Sober October USA
Benefits of Sober October
5 Reasons You Should Go Sober This October
The pandemic has been tough on a lot of people, and for some, the stress and anxiety may continue into the holiday season, when many pick up alcohol to “get into the holiday spirit.”
Although alcohol is commonly seen as a way to unwind from a stressful day, many of us do not realize how our drinking habits may be making things harder for ourselves—especially considering that excessive drinking has increased by 21% during the pandemic, and one in four Americans have increased their consumption to battle pandemic-related stress. A Gallup poll found that 53% of people surveyed have 1-7 drinks a week, with 12% of Americans consuming 8-20+.
Sober October is a perfect time to reassess how alcohol consumption impacts your life and see the health benefits of not drinking for a month. If you participate in the official fundraiser to benefit SMART Recovery, you’ll also support the mental health of people in recovery.
These are just a few ways that Sober October can benefit you:
A Clearer Head
Waking up with a pounding headache and inability to focus makes it hard—if not impossible—to have a productive day, and this only gets worse if it becomes a common occurrence.
Greater Energy
Tied to your quality of sleep, alcohol can make you feel tired or lethargic throughout the day, especially if you do not stay hydrated. Alcohol can also impact your gut biome and make it harder for your body to absorb key nutrients that keep you healthy and energized.
Better Sleep
Although alcohol may make you feel sleepy, it often stops you from getting the best sleep. Even a “low” amount of alcohol can decrease your sleep quality by 9.3%, and moderate amounts (or approximately two drinks) can decrease your sleep quality by 24%.
More Money
Millennials spend an average of $300 a month on alcohol, and Gen-X’ers spend approximately $150 per month on average. Giving up on alcohol for one month can help you save this money, and ongoing moderation can help you limit your alcohol spending and put that money toward different needs.
Healthier Skin
Alcohol dehydrates you and negatively impacts your skin. Common symptoms include dry skin, dark circles and bags around your eyes, and decreased skin elasticity (causing wrinkles).