Since 2020, life as we know it has truly changed and so have our habits. But despite this, it might be the best time to give up those vices and implement healthier habits. Whether you’ve thought about doing a Dry January or an Ocsober - sober curious movements are not new. As the aforementioned Dry January comes to an end, you might realise you want to stay sober for a longer period of time.
And while it’s easy to deem this a trend, the road to sobriety and dealing with addiction is a serious matter. It’s important to acknowledge that while some people are doing this for health benefits, others are doing to save their lives. As this Vox article shares, “The movement may be controversial, in that it differs from the most widely accepted model of sobriety. It also overlaps with the wellness industry that is a $4.2 trillion market worldwide.”
Benefits of going sober
If you’re also thinking about giving up alcohol, it’s good to know the potential benefits and how it can positively impact your quality of life. As this Addiction Center article explains, “Drinking profoundly alters an individual’s mood, behavior, and neuropsychological functioning. For many people, alcohol consumption is a means of relaxation.”
There are a few different drinks you can try to replace your beloved gin and tonic, whiskey, or glass of wine. If you still need to feel relaxed and unwind from a long day, you can try CBD products as a substitute.
Giving up drinking can lead to better sleep. Most alcohol is loaded with sugar and while people feel like a nightcap helps them doze off, that’s not the reality. If you have fitness goals you want to reach, alcohol can impede your results in the gym.
Help alleviate your anxiety and depression
Along with better sleep, a healthier gut, and saving some money - alcohol can play a major role in fuelling anxiety or depression. As a result, I know many peers who gave up booze because it either interfered with their medication, added to their mental health struggles, or simply prevented them from pursuing activities that made them feel better.
Ultimately, doing a Dry January or Ocsober can help you examine your own drinking habits, whether it ranges from needing to cut down or you eliminate it altogether. In the midst of a pandemic, no one has the definitive answers on how to live well, but small steps and better habits make all the difference.
