Understanding the Impact Alcohol is Having on You

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, many women turn to alcohol as a way to unwind and relieve stress. However, what might seem like a quick fix can actually have the opposite effect. Drinking alcohol to alleviate stress often leads to increased anxiety and discomfort the following day, creating a cycle that's hard to break. Understanding the real impact of alcohol on our bodies and minds is the first step towards making healthier choices.

Going through a break-up, separation or divorce? Drinking during an extremely stressful period of your life will only make your life 10 times harder.

Not to also forget, alcohol can cause dementia (Alcohol and Drug Foundation, 2021) and is a "Group 1 carcinogen which causes female breast cancers (Cancer Australia, 2015)."

The Vicious Cycle of Alcohol and Anxiety:

Alcohol initially acts as a depressant, providing a temporary feeling of relaxation. However, as it metabolises, it can lead to a rebound effect, increasing anxiety and disrupting sleep. This cycle can make stress and anxiety worse, rather than better.

Five Ways to Reduce Alcohol Consumption

1. Find Healthier Stress Relievers

• Replace with Sweet Treats and Mineral Water: Instead of reaching for a glass of wine, try satisfying your cravings with a sweet treat or a refreshing mineral water. Though you may think having a sweet treat is not a good replacement, it takes a good 10 years for unhealthy eating habits to have a serious negative impact on your health. Alcohol has an immediate negative impact on your health. These alternatives can help you break the habit of using alcohol as a go-to for stress relief.

• Incorporate Relaxation Techniques: Practices like yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises can help manage stress without the negative side effects of alcohol.

2. Set Clear Goals and Limits

• Define Your Intake Limits: Set a goal for how many drinks you will have per week and stick to it. Keeping a diary of your drinking can help you stay accountable.

• Plan Alcohol-Free Days: Designate specific days of the week as alcohol-free. This can help reduce your overall consumption and break the habit of daily drinking.

3. Create a Support System

• Talk to Friends and Family: Share your goals with those close to you. Having a support system can provide encouragement and accountability.

• Join a Support Group: Consider joining a local or online group where you can share experiences and strategies with others who are also working to reduce their alcohol consumption.

4. Find New Social Activities

• Engage in Alcohol-Free Events: Seek out social events and activities that do not revolve around alcohol. This could include fitness classes, book clubs, art classes or fishing (I want to start taking the 4 year old fishing soon). Becoming alcohol-free gives you SO MUCH TIME BACK.

• Host Alcohol-Free Gatherings: When hosting friends, offer a variety of non-alcoholic beverages and encourage activities that don’t centre around drinking.

5. Educate Yourself on the Benefits

• Understand the Health Benefits: Reducing alcohol intake can lead to improved mental clarity, better sleep, and a stronger immune system. Reminding yourself of these benefits can motivate you to make healthier choices. I am over a year sober now and I sleep all night. I would sleep terribly when I was drinking.

• Track Your Progress: Keep a journal of your journey towards reducing alcohol. Note any positive changes in your mood, energy levels, and overall well-being.

Reducing alcohol consumption is not just about cutting back; it's about replacing old habits with new, healthier ones. By understanding the true effects of alcohol and implementing these strategies, you can take significant steps towards a healthier, happier you. Remember, it's not about depriving yourself but about enriching your life with healthier alternatives.

Cancer Australia, 2015, https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/resources/position-statements/lifestyle-risk-factors-and-primary-prevention-cancer/lifestyle-risk-factors/alcohol

Alcohol and Drug Foundation, 1 June 2021, https://adf.org.au/insights/dementia-alcohol-connection/