Cutting back on the amount of alcohol consumed is something many have thought about at one time or another. There are many reasons for someone to consider it, not just because of full-on alcoholism.
Sometimes there can be negative health effects from consuming too much too frequently, and the older one gets the harder it is to bounce back from a night out drinking. Even drinking moderately on a regular basis can lead to weight gain and blood sugar concerns.
Whether you feel like you are struggling on the border of addiction, or if maybe you are just concerned you have more alcohol than is entirely healthy, if the amount of alcohol you consume is over the recommended guidelines, perhaps it is time to reevaluate and cut down on drinking or at least moderate it.
Any changes made, no matter how small, can have a beneficial effect on health and well-being.
Below are some tips on cutting down on alcohol consumption so as to help stay healthy:
- Set Goals that are Realistic
Begin by keeping track of how many drinks you want to have in a given day, and how many days a week these will be consumed. Writing goals down it serves as a reminder to limit drinking to these particular goals. If the recommended guidelines for drinking are followed, there is a much lower risk of developing alcohol-related health problems.
- Count Drinks
Make a concerted effort to record how many drinks are being consumed. This will help to reduce and slow down drinking. Using a handwritten note that is kept in a wallet or purse or even on a smartphone is the most convenient way to do this.
- Measure Alcoholic Drinks
When counting drinks, make sure the count is accurate. Learn the standards and guidelines for what a standard drink is so that the drink can be accurately measured. Be sure to stick to the goal that was set, even if on vacation, or out for a night on the town.
- Pace the Drinking
One of the keys to cutting back on drinking is learning how to pace oneself. By sipping drinks slowly and only having one per hour, goals can be met. Those who consume drinks quickly, especially the first few, are at a much higher risk for developing addiction problems. If addiction is something that you feel is a problem, always look to professionals for help, like the professionals here, https://sobanewjersey.com/addiction/.
- Space out the Drinks
Another good tip for cutting down on drinking is spacing out the beverages. This can mean having a non-alcoholic beverage in between the alcoholic ones. Alternate a drink of water or soda between drinks; this will slow down the consumption of alcohol. No matter the amount of alcohol that is being consumed, drinking water is imperative to stay hydrated while drinking.
- Eat Food
For many of those who drink, eating food can reduce the craving for alcoholic beverages. This is not true for all, but if it is true for you, make sure that the meal is being eaten at a time when drinking might occur. It is never wise for any person to drink with no food in the stomach.
- Avoid Triggers
Whether the goal is to quit drinking or to cut down on drinking, it is always best to avoid any and all situations where one might be used to drinking. Places, people, and certain activities can be triggers that will cause an urge to drink. Avoiding these might prevent unwanted drinking, especially if you remember that your health may be at risk.
- Do Something Different
If drinking has become a real problem, try doing different activities during those times when drinking might occur. Take up a new hobby, make new friends, begin exercising, or spend more time with family. Find something that is enjoyable and that will occupy the time that used to be spent drinking.
- Learn to say ‘No’
There is always a chance that a situation will arise where someone will offer a drink or even expect you to drink with them. Learn to tactfully and politely say ‘no thank you.’ Say these words firmly and quickly in order not to give any time for your mind to be changed.
This post was last modified on November 17, 2022 3:35 am