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