What I Learned Taking a Month Break from Alcohol
Many studies have shown that going alcohol-free for a month has positive impacts on one’s physical and mental health. Here’s what I’ve found:
Alcohol severely dehydrates all the organs of your body, so reducing your alcohol intake actually helps you to stay better hydrated.
Better sleep. People mistakenly believe they’ll sleep better if they have a few glasses. They might indeed fall asleep faster, but they won’t sleep well. Alcohol disrupts REM sleep cycles, even among occasional drinkers.
Weight loss. Reducing your alcohol intake diminishes your calorie intake, which can help with weight loss. One glass of beer or wine yields approximately 150 calories. Add all those glasses taken during the week, and the end tally of absorbed “empty” calories can be impressive.
You avoid hangovers, which is fantastic, because you wake up feeling fresh and ready to tackle the day.
Women who are trying to get pregnant increase their chances of success.
More time to undertake projects. Going without alcohol for a whole month shows you can undertake a tough challenge. This is the kind of energy you can surf on to take on other projects!
Have you heard of hangxiety? Hangover-related anxiety — is a significant increase in anxiety experienced the day after drinking. You avoid this completely!
You remember what you did yesterday, so you’ve got fewer chances of having bad surprises!
You look more youthful! Your skin looks better, more radiant and firm. People report their eyes look brighter too.
More money in your pockets. Alcohol is expensive!
You gain a better understanding of your alcohol consumption. This allows us to make a choice of the role we want alcohol to play in our lives.
After a whole month without any alcohol, you might be inclined to extend your break. I did! 30 days turned into 90, then a 6 month goal and I kept going. If you’d been questioning your alcohol intake, take a break and see how you feel. If you don’t know where to begin I’d be happy to help friend.