Taking a break from alcohol can positively impact your health in the short and long term. A recent study found that people who went teetotal for a month saw significant benefits, including weight loss and lower blood pressure.
The key to a successful Dry January is to have a clear plan and make it realistic. If you’re having trouble with drinking, it may be a sign of a more serious issue that should be addressed by a healthcare professional.
You’ll Sleep Better
Alcohol can interfere with sleep quality, so a break from drinking can help you to fall asleep more quickly and stay asleep longer.
One of the most common problems people have with a night of drinking is that their sleep is fitful, meaning they wake up regularly and don’t get the kind of deep, restorative sleep their body needs to recharge.
In addition to disrupting sleep, heavy drinking can lead to high blood pressure, liver damage, and cancer. Studies have shown that a month of dryness can reduce those risks even for light drinkers.
One of the benefits of dry January is that it can also encourage you to develop new habits that will improve your sleep. You’ll be more likely to go to bed simultaneously each night, and you might start making healthier food choices.
Another benefit of not drinking is that you’ll be more hydrated, improving your overall health and lowering your risk of ailments, including high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. You’ll also find that you’re more focused, making it easier to do your work and maintain healthy relationships.
You’ll also enjoy more time with your family, which is good news for everyone. If you’ve always found that drinking has been a barrier to spending more time with your loved ones, a break from drinking can be a way to start repairing those relationships and reconnecting with those close to you.
You’ll Feel More Energetic
It’s no secret that alcohol impairs our bodies’ natural energy levels and can prevent us from getting enough sleep. This is because it disrupts the production of dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters that play a role in mood regulation and natural energy production.
If you always feel tired, then taking a break from drinking for a while could solve your problem. When you stop drinking, your body starts producing more energy naturally, and the lack of alcohol in your system will help your metabolism work at its best.
You’ll be able to focus better on your work or other activities because you won’t have the same energy dips that can happen after drinking. You’ll also be able to get more done in a day.
A good night’s sleep is essential for a well-functioning mind and body. Not only that, but a good night’s sleep can also improve your mood and self-esteem.
Another benefit of taking a break from drinking is that it can help you lose weight. You may notice that you have more energy, and your waistline is less bloated. This is because alcohol is packed with empty calories that can contribute to weight gain.
You’ll Save Money
Taking a break from alcohol can help you save money in several ways. You’ll avoid the extra costs of drinking at home or when you go out, which can add up to a few hundred dollars a week depending on how much you drink and your drinks of choice.
You can also put those savings towards something meaningful, like a new car, clothes, or a trip to the beach. You can even use the funds you save to try things you’ve always wanted, like scuba diving, paragliding, or front-row concert seats.
The best way to fight the urge to drink is to get in touch with your habits and routines and make them conscious. This will make it easier to spot when you’re tempted to drink and make an alternative plan.
In addition, you can reduce your stress levels by abstaining from alcohol. Alcohol causes a release of the stress hormones cortisol and noradrenaline. These chemicals can trigger your body to react uptightly, leading to anxiety and mood swings.
However, when you give your body a break from drinking, those stress hormones will be released more slowly, and your brain can take time to process them. This means you’ll feel calmer overall and less anxious.
You’ll Be a Better Role Model
Taking a break from alcohol may be one of the most important steps toward living a healthier, happier life. You can do this by cutting down on your drinking, avoiding excessively overindulging in alcohol, or simply abstaining altogether.
The best way to achieve this is to look at your overall drinking and ask yourself whether you need to make any changes. If you need to cut down on your drinking, then you should first check out our website, where you can find a list of licensed professionals who can provide you with the help you need.
Another benefit of taking a break from alcohol is has more energy to spend on other things. This can include catching up with friends over brunch, exercising, or lifting your mood by walking in your local park.
Aside from having more energy, you’ll also enjoy better sleep quality. Drinking can interfere with your sleeping pattern and cause you to wake up earlier than you normally would. This can result in a lack of sleep, which means you’ll be tired and grumpy the morning after.
If you take a break from alcohol, you can re-evaluate your relationship with alcohol and understand what motivates you to drink. The insights you gain can help you make more informed decisions moving forward and develop healthier habits supporting your recovery.
You’ll also be a better role model for your kids.