Uncorking the wine bottle or having a few beers is the way that many people “unwind”. While this seems like a great way to relax after a long day it is not the healthiest for you or your body. In fact consuming alcohol in abundance or on a daily basis can have some detrimental affects on your body. Not only does alcohol dull the senses, impair judgement, and create a nasty hangover the next morning; it can also wreak havoc on your organs, cause weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, and in extreme cases cancer and severe liver damage.
All of these are reason enough to take a break from drinking but there are also great benefits to taking a hiatus from drinking.
Here are 5 great reasons to say no to alcohol:
Feeling better overall - While it may be hard to cut out booze initially, the over all feeling that you will have after completely detoxing from alcohol will be invigorating. You will be sharper, energized, and ready to be productive during the day.
You will look better - Alcohol can accelerate the aging process by producing free radicals in ones body, creating puffy swollen skin, and redness. When you cut back your skin will be more hydrated, even, and healthy.
Save Money - Alcohol is expensive, a person can spend anywhere from $50-$200 a week on alcohol. Just think of all of the money you will save each week if you are not spending it on drinking.
Weight loss - Just by forgoing the 120 calorie glass of wine or beer you are actively choosing your calories wiser. Shedding weight will be much easier without the empty calories and late night beer munchies.
Better Sleep - While it might feel like you get good sleep when drinking that is not the reality. Sleeping patterns are disrupted when you drink and it makes it harder to get the REM that you need. Drifting off to sleep naturally will allow for a much better night’s rest without disrupting sleep cycles and causing alcohol induced insomnia. You will wake up rested and ready to take on the day.
For some it may not be feasible to completely cut out the alcohol but a month long break might be exactly what you need to do a hard reset for your health and reap the benefits of not drinking.
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Valerie Morrison
Author