How giving up alcohol during July may change your life
Many of us enjoy a drink, and alcohol can absolutely be enjoyed in moderation. But hands up if you’ve ever had a killer hangover? It’s not much fun, right?
And while the pounding head, dry mouth, fatigue and general grumpiness are temporary, there are some other, more permanent, health implications of drinking – from skin problems and poor energy to mood swings, disease and addiction.
If you’re someone who drinks – either regularly or occasionally – and want to explore how taking a break may benefit your health and wellbeing, then the time is now! Dry July is a national campaign that encourages you to give up the booze for a month to raise funds for people affected by cancer.
Whether you choose to actively fundraise, or you just stick to the task of not drinking, your monthly commitment will be a positive experience and help you to reframe your future habits – you may go on to have a healthier relationship with alcohol, take the occasional break or stop drinking altogether.
Your body will thank you!
Giving up alcohol can help you to:
- sleep better
- have more energy and a clearer head
- lose weight and have healthier skin
- feel generally tops and great!
Not drinking for a month can also help you to lower cholesterol and liver fat, stabilise your blood pressure and improve your concentration. Plus, your bank balance will thank you – the average household saves $140 a month during Dry July!
Sound appealing? A good first step is for you to learn more about your own alcohol consumption by:
- understanding what a healthy relationship with alcohol looks like
- reviewing the national drinking guidelines, including what a standard drink is
- completing this self-assessment tool
- seeing the amount of money and calories you’ll save by going dry this July.
You can have fun without drinking
Think that drinking is embedded in the way you socialise, interact or de-stress? It’s simpler than you think to change your behaviour. This can include finding ways to reward yourself without alcohol (for example, food, shopping, movies, a spa treatment), or using hobbies, friends, exercise or chores to distract yourself when you feel like a drink.
The hardest part may be when you’re with friends in a social setting, whether that’s out or at home. You can always choose one of the new alcohol-free venues that are popping up or order a tasty non-alcoholic drink instead. DUSA is running mocktail-making workshops on Thursday 13 July at both the Burwood and Waterfront campuses – perfect timing!
Ready to go dry this July or considering a lifestyle change?
Visit the Dry July website for all you need to know about this worthy cause, or Hello Sunday Morning for information and resources on changing your relationship with alcohol.
Support is available if you’d like to improve your health and wellbeing:
- See the student website for more information about alcohol and other drugs, make a free and confidential appointment with one of our doctors at a Deakin Medical Centre, chat to a Deakin counsellor, or visit our Ask Counselling blog.
- Download the DeakinWELLBEING app, your one-stop-shop for all things health.
- Contact the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 for free and confidential advice.