In 2010 the Australian non-profit “Life Education” created the fundraiser “Ocsober” and shortly after the U.K.-based charity Macmillan Cancer Support created the actual name “Sober October”, according to InStyle.
The concept/initiative has taken on many forms since then and is now not exclusively a fundraising concept for charity. Although if you want to raise some funds for a great cause here is the link to the Macmillan fundraising site https://www.gosober.org.uk/
This year we’re seeing a lot more people taking part in “Sober October” as we emerge from a difficult period of lockdown and social distancing. Some have realised they’ve been unintentionally drinking alcohol far more regularly and habitual alcohol consumption is a real and present danger that comes with ill effects in terms of health and mental wellbeing. Others are choosing to take part in Sober October for a personal challenge and some simply as a lifestyle choice or adjustment.
Any way you look at it, the benefits do outstretch the negatives and we thought we’d explore some of these benefits as well as how to still enjoy your favourite drinks and social occasions without having to make too many sacrifices other than simply excluding the alcohol content from our drinks!
Sleep!
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that causes brain activity to slow down. Alcohol has sedative effects that can induce feelings of relaxation and sleepiness, but the consumption of alcohol – especially in excess – has been linked to poor sleep quality and duration.
Energy!
Alcohol interferes with the way your body makes energy. When you’re metabolising or breaking down alcohol, the liver can’t produce as much glucose, which means you have low levels of blood sugar. Exercise requires high levels of sugar to give you energy.
Mental Health!
While the effects of alcohol can sometimes have a short term positive impact on our mood, in the long term it can cause problems for mental health. Find out more about how alcohol can change our mental health.
Physical wellbeing!
Alcohol can be just as fattening as some foods. For example, a 4% ABV pint of beer can have as many calories as a slice of pizza (197 calories). A glass of 13% ABV wine can have as many calories as a slice of sponge cake (195 calories).
But it isn’t just the calories in the drink that makes you gain weight. Alcohol reduces the amount of fat your body burns for energy. Because we can’t store alcohol in the body, our systems want to get rid of it as quickly as possible, and this process takes priority over absorbing nutrients and burning fat.
In particular, binge drinking may be linked to weight gain. It has been suggested that binge drinking for some may lead to unhealthy overeating and lack of exercise, all contributing to weight gain or obesity.
Slimming World has produced a report on the link between excessive alcohol consumption and obesity.
This post is taken from The Lifestyle Guide
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