After the excess of the festive season many people are kicking 2024 off with a resolve to cut alcohol for at least a month – AKA Dry January.
Yup, with a slew of resolutions trending on social media and the sober-curious movement gaining momentum, you’ve likely heard the hype around this top wellness experiment that resurfaces every year, and with good reason.
Have your “moderate…ish” drinking turned into a little more over the festive season? What is your relationship with booze? Here’s the thing, there’s a danger to being blasé about drinking alcohol and its effects. Fact is, alcohol is a drug. When it is used or abused, your body pays the price.
Not to freak you out, but having a few drinks every day may be just as harmful as excessive binge drinking. Alcohol is linked to more than sixty health conditions including liver disease, high blood pressure, depression and seven types of cancer. Aside from the serious dangers, there are also several not-so-pleasant effects such as lousy moods, crazy sugar cravings, excess calories, liver fat, poor sleeping habits, dry skin and foggy concentration. No wonder you might be feeling less than stellar after the recent festivities!
The good news is whether you want to clean up your act or you’re trying to nip a potential issue in the butt, even a short break from booze can transform both mind and body.
Here’s what you can expect after a month without alcohol:
- You will lose weight. Alcohol is one of the biggest drivers of overeating. One Margarita contains 300 calories or more! Enough said.
- You’ll be glowing. It’s hard to disguise a puffy face and a hangover bloat! Alcohol decreases the body’s production of an anti-diuretic hormone, which helps the body to reabsorb water. (Less water in the body equals dull, lifeless skin.)
- You’ll sleep better and have more energy. Alcohol may help you to fall asleep quicker , but seriously screws with quality of sleep. Studies show that even 1 drink reduces your REM cycles from 6 cycles a night to two and fragments sleep, leaving you exhausted, and your brain undernourished.
- Better sex. Contrary to popular belief, sex isn’t better when you’re buzzed. Alcohol dulls your senses – all of your senses.
- Your risk of contracting cancer decreases. According to the National Cancer Institute, alcohol use has been linked to an increased risk for cancers of the mouth, liver, colon and rectum.
- Your immune system will get stronger enabling you to fight off seasonal illnesses.
- You’ll save money and be able to drive yourself home from parties. No more Uber!
The real magic happens when Dry January is over. Being alcohol-free for 31 days shows us that we don’t need alcohol to have fun, to relax, or to socialize.
Now is the time to “sample” sobriety without being overwhelmed by the concept of skipping alcohol forever.
New year, new you, right?
Source: verywellmind.com, relbuzz.com, euphoricaf.com, scoopwoop.com, hellosundaymorning.org, sober-bliss.com, health24.com, byrdie.com, thesoberschool.com, drinkaware.co.uk, Fairlady magazine, January 2018 issue, webmd-boots.com, womanshelathmag.com, prevention.com, womanshealthmag.co.uk, today.com, summithealth.com, alcoholchange.co.uk, womenshealthmag.com, goodhousekeeping.com, sheknows.com
