If you have had a slip-up with a drink or two, you need not worry as it does not have to be the end of your journey
Most people kick off their new year by focusing on sobriety and taking part in the much-publicised Dry January, where you have a choice to give up alcohol for the entire month.
However, if you have had a slip-up with a drink or two, you need not worry. According to experts, it does not have to be the end of your journey. Even though resolving to quit drinking is common among most people during the beginning of the year, so is slipping up.
A few ways you can get back on track include:
Re-start with a clear goal
It is easy to slip up once in a while; however, doctors may think the mistake was committed because your goal was too vague. Simply saying ‘I want to drink less’ could make a slip-up feel more demoralising if you cannot see the big picture of progress you are making.
And so, it is better to choose something that is specific and realistic for you, which will give you the best chance of success. For example, having several drink-free days each week is a good way to cut down. Follow the experts’ guidelines: no more than 14 units of alcohol a week, spread over three or more days with several drink-free days, and no bingeing.
It is also a good idea to break down your goal into smaller steps too.
Stock up on non-alcoholic beverages
Make sure you have lots of non-alcoholic beverages both in your home and when you go to parties and social gatherings.
Try taking sparkling water, non-alcoholic beer, and many more options that are available.
Remember the reason you quit alcohol
Whether your goal is to reduce your weekly drinking, avoid binge drinking, or quit completely, you can be more successful if you have a clear, personal reason why you want to achieve it.
For example, you might be cutting your drinking to help you improve your health, lose weight, save money, or improve your relationships. Think about why it matters to you and keep that reason in mind to motivate yourself.
Learn from your lapses
Mistakes happen and everyone is prone to them. However, it is best to learn from them and move on. If you have had a slip-up, it can be an ideal time to refocus on what you want to achieve, why you want to do it, and plan how you are going to get there.
Health benefits of quitting alcohol
Not drinking in the short term for challenges like Dry January or reducing alcohol for the long term has huge benefits for your health. While you may immediately feel better, there will be:
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Regulated and uninterrupted sleep
- Better concentration and memory levels
- Regulated blood pressure
- Better cholesterol levels
- Boost mood and lower anxiety and depressive symptoms
- Lowered risk of getting cancer
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