Sober October, which began in the UK as a cancer fundraiser, is gaining momentum in the US as more people swear off booze for the 31 days of October.
If you want to get curious about sobriety, Sober October is for you. If curiosity isn’t enough to get you on the wagon for a month, maybe you should consider the immediate benefits of swearing off booze, even for a month.
1. More Money in Your Pocket
One of the most immediate and tangible benefits of quitting drinking is the extra money you’ll save. The cost of alcohol can quickly add up, whether you’re buying drinks at a bar or picking up a bottle of wine or a six-pack of beer at the store. By quitting, you’ll see a noticeable increase in your disposable income.
2. A Looser Waistband and Less Bloating
Alcohol is calorie-dense and often accompanied by unhealthy snacks or late-night fast-food runs. When you quit drinking, you cut out those excess calories, leading to weight loss and reduced bloating. Alcohol can also disrupt your metabolism and hinder your body’s ability to burn fat effectively.
3. Lower Anxiety
While some people use alcohol to cope with stress and anxiety, it can exacerbate the issue in the long run. Alcohol is a depressant that affects the central nervous system, leading to increased anxiety and depression, especially after the initial euphoria wears off. Behavior during an evening of drinking can also produce “hangxiety”. Hangxiety is the feeling of anxiety and dread over drunken behavior from the evening before. Laying off the booze for a month reduces the risk of regrettable behavior.
4. Mental Clarity
Alcohol impairs cognitive function, making it difficult to concentrate and think clearly. When you quit drinking, even for a month, you’ll regain mental clarity, allowing you to make better decisions and be more productive in various aspects of your life.
5. Improved Physical Health
Beyond the immediate benefits of weight loss and reducing bloating, quitting drinking can profoundly impact your overall physical health. Alcohol abuse is associated with various health issues, including liver damage, high blood pressure, heart disease, and an increased risk of certain cancers.