/well/eat/dry-january-health-benefits.html

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4684010/

https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/01/dry-january-moderate-drinking-research/

https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/should-you-do-dry-january-experts-weigh-in.h00-159703068.html

Veganuary:

https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg24532630-500-going-vegan-for-january-find-out-how-much-difference-it-really-makes/

https://veganuary.com/statistics-show-the-positive-impact-of-trying-vegan-this-january/

https://yougov.co.uk/consumer/articles/53780-how-many-people-intend-to-go-vegan-for-january-2026

https://daily27.info/2026/01/05/starting-the-year-plant-based-the-positive-effects-of-veganuary/

https://www.today.com/health/diet-fitness/what-is-veganuary-rcna126971

https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/food/a63390558/veganuary-study/

https://www.iswari.com/en/blog/p/veganuary-1-vegan-month-that-will-change-your-life

https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Veganuary.aspx

https://primarycare24.org.uk/news/2024/12/29/dry-january-veganuary-2025/