When it comes to being healthy, there are many approaches you can take. While some things are universal, other paths are better for some than others. If you are looking to get your body and mind in a better position and want to lose some weight for the summer, one of the best things you can do is to put a brake on drinking alcohol.
While alcohol can be a fun, social thing to partake in, it can also lead to dangerous decisions, disastrous health consequences, and, if you’re not careful, problems with alcohol addiction. Obviously, not everyone who drinks will succumb to alcoholism, but many people who drink can still be on the line for various health problems.
Some common health issues and risks associated with drinking alcohol include:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Liver failure
- Increased risk of cancer
- Increased risk of mental health problems like depression.
Along with these various health risks, it is important to also consider the situational risks that you can put yourself in – like increased risky behaviors such as getting behind the wheel after drinking or engaging in behavior that could potentially result in sexually transmitted diseases.
As you can see, there are numerous long- and short-term health risks associated with alcohol use. Moreover, there are many health benefits from not using alcohol and stopping consistent use of the substance.
Taking a break from using alcohol can be a great thing for your brain and body, let’s take a look at some of the numerous benefits that can occur from stopping alcohol use.
Benefits of Reducing or Stopping Alcohol Use
There is a long list of benefits associated with reducing alcohol intake or stopping altogether. Let’s look at a few things that curbing alcohol use can help with.
Weight Regulation – It is easy to overlook just how much alcohol can be contributing to weight gain. But it is something known to have numerous problems that can lead to weight gain as it can stop the body from burning fat and can lead to unhealthy food choices.
Improved Sleep – Some people think that because it is easier to fall asleep from using alcohol it is helping them sleep. But while the sedative effects of alcohol may help your initial onset of sleep, alcohol use NIH. It can also lead to daytime sleepiness the next day not to mention many problems that can occur if you begin to rely on alcohol for sleep and in doing so build a dependence.
Reduced Stress – Along with physical health attributes, reducing alcohol intake can also help with various aspects of your mental health, including reducing stress. As we have discussed previously, alcohol can lead to problems such as depression and anxiety, while some people may use the substance to help them relax – it is a depressant that can exacerbate these problems.
These are just a few of the many benefits associated with reduced alcohol use. Along with these, cutting back on alcohol will free up your time and allow you to focus on other things that can be productive or make you happier.
Tips for Reducing Alcohol Use
If you made it this far you may be thinking, “Well, this sounds great, but how do I get there?”
Giving up or reducing alcohol intake can be difficult for some. But, there are things you can do to encourage your commitment and help you get started.
Set a Specific Date – It can be easy to continuously put off your plan to take a break from alcohol, but if you go to your calendar and circle a specific date and tell yourself that is when you will make the change, it creates a concrete timeline for your plan and establishes a commitment to yourself to stick with your plan.
Tell People – If you plan to make a serious change like this, even if it is for a short period, it can be helpful to tell your friends and family. By telling people that you are planning to make a change, they can help hold you accountable and you personally may be more committed to your goal as you don’t want to go back on your word. Moreover, telling your loved ones about your plan may encourage them to join you in your journey.
Seek Professional Help – if you are in a troubling situation with alcohol, it needs to be taken seriously, and in some cases, you may want to seek out the help of an inpatient luxury rehab center like The Hope House to help you overcome alcohol and other substance abuse problems that may be present.
Overall, addressing your alcohol usage and potentially reducing or cutting your intake altogether may prove to have great benefits on your physical and mental health.