April is alcohol awareness month and it’s an opportunity for everyone to take stock of their drinking habits. Since the pandemic began, it has been reported that alcohol consumption has increased. Many use it as a coping mechanism or a means to numb out at the end of a difficult day (and we sure have experienced many of those since 2020).
There are still various memes about mommy needs wine or vodka and I still see so many products that promote drinking. Of course the alcohol industry is going to keep advertising as it’s a very lucrative business… but what is alcohol?
Miriam Webster defines it as this:
al·co·hol | \ ˈal-kə-ˌhȯl \
Definition of alcohol
1a: ethanol especially when considered as the intoxicating agent in fermented and distilled liquors
b: drink (such as whiskey or beer) containing ethanol
c: a mixture of ethanol and water that is usually 95 percent ethanol
2: any of a class of organic (see ORGANIC entry 1 sense 1b(2)) compounds that are analogous to ethanol and that are hydroxyl derivatives of hydrocarbons
ETHANOL – that’s used as a solvent for fuel cars and it is a poison. In a world where we work to maintain our health and wellness, why would we choose to ingest a poison?! While I know that some still enjoy it in moderation and that perhaps they don’t believe it’s affecting their lives, but I challenge you for the month of April to just tune into being more aware of your drinking habits. Are you drinking according to the guidelines (check out Canada’s Low Risk Drinking Guidelines).
How does it affect your energy, motivation, sleep and productivity? For those who have been following me, I have been on a journey to #LoseDaBooze since 2016. I started this to honor my sister’s memory as she passed away due to her issues with alcohol at the young age of 50. In 2017, I created some groups on Facebook for others who wanted to join me in my second 100 Day Challenge.
I have gone back and forth about whether or not I could moderate and enjoy some on occasion, but bottom line is I honestly feel so much better without it! No hangovers, improved sleep, weight loss, more creative ideas flowing, more productive, and I’m inspired to help others achieve the same benefits. As a Certified Holistic Wellness Coach with the International Association of Wellness Professionals, I also run various programs including a one month or 100 days of Alcohol Freedom challenge. I offer free services as well as some more personalized one on one paid coaching programs.
As we draw closer to the month of April, perhaps it’s an opportunity for you to consider taking a break to feel some of those benefits. Even 30 days can make a huge impact on your health and mental health! Alcohol is a depressant and while many use it to take the edge off or help with anxiety, it is only very short lasting, leading to more anxiety the following day (requiring you to drink more to feel better again).
I’d love to be your Sober Coach as I myself have lived the journey and it’s not been a perfect one. I have tried many AF periods, and gone as long as 277 days AF (alcohol free) only to fall back into that unhealthy pattern. But on June 7, 2020, I took my very last drink and on April 3rd I will be celebrating my 300 Days Milestone. I have gathered so much information, sober tools and provide daily posts in my groups and additional services to my paid clients. If you are interested in learning more, please message me at info@losedabooze.com or visit my website www.losedabooze.com
To find out more about my Wellness 360 Coaching (as this is but one piece of the puzzle) – visit my coaching page at Healthy4Life with Helene
I would be honored to work with you and help you #LoseDaBooze so you can WIN in life! Visit my About Me page to learn more and consider booking a FREE discovery call.