Alcohol Awareness Month: Why cutting back, even a little, can make a big difference

Benefits of reducing alcohol consumption: Drinking less can have real benefits. It can help you sleep better, think more clearly, and even maintain a healthy weight (Image: Canva)

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a good time to take a step back and think about your drinking habits. While alcohol is often a part of social gatherings and celebrations, drinking too much can have serious health effects. Multiple studies suggest that it can impact your sleep, energy levels, and even your mood. However, cutting back, even just a little, can make a big difference.

Drinking in moderation matters

It is said that one should drink alcohol in moderation, but what does that actually mean? Health experts recommend limiting your intake to stay within safe levels. But even beyond the guidelines, drinking less can have real benefits. It can help you sleep better, think more clearly, and even maintain a healthy weight.

According to a study in National Health Service (NHS) Health Scotland, too much alcohol can impact both your physical and mental health. Drinking too often can make stress, anxiety, and depression worse. As per the study cutting back on alcohol isn’t about missing out, it’s about feeling better and taking care of your health. The key, it shares, is to find a balance that works for you.

Here are some simple ways to drink less, according to NHS:

• Set a limit before you start drinking. Decide how many drinks you’ll have before you go out and stick to it.
• Budget your alcohol spending. Take only a set amount of money for alcohol so you don’t buy more than planned.
• Try alcohol-free challenges. Join initiatives like Dry January or Go Sober for October to reset your habits.
• Choose alcohol-free or low-alcohol drinks. Mocktails, alcohol-free beers, or lower-ABV (alcohol by volume) drinks are good alternatives.
• Drink water between alcoholic drinks. Having a glass of water before or between drinks can help you pace yourself.
• Take alcohol-free days. Aim to have several drink-free days each week to give your body a break.
• Let friends and family know. Telling people you’re cutting back makes it easier to stick to your goal, and they can support you.
• Keeping a drinking diary helps you track how much, when, and where you drink, as well as how it makes you feel. Noting these details can reveal patterns and make it easier to cut back.