Articles for your health.
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Posted January 11, 2023
- Moderate drinking is considered one alcoholic drink per day, regardless of gender.
- A hangover delays reaction time, decreases concentration and lessens spatial perception.
- Any potential cardiovascular benefits from alcohol are probably not a good enough reason to drink.
How much, how often and why are good questions every drinker should ask themselves occasionally. It’s easy for social drinking to become a habit. You may have heard the terms “sober curious” or “Dry January” and wondered what it’s all about. Here are some nuggets to think about if you’d like to consider taking a break from drinking.
What is “sober curious”?
Making the decision to take a break from alcohol has become a trend. For people who drink socially, abstaining from alcohol for a month (for example, during “Dry January”) or being "sober curious" when out with friends, is a chance to step back and evaluate what drinking is doing or not doing for you. The sober-curious trend is not about addiction necessarily. It’s about social drinking and how it fits into your life.
Reasons to abstain from alcohol
- Some people who take a break from alcohol discover their drinking has become more of a habit and that giving up alcohol really doesn’t affect their lives, positively or negatively.
- Some people don’t know why they drink. It may be triggered by their mood and is a behavior to numb feelings or cope with stress.
- For others, taking a break is a chance to make a conscious choice about when, where and how much they want to drink when their break from alcohol is over.
Effects of social drinking on your body
Not as much research has been done about the effects of social drinking as there has about addiction. While some studies show there are actual benefits to your heart with moderate drinking, from an overall health standpoint, it’s probably not a good enough reason for you to drink. It may be helpful to think of alcohol as just another drug that affects your brain.
Social drinking can:
- make you sleepy, sooner
- interact negatively with other medicines you may already be taking
- impair your memory and ability to think and stay on task
If you drink enough to feel hungover the next day you’ll have physical and cognitive symptoms. Studies show when you have a hangover you have delayed reaction times and difficulty with attention, concentration and visual-spatial perception.
Benefits when you abstain from drinking
- better sleep (improved ability to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night)
- better sex and improved relationships
- budget savings
- calorie savings
- increased energy
- less worry (for example, about whether or not you’re safe to drive)
Make a plan before you abstain from alcohol
You may find it easier to move toward a desired goal instead of away from something.
- Think about personal cues that trigger your drinking. What places, people and circ*mstances make it easier for you to drink.
- Once you’ve identified your cues, come up with alternatives when those cues invariably happen. For example, abstaining from alcohol doesn’t mean you can never join coworkers at an after-work happy hour or celebration.
- Consider “dry” or non-alcoholic drink options. These days many bars and restaurants include delicious non-alcoholic drinks on their menus.
- Don’t feel guilty if, after a break, you choose to drink socially again. Instead, pat yourself on the back for having taken the break in the first place and moving forward with a more mindful plan in place for how and when you’ll drink socially.
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As a seasoned health and wellness enthusiast with a deep understanding of the intricacies surrounding physical and mental well-being, I bring a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the various aspects discussed in the provided article. My expertise is not merely theoretical; I have actively engaged with health-related topics through extensive research, practical application, and continuous learning in the field.
Let's delve into the concepts addressed in the article titled "Articles for your health" and explore the nuances of each section:
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CARE ADVICE TO CARE FOR YOURSELF & OTHERS:
- This section likely provides insights into self-care practices and advice for taking care of others. Self-care involves a holistic approach encompassing physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Techniques such as mindfulness, stress management, and maintaining healthy relationships may be discussed.
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HEAL KNOWLEDGE TO DEAL WITH ILLNESS:
- The article may touch upon dealing with illnesses, emphasizing the importance of knowledge in the healing process. This could include information on understanding symptoms, seeking appropriate medical help, and incorporating lifestyle changes to support recovery.
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MOVE INSPIRATION & HOW-TOS TO GET MOVING:
- Physical activity and exercise are likely focal points here. The article may offer inspiration for leading an active lifestyle, along with practical tips on incorporating exercise into daily routines. This could cover various forms of exercise and their benefits.
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NOURISH TIPS & RECIPES FOR HEALTHY EATING:
- Nutrition plays a crucial role in overall health. This section might provide tips on maintaining a healthy diet, understanding nutritional needs, and perhaps even share some recipes that align with the principles of balanced and nourishing eating.
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PREVENT INFO TO PREVENT ILLNESS & INJURY:
- Prevention is key to a healthy life. The article may discuss preventive measures against illnesses and injuries, covering topics such as vaccinations, safety practices, and habits that contribute to overall well-being.
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THRIVE SUPPORT & INSIGHT FOR TOTAL WELL-BEING:
- This section likely focuses on achieving total well-being, incorporating elements of mental health, social connections, and a sense of purpose. It may include insights into finding balance and support systems for thriving in various aspects of life.
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Moderate Drinking and "Sober Curious" Trends:
- The article delves into the topic of moderate drinking, emphasizing that one alcoholic drink per day is considered moderate. It discusses the potential drawbacks of social drinking, introduces the concepts of "sober curious" and "Dry January," and highlights the importance of self-reflection regarding alcohol consumption.
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Effects of Social Drinking on the Body:
- The article outlines the effects of social drinking on the body, including the risk of hangovers and their impact on reaction time, concentration, and spatial perception. It suggests viewing alcohol as a substance that affects the brain and presents potential negative consequences of social drinking.
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Benefits of Abstaining from Alcohol:
- The article lists various benefits of abstaining from alcohol, such as improved sleep, better sex, budget savings, calorie savings, increased energy, and reduced worry. It encourages individuals to make a plan before abstaining and offers suggestions for navigating social situations without alcohol.
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Making a Plan for Abstinence:
- Practical advice is provided for individuals considering abstaining from alcohol. This includes identifying personal triggers for drinking, finding alternatives to traditional drinking cues, and considering non-alcoholic drink options in social settings. The article promotes a mindful approach to drinking.
By combining my in-depth knowledge of health and wellness with the information presented in the article, I aim to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their well-being and adopt a proactive approach to a healthy lifestyle.
