Try giving up alcohol this July – it could change your life
Many of us enjoy a drink, and alcohol can absolutely be enjoyed in moderation. But drinking too much can negatively affect your wellbeing in a range of ways, from physical symptoms like skin problems and poor energy, to mental health issues like mood swings or even addiction. Not to mention the drain on your bank balance!
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.
Give it a go – 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 great and more positive overall!
Not drinking for a month can also help you to lower cholesterol and liver fat, stabilise your blood pressure and improve your concentration. Plus, you’ll save a fair bit of money!
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 don’t need to drink to have fun
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 leaning on 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.
Learn how to create delicious non-alcoholic drinks! DUSA is running mocktail-making workshops on Tuesday 9 July in Geelong (Waurn Ponds Campus) and Wednesday 10 July at Burwood Campus – perfect timing! Come along and whip up a tasty beverage with your fellow students. Register now via our Dry July webpage.
Ready for a positive lifestyle change? Let’s go dry this July!
Visit our Dry July webpage for more information about this worthy cause, which also includes resources to help you change 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.
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