10 Reasons it’s a good idea to take a break from drinking alcohol

Ok, so I am not going to preach and tell you that you should stop drinking alcohol forever. I, for one, enjoy a glass of wine or two, or a cocktail in the evening. We are, however, on a one month hiatus from drinking any alcoholic beverage. We are not doing this because we have had too many nights of overindulging; we are simply doing this because we can, and it is something that we do from time to time to keep ourselves in check. We know others that do the same, and I really believe it to be beneficial.

We have just finished our second week of not drinking and I really don’t miss it much. Even with the crappy days that we have had where it would be nice to sit back and drink some wine, I am happy to sip my water or a club soda and keep a clear head. Will we go back to drinking alcohol after our month is up? Perhaps; however, I am certainly not interested in overindulging. I like how I feel each day of not drinking.

10 Reasons:

The following are a few good reasons to give up consuming alcohol even if it is only for a short time:

1. Good for your liver. We all know that the consumption of alcohol can take a toll on your liver. By not drinking, your liver will have time to repair itself.
2. Save money. Think about the amount of money you spend on alcohol. Now think about what you could use that money for instead. You will be amazed at how much you save if you keep track of that sort of thing.
3. Lose weight. Yes, alcoholic drinks contain a fair amount of extra calories, and when you end up having several drinks over the course of the evening, these calories add up quickly.
4. No hangovers in the morning. Waking up in the morning feeling fresh and ready to start the day really makes it worthwhile. There are so many more things you can squeeze into your day when you aren’t fighting a hangover.
5. More energy to do other things. This basically goes with the above. You will likely find that your energy level will increase, and you will have more drive to do all the fun things that you have always wanted to do.
6. You won’t make a fool of yourself. Yes, we’ve all been there (well maybe not everyone but certainly those that have gotten drunk). You know those times when you completely make a fool of yourself, not realizing it at the time, but then remember or get told about it the next day? Ugh! It is obviously ok to have a good time but without drinking alcohol, you will be more in control of your actions.
7. Rides home are safer. Most people these days don’t drink and drive (a car), however, in the cruising world, there are many that operate a dinghy while under the influence. This is obviously very dangerous, and even if you are just a passenger in the dinghy, if you are drunk, there is more of a risk of falling out in a bouncy inflatable.
8. Remember conversations from the night before. Have you ever had someone come up to you the day after a night out drinking and begin talking to you about some conversation that you apparently had with them the night before, but you don’t remember? Worse are the times when you arrange to do something really fun the next day but you don’t remember making those plans. Forgotten names? Not recalling all the interesting stories or knowledge that others were sharing with you? Sound familiar? Avoid this happening by enjoying a night out sans alcohol.
9. No drunken pictures of yourself will appear on your Facebook page. Oh yeah. You know those incredibly embarrassing photos of yourself that you see posted on Facebook? The ones where you are making a complete fool of yourself? Yes, you can un-tag yourself, or ask the poster to take the photo down, but usually by that time, everyone has seen it and the damage has been done. Drunken pics are never flattering!
10. To prove that you can; to keep yourself in check. We have seen far too many old-time cruisers, drunk and talking nonsense, to know that we do not want to become like them! Being silly and having fun can be done without the assistance of alcohol. If you still want to have a beer or a glass of wine now and then, then by all means have it. If, however, you see yourself consuming more than just a few drinks a day, everyday, perhaps it is time to take a break.

Do you have the energy for a quick 16 minute workout? The following is one that can be done in very little space, so no excuses!

Exercises:

• Three pulse Step back lunge & knee (right side)
• Three pulse Step back lunge & knee (left side)
• Push up / cross knee tuck
• One-legged Hip press / leg lift / leg abduction (right)
• One-legged Hip press / leg lift / leg abduction (left)
• Squat / calf raise x3

Instructions:

Do each of the exercises in a circuit for 30 seconds each resting 10 seconds before moving onto the next exercise. Complete 4 sets.