There is no denying that we are in unprecedented times at the moment. Being in lockdown is something that a lot of people are going to struggle with. It can be easy to turn to alcohol at times like these. After all, you may be stuck at home, feeling bored, and so you go for a glass of wine, and then another, and then another! While there’s nothing wrong with having a couple of drinks now and again, you do need to think carefully about your alcohol limits during this period. Drinking too much can have effects on your health in the long-term. With that being said, read on to discover more about managing your alcohol consumption during the lockdown.
The Impact of Drinking
It is advised that women and men do not drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week. If you do drink as much as this, it is advised that this is spread over three days or more. Don’t save all of these units for one day. Drinking excessively during lockdown can make you feel more agitated and stressed. Plus, this can start to take its toll on your health. From increased cancer risk to brain damage, alcohol can harm the body in many different ways. It’s not worth the risk!
Managing your Alcohol Intake in Lockdown
There are a number of different steps you can take in order to manage your alcohol intake while in lockdown. Firstly, if you are going to drink alcohol, make sure you know your limits and stick to them. Try to avoid salty snacks during this period, as they will make you thirsty and you will be more likely to go for the alcohol!
Aside from this, make sure you drink slowly. Take sips, don’t gulp! You should also try different non-alcoholic drinks. While you have got this time on your hands, why not use it to try out different mocktail recipes?
A lot of people are going to turn to alcohol while in lockdown because they are bored. Therefore, finding ways to keep busy can be the perfect solution here. There are many fun things that you can do from the comfort of your home. This includes cooking, arts and crafts, keeping a journal, speaking with loved ones, learning a new language, watching a movie… the list goes on!
You also need to keep track of how much you’re drinking. It can be easy to lose track of how much you have consumed, especially if you have got alcohol stockpiled in your home.
So there you have it: some key pieces of advice regarding managing your level of alcohol consumption during lockdown. Getting drunk every day is not the way to go if you’re struggling to cope with the lockdown period. Instead of alcohol abuse, look for other ways to distract your mind and reduce anxiety levels. From a Skype call with a family member to letting your creative side out to meditation; there are so many different options. Keep trying until you find something that works for you.