Sober October, Some do, Some don’t, I did.

From a health perspective, yes, so many benefits, but let’s leave those for a moment, there is another side to “Sober October” that people don’t tell you about. The social element; honestly, people say the strangest things when you tell them you are not drinking.

You arrive at a party, and asked: “what would you like to drink?” Me “oh, something non-alcoholic?”  You are immediately met with a raised eyebrow; “ah no, it’s a party, you can have one” I don’t want one, I am not drinking. Sweet Jesus, it is like the Spanish Inquisition. Then you are handed water or Orange Juice.  I am not 6. You spend the entire evening justifying why you are not drinking. People think you are missing out on the party, I don’t feel I am missing out on anything except tomorrow’s hangover.  It does not bother me in any shape or form whether I drink or not, but what I found was that it bothers other people hugely. 

As the party gets underway, drinks are flowing, and people start asking why you are not drinking, “ were you drinking too much?” I smile, I find it ironic, they are asking if was I drinking too much, but here they are slurring their words, getting sloppy and indirectly asking me did I have a problem. Interesting. Alcohol is the only drug in the world that you have to justify not taking.  It is exhausting. Maybe it is an Irish thing? I don’t know.  Now I just tell people I am on antibiotics, which seems easier for them to comprehend.  They seem to prefer that I am battling an infection to not drinking alcohol. Funnily, they never quiz me about my infection.    

We are socially wired to think it is a reward, a coping mechanism for a bad day etc. It is the norm; but is it? Why does a large cohort of people believe that if you are not drinking at the party you are either a bore or can’t be enjoying yourself?  Did they ever think they might be the bore? 

Let’s look at it from a health perspective.  Giving your body a break from alcohol for even one month has incredible health benefits.

  • Your quality of sleep will increase

  • Your mood + levels of concentration will improve

  • You’ll be better hydrated, leading to a whole host of benefits, the skin will feel more radiant, and dark circles around your eyes will lessen.

  • Alcohol is proven to hinder the part of your brain that deals with memory, this will get better!

  • Alcohol slows your metabolism, making it harder for the body to process fats + sugar

  • Symptoms such as indigestion + acid reflux can be caused by alcohol irritating your digestive system.

  • Your body will be better able to absorb nutrients and store vitamins + minerals

  • You’ll reduce your blood pressure. High blood pressure is linked to alcohol consumption, and this is known to be one of the main causes of heart disease

  • Your liver will be healthier. Over time, your liver fat levels will reduce. Good liver health also contributes to the quality of our skin

I mean what’s not to like? It is a month and you get all this, for free! 

There is one non-alcoholic bar in Ireland. Easy on the stereotyping; it is brilliantly named  “The Virgin Mary.”  From there, I purchased some non-alcoholic wine, champagne and cider for the month.  Delicious.  So now I go to parties with my own stash, BYOB of sorts.  Of course, I do know there is still a high risk they will seat me at the kid’s table; but you know what, if I am being completely honest, I prefer it there.

It is November, and yes, it will be a sober one, the health benefits outweigh everything else… for now.

 

Slainte!

 

www.heathermcguire.ie

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The connection between mental health and the foods we DON’T eat.