New year, new you. Sound familiar?
The gyms are packed, diet routines are put in place and the purging of useless habits begin. This is what a typical January looks like. For January 2022, I want to challenge you from the norm and step outside your vodka infused comfort zone. Take a walk on the wild side and start January 2022 sans alcohol. That’s right––sober.
With mental health and wellness being at the forefront of society, sobriety has taken a backseat. Today it is the norm to take yoga classes, meditation classes and self-development workshops, yet most people disregard the substances that we put in our body and how they affect our mental and physical health. Alcohol is essentially poison, yet its marketed and packaged to be this sexy, viable tool to deal with every situation life brings––the good the bad the ugly, alcohol is the answer.
I found myself drinking on all occasions. I needed alcohol to have a good time, to drown my sorrows or to be the bubbly outgoing person I always wanted to be. The list goes on.
It’s a rebellious act to not drink and be sober, but it doesn’t have to be. In my journey to sobriety, the pros have definitely out weighted the cons. Sobriety has proven to be the ultimate form of self care and wellness.
Here are five reasons you should be sober for January 2022.
You’ll be more rested.
You may think you need that lil’ nightcap to help you drift off, but in reality, you end up in the less restful, REM state (Rapid Eye Movement, not the band). Being in this sleep state leaves you tired in the morning, no matter how long you have slept for.
Cutting out alcohol and going to bed sober increases the time you have in the deep sleep zone. When you’re sober, your body is restored and your mind refreshed. Your brain is able to operate at it’s proper speed. Your body has the chance to properly restore its muscles, and you start dreaming again.
Ultimately you will be more rested and ready to rock and roll.
You’ll look better.
Turning down the hooch does a body good. Alcohol dehydrates your body and promotes inflammation. Not drinking helps your skin recover and your body can absorb more vitamin A, increasing cell turnover and keeps your skin looking healthier and younger.
Alcohol is a poison, plugging numerous toxins into your system. When you’re sober, your skin naturally becomes healthier. When I was drinking, the skin on my face was very dehydrated and had a reddish tint.
Within a month of getting sober, I noticed huge changes in my appearance. My skin began to look healthy and vibrant, simply by not drinking. Alcohol really takes a toll on your liver and kidneys. By giving your body a break this month and staying sober, you will be glowing from the inside out.
You’ll be rich.
Ok, maybe not rich per say, but you will definitely have more dinero. Think about how much you spend a night, a week, a month on alcohol. Drinks with friends, drinks with dinner, bottomless mimosas at brunch, bottles of wine at home with your cats. You get it. The average drinker spends around $75-$100 a week.
In a month you could save $400 on booze. Instead of emptying your bank account regularly and having nothing to show for it, you can now spend your money gaining meaningful experiences with people you care about.
You can also skip the botox with your healthy, hydrated, non-alcohol consuming skin.
You’ll be less moody
Alcohol is a depressant. It may not feel that way when you’re doing body shots off the hot bartender. However, those dreaded hangover blues are not cute. The effect alcohol has on your brain chemistry can cause anxiety, depression and mood swings like no other.
Removing alcohol from the equation will also improve your physical health, which will make you feel better mentally as well. Having a clear mind and feeling good physically makes conditions, such as depression and anxiety more manageable.
Mental health issues do not go away or get better when you add alcohol into the mix. In fact it can take a toll on your mental health and make it worst. Think: Bradley Cooper in A Star is Born.
If you have any signs of depression or have suicidal thoughts please reach out to someone you trust. There are resources such as therapists, life coaches, support groups that are there for you. You are not alone.
It’ll change your POV
Not drinking changes your perspective of everything around you. Do your relationships revolve around cocktail hour? Can you only communicate your feelings when you are intoxicated?
Your point of view regarding your relationships is the biggest benefit from being sober. You will really see who your ride or die friends are when alcohol is out of the picture. Don’t get discouraged. A lot of change will happen, people will come and go, but those who matter don’t mind and those who mind, don’t matter.
There are so many other things to do on a weekend that don’t involve a bottle and a massive hangover the next day. Do you want to be in bed hungover, eating a greasy cheeseburger with the AC turned up to max, while sweating out vodka or would you rather have a healthy, delicious brunch after a fantastic hike through the canyons and sliding into your new skinny jeans and cute boots while getting whiffs of your favorite perfume?
You are one decision away from a completely different life.
