Ah, it’s that time of year again: for New Year’s resolutions. Some of us love them, some of us find them bittersweet, and some of us have sworn them off forever. At Workit, we tend to appreciate any good excuse for self-reflection and making goals: two healthy activities all year round, provided they come with a generous dose of self-compassion and moderation.
So, as promised, introducing the motherload of resolutions, the one that can help you with almost all your other 2017 goals. Drum roll please, here it is: knock your alcohol intake back a peg or two. Skeptical? Check out the Top 5 New Year’s Resolutions of 2016 (according to Nielsen). Curbing drinking boosts ability to keep every single one…
Top 5 New Year’s Resolutions of 2016 & How Cutting Down on Alcohol Applies:
#1. Staying Fit & Healthy: Chances are you’ve heard a thing or two about the benefits of moderate alcohol intake. It’s something that headlines love to tout, even though a study of 87 other studies this year suggested the reported benefits may be majorly exaggerated…
Regardless, one thing that has been well established by science is that when drinking alcohol crosses from “moderate” into “low risk” or “heavy” territory, a slew of negative health consequences follow. But what does moderation even mean, anyway? It’s important to know because the window between “moderate” and “heavy” might be smaller than you think.
A quick refresh: The NIAAA defines 1 drink a day as “moderate”, by 2 and 3 you’re already in “risky drinking territory”, and after that you’re into heavy drinking. For men, boot that total up by 1 drink, so 2 a day is “moderate”, and so on.
Have you been stretching the definition of “moderate”? Well now is as good a time as ever to ditch the Amy Schumer glass size and cheers to your good health in 2017!
#2. Maintaining a Healthy Weight: At roughly 150 calories a drink, alcohol can quickly add up to a lot of empty liquid calories, so if you are looking to get to a healthier weight then considering your alcohol intake may be a good place to start (according to the NIAAA). Furthermore, alcohol leads many of us into making unhealthy food choices and saps the energy we need to get a proper amount of physical activity.
#3. Spending Less and Saving More: It doesn’t take Dom Perignon for alcohol to put a dent in your wallet. Even the cheapest booze can add up to big bucks over time. The good news is this makes cutting down an easy way to free up some extra cash to save or spend on fun.
#4. Enjoying Life to the Fullest: This made the list of top resolutions for good reason! Afterall, what is life if we can’t live it to the fullest. And here’s the twist most people don’t expect: cutting down on the spirits can help you do that. If you are regularly crossing the moderation line, you’re most likely reaping negative consequences from your habits. Take time to give yourself a fresh start and clear head. You can always go back to your old ways if you want to, but give yourself a chance.
#5. Spending More Time with Family: Let’s be honest, drinking doesn’t do your relationships with loved ones any favors. But sometimes we can get in ruts where we feel like it’s the only way we can have fun, comfortably socialize or unwind. If that sounds like you, we can help! You don’t have to go it cold turkey or white knuckle your way through cutting back, we promise. Real memory making starts with being able to remember the good times! And getting there is possible. You (and your family) are worth the effort.
Originally published at www.workithealth.com on December 21, 2016.