Researchers say it takes 66 days to make or break a habit. In terms of sobriety, I'm not necessarily sure that this idea is applicable. As I approached 2020, I promised myself I would make the choice to participate in Dry January in hopes of achieving a healthier lifestyle. I have nothing but respect for those who can push through these 31 days without even a sip of alcohol, though as a college student smack in the middle of syllabus week, I'm finding this idea to be rather challenging. Instead of participating in a traditional Dry January, I've created my own modifications to get through the month by drinking as little as possible.

When imposing any type of restriction on my lifestyle, I am the type of person to indulge in excess when my restrictions are lifted. This has applied to my life in terms of drinking, dieting and a plethora of other circumstances. It is because of this that I realized something major — if I do, in fact, complete Dry January, I am likely to make up for the lost time and drink more than usual by the time February 1 rolls around. In order to make this work for me as best as possible, I have limited myself to only drinking for one night — on a weekend.

SEE ALSO: 13 Reasons Going Sober For A Month (Or Forever) Is The Healthiest Decision You'll Make In 2020

Though I am only eight days into my journey, I practiced my plan this past weekend, and it is a habit that I hope to continue beyond January. This is not to say that I will only drink once a week for the rest of my life, but as a student, this course of action has already helped me gain the mental clarity and focus that I need to have a strong, successful quarter. As Dry January may not specifically be tailored to my lifestyle, I am proud to watch my friends participating in this challenge work hard on their personal journeys.