Many people like to have a drink or two once in a while after work, or during a dinner with friends. Nothing wrong there, right? When consumed moderately, alcohol is not normally a serious threat to our health. However, many North Americans unknowingly live with the repercussions of excessive drinking. If this is your case, the following article should be a source of motivation to correct the situation.
In recent years, people from all over the world have taken up the challenge of not drinking alcohol for the entire month of January. Called “Dry January”, this new trend brings many benefits to both the body and the mind. Here are 7 major ones:
- Decrease in caloric intake: a single glass of beer or wine represents about 150 calories, whose nutritional value is very low, if not nonexistent. Cutting alcohol therefore reduces the number of unnecessary calories that we absorb.
- Better hydration: alcohol dehydrates all of the body's organs. You will therefore be better hydrated by not consuming any. Among others, this will show in your skin, which will look and feel healthier.
- Better sleep: alcohol disrupts your sleep and causes you to wake up more often during the night, which makes it tough to rest properly. By avoiding this, you will be in better shape and have more energy in the morning. And as a bonus, no hangover!
- Stronger immune system: alcohol weakens our immune system and therefore reduces our resistance to infections and diseases.
- Better mood: its immediate effects (pleasure, relaxation, etc.) may be enjoyable, but know that alcohol is a depressant that can lead to serious disorders such as anxiety, irritability and depression.
- Better memory and better focus: you will have a clearer mind all day, which will allow you to make good decisions and be in full control of your life.
- More money in your pocket: obviously, being healthier is the main objective, but no one will be sorry to have more money in their bank account at the end of the month. Why not buy yourself a little something? You deserve it!
Finally, remember that changing a well-established habit isn't always easy, but that it's totally feasible. Just believe in yourself and take it one day at a time!
