If lockdown was a booze fest, then #DryJanuary could be the welcome break your body is craving. To keep you motivated in your mission, we share five beauty and health benefits for ditching the drink and doing Dry January this month.
Goodbye Great Skin
If you thought alcohol just affected your waistline, it’s time to think again. A huge benefit of doing dry january is the effects it’ll have on your skin. Spending a small fortune on designer skincare won’t stop the negative impact that alcohol has on your skin. When your body metabolises alcohol, it produces free radicals, which are chemicals in the skin that damage our cherished collagen. These collagen fibres keep our skin firm, plump and structured. These free radicals ingest collagen and put paid to the good stuff you are putting on top. Alcohol also dehydrates your body and skin, leaving the skin looking dry and highlighting your wrinkles and lines. Swap alcohol for water and watch your skin’s glow return!
A Weighting Game
Alcohol is big on calories. For example, a large glass of wine can be around 214 calories, and a bottle can be about 644 calories – the equivalent of 14 Jaffa cakes or a McDonald’s cheeseburger and medium fries! And those calories have to go somewhere, which is usually your tummy area. Alcohol also makes you hungry and lowers your inhibitions. After all, if you woke up at home at 2am, would you usually crave chips or a fry-up?! Use the benefits of dry January to eat better and even lose a few pounds.
Blow Away Those Winter Blues
Winter doesn’t exactly have us jumping for joy; those long, dark, wet and cold months aren’t for rejoicing but add a few glasses every night, and you may find those winter blues really starting to get to you. The reason? Alcohol changes the levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters in your brain, which can lead to depression and anxiety. In fact, you may feel even more anxious after the alcohol wears off. Choose your alcohol-free month to get out and do some exercise to boost your serotonin levels and adopt some healthier lifestyle and self-care habits.
Sleeping Beauty
One of the final benefits of dry january is the effect it has on your sleep. Ever noticed how you fall asleep quickly after consuming alcohol but also wake up in the middle of the night? That’s because alcohol messes with your circadian rhythm! Circadian rhythms are 24-hour cycles that are part of the body’s internal clock, running in the background to carry out essential functions and processes. Alcohol disrupts the average production of chemicals in your body that would trigger sleepiness when you’ve been awake for a long time, and subside once you’ve had enough sleep. Want a good night’s sleep? Swap the G&T for herbal tea.
Vitamins & Vitality
Taking additional vitamins or eating a diet rich in vitamins won’t help boost your vitality if you are regularly drinking either. Alcohol prevents your body from properly absorbing the vitamins and minerals from the food you eat. Drinking heavily also diminishes your body’s natural immune system. This makes it more difficult for your body to fight off invading germs and viruses. Cut out the drink this January to give your immune system a welcome boost!
For More Inspirational Health Tips, Try Reading 8 Anti-Aging Foods You Should Include In Your Diet.
