Dry January May Be Here to Stay and Here is Why…
In today’s culture, alcohol is often synonymous with socializing, celebrations, and relaxation. However, more people are choosing to go alcohol-free and discovering the significant benefits it has on their physical and mental health. Whether you’re looking to improve your overall well-being, achieve fitness goals, or simply feel better, ditching alcohol could be a game-changer. Here are a couple of reasons to ditch alcohol…
Better Sleep:
When you cut out alcohol, REM sleep increases and melatonin production becomes normal again; here is why:
Alcohol can disrupt your sleep quality by reducing the amount of time you are in REM sleep, which can make you feel less refreshed as you wake up.
Alcohol also disrupts the production of melatonin in your body, which is a natural hormone that kicks in once the sun sets to help you sleep.
2. Improved Physical Fitness
Your motivation, energy, liver function, immune functions, and other bodily functions increase when you cut out alcohol; here is why:
Not only does alcohol decrease your motivation to exercise from the hangover, it also decreases your body’s ability to process adenosine triphosphate, the primary energy source for your cells.
Alcohol can also decrease testosterone production in men and decrease muscle growth in men and women, giving you a disadvantage to muscle growth and repair.
3. Lower Anxiety
Ever notice the “Sunday scaries”? Well, that is because alcohol is a depressant—self-explanatory.
Although alcohol may initially create a temporary sense of relaxation by influencing the brain's GABA neurotransmitter, excessive consumption can deplete this chemical, leading to rebound anxiety, heightened stress, and disrupted sleep patterns.
Over time, this can worsen anxiety symptoms, as the body becomes dependent on alcohol to achieve a state of calm, causing significant challenges when its effects wear off.
4. Increase Mental Clarity
Like in reason #3, alcohol can affect brain function, making it harder for the brain to control balance, memory, speech, and judgment.
Even moderate amounts of alcohol can cause shrinkage of the hippocampus, the part of the brain that controls memory and learning.
Cutting back from high-risk to low-risk drinking can improve brain volume, similar to abstaining from alcohol completely.
5. Save Money
If nothing else sold you before… think of your wallet! A cocktail costs about $15. Multiply that by three, and you are already throwing away $45 in one sitting.
Even cutting back will save you a huge chunk of change.
Save money that can be used for other priorities, like healthy food, gym memberships, or experiences.
Tips to get started
If you’re considering cutting out alcohol, here are some tips to make the transition easier:
Start with a trial period, like Dry January or Sober October.
Explore non-alcoholic drink options, such as sparkling water, mocktails, or herbal teas.
Be prepared for social situations with a plan or a supportive friend.
Focus on your “why” and celebrate your progress.
