Whether you prefer beer or wine — or if you’d rather visit your liquor cabinet for something on the rocks — a boozy drink can really hit the spot. However, it’s not exactly good for you. In fact, there are actually more benefits to not drinking. There’s no time like the present to learn how to quit drinking and why you should try it for yourself. You’ll soon see that the negative side effects will outweigh your reasons for grabbing a cold one after a long day.
Put Less Stress on Your Liver
Cirrhosis doesn’t even sound like a fun word, and it’s what can happen to your liver if you drink booze too excessively. Alcohol, even in small quantities, produces damaging liver enzymes that can stress out and cause damage to this vital organ. The more stressed your liver is, the harder it’ll be to get rid of nasty toxins in your body. Even taking just a little bit of time away from alcohol can restore your liver to normal levels, and isn’t that worth it all on its own?
Improve Your Sleep Quality
As a mom, there’s no way you’re getting the amount of quality sleep your body needs, and as much as that glass of wine after the kids go to bed sounds like a great idea, it can lead to a poor night’s rest. If you think the kids waking up at 6 a.m. is bad, the effect of alcohol on your sleep is even worse. Booze rudely disrupts your REM sleep and natural circadian rhythm, so you won’t be getting that restorative sleep you really need.
Elevate Your Energy Levels
Raise your hand if you get tired when you drink! It’s no coincidence. Alcohol actually depletes your body’s supply of B vitamins — you know, those vitamins that keep you energized throughout the day. You’ll feel tired more quickly because of alcohol, and when your schedule is full of errands and activities for your kids, it’s crucial to maintain your energy.
Drop the LBs
Have you ever wondered why you have so much trouble rocking a summer body? Well, if you drink regularly, that could be the culprit. Alcohol can be high in calories and sugar, so if you abandon the booze, you may start losing those pesky extra pounds. Plus, when you start losing weight, you will probably feel more motivated to work out and eat healthier, which are two other things that can help you in your weight loss quest.
Sport Soft and Supple Skin
The last thing you ever want to do is look older than you actually are. Sure, genetics play a role, but did you know that your booze consumption may be contributing to your dry and tired skin? If that isn’t one of the biggest motivators to drop the habit, then we don’t know what is. Here’s how it works: Alcohol is dehydrating, which contributes to dull skin that has lost its natural plumpness. In effect, it makes your skin look older.
So there you have it. Five real reasons you should abandon booze for good to get you on your way to a healthier body and mind!
Featured image:
Image via Flickr by aqua.mech
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
