Reducing Alcohol Benefits

A very hot topic right now, with many different opinions, perspectives, personal stories and it's generally a very sensitive topic for many reasons. So I'm simply sharing why I have significantly reduced my alcohol intake and the benefits I have seen in my life. I'm not saying I'm completely sober, I feel it unnecessary to put that pressure on myself, I'm lucky that I've never had a problem with alcohol and I may wish to still celebrate occasions such as Christmas, friends weddings and so on. So here we go!

Positive Domino Effect

I have found not drinking is positively effecting all areas of my day and therefore life. I also realized that when I have had a drink, that then puts me in a negative domino effect, let me explain simply.

• Wake up early feeling fresh

• Great and deep sleep as I'm hydrated

• Hit the gym for a workout

• I'll eat healthy food focusing on protein

• I will be in a great mood

• This will create further positive habits throughout the day

Improved Sleep Quality

With more and more studies on sleep, it's becoming an absolutely integral part of life to ensure that you're getting quantity, but more importantly quality of hours you sleep. I personally use a Whoop, which tracks your sleep and I would recommend using some kind of device like that so you can see how many hours and how many restorative hours you're getting.

Not drinking alcohol ensures you have a better chance of deep sleep, as you're not dehydrated and you don't have the toxins circulating your body.

• Improved mental clarity

• Better mood

• More energy

• Body and muscles have time to recover

Enhanced Mental Clarity

You know that feeling when you wake up with brain fog because you've had a few drinks the night before, it's not nice is it? Less alcohol means fewer toxins effecting your brain.

I like being able to plan a hard task, a meeting or something and not have to worry about an event the night before that could effect my mental clarity or performance for that specific day.

• Sharper focus

• Better decision making

• Increased productivity

• Ability to think clearly

Better Physical Health

Reducing alcohol intake lowers the risk of developing chronic illnesses such as liver disease and high blood pressure. I have noticed a huge performance increase at the gym or even just on a hike, and as a very active individual this is motivating and the benefit of getting fitter outweight the benefits of drinking alcohol.

• More hydrated improves muscle recovery

• Improved heart function pumping blood round the body

• Lower resting heart rate

• Higher heart rate variability

Improved Social Connections

This was actually the biggest surprise to me, and biggest positive. I have connected with my friends who I have known for years on a much deep level with us both being sober and have conversations that go below the surface level.

• When you're sober you can tab into all of your mind and memory

• You are yourself with no influence from alcohol

• Build deeper relationships based on real, honest conversations

• More genuine and meaningful interactions