Sober October, Wineless Wednesdays, and No Alcohol November may sound like silly catchphrases, but there is much behind these sobriety-celebrating movements. Giving up alcohol for November can put you in a clearer frame of mind for the holiday season and help you jumpstart a few New Year’s resolutions. Here are several benefits that come from committing to a month of sobriety this November.
Feel Better
Alcohol is a toxin, and when you drink excessively, your body has to work harder to process it. Those who drink too much push their liver to its full capacity. Your brain rushes to maintain balance as your heartbeat increases to fuel your body’s efforts. On the other hand, those who don’t drink often have healthier systems.
Without toxic chemicals to fight off, your body can focus on functioning at a higher level. Drinking is also bad for your mental health. For example, you may make decisions that you later regret when you are drunk. Following binge drinking, people often feel feelings of guilt and shame. This can undermine your emotional health. If you don’t drink, you don’t have to deal with the guilt and physical consequences of overdoing it.
Look Younger!
Frequent alcohol use often ages your appearance. Alcohol dehydrates the body, making your skin less elastic. Also, alcohol inflames certain body tissues.
This causes the red flush that often accompanies drinking. For most people, the flush goes away once they have metabolized the alcohol. However, with repeated alcohol consumption, the damage can become permanent.
Alcohol use also inhibits the production of collagen, leaving your face with a saggy appearance. No Alcohol November could help you look and feel younger for the holidays!
Save Money
With Christmas around the corner, November is a time when people typically save every extra penny. If you give up drinking for the month, you could put the money you save towards the holidays or get a jump start on your financial goals for next year. If you currently drink every day, think about how much money you will save over time by giving it up for a month or more.
Lose Weight
Alcohol has tons of calories that can go right to your waist and other areas you would prefer not to expand. Your body processes alcohol as sugar, which converts to fat. Excess alcohol use can contribute to obesity. Conversely, giving it up for one month in No Alcohol November may help you drop a few pounds.
Try Out New Activities
When you depend on alcohol for entertainment, it leaves little time for other interests. Recovery from alcohol addiction can also take up valuable months or years of your life. With the time that you get back in November, consider finding a new hobby.
Healthy habits to develop include:
- Exercise
- Nutritious cooking
- Painting or writing
- Journaling
- Meditating
- Taking a class or pursuing further education
Make Amends
Drinking alcohol loosens your inhibitions. This can cause a problem if you do something you regret. Heavy drinkers do tend to regret their actions once they become sober. Use No Alcohol November to refocus your energy on the things that are important to you. For instance, you can make amends to anyone that you’ve hurt as a result of poor drinking decisions.
Consider Alcohol Addiction Detox
If alcohol has taken over more of your life than you like, it may be time to consider alcohol addiction detox. This is a great way to practice No Alcohol November and to regain control of your life. When you quit drinking, you take an important step in changing your life for the better. It makes sense to explore your options.