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My goal for February is a dry month – one entire month without alcohol!
But first, an update on my January Goal – drink more water!
I did have a few drinks this month, a few pops (ginger ale when I had an upset stomach and a couple diet cokes), and the odd glass of juice. But otherwise, it was a lot of water for me!
I have a large water bottle that I’ve been constantly refilling and keep on the kitchen counter at home. If it’s handy, I’ll drink it! I also kept my water bottle full at work, to ensure I kept hydrated throughout my workday. Adding lemon essential oil to my water has helped a great deal to make it taste delicious.
Since I’ve been drinking sooooo much water, I hope to continue the habit and keep it going moving forward.
… and so February’s goal begins!
Refraining from alcohol isn’t an entirely difficult task for me since I don’t drink a whole lot to begin with. Don’t get me wrong though, a drink in the evening certainly serves as a welcome de-stresser after a hectic day!
February is best for this challenge because it’s the shortest month of the year!
I recently had my yearly check up with my family doctor. One of the questions I get asked every time is “how many drinks do you have per week?”. My answer has been relatively consistant over the past few years – usually, less than five per week.
I don’t get enjoyment from getting smashed. I don’t have a super stressful job or lifestyle that I need a drink to wind down or relax. I don’t enjoy being around those who drink a whole lot.
However, I do enjoy a glass of red wine while cooking a nice dinner. I love a bit of Bailey’s in my coffee when I chatting with a girlfriend. And, on occasion, I do go overboard and get a little full – which I pay for that evening and the next day or two!
There’s nothing wrong with having a drink or two, but know your limits and control your intake.
Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines help Canadians moderate their alcohol consumption and reduce their immediate and long-term alcohol-related harm.
Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and Addiction
The Guidelines recommend no more than two drinks a day, 10 per week for women, and three drinks a day, 15 per week for men, with an extra drink allowed on special occasions.
I’ve never drank and driven afterwards. I’ve never gotten violent while drinking. I’ve never done anything I would later regret while drinking.
Of course, I’ve gotten loud and danced like a complete idiot while drinking. I’ve been flirty and obnoxious while drinking, but never to the point of total embarassment.
Not only can drinking lead to a headache the next morning, a night in jail, or a slightly bruised ego, but drinking can cause life-threatening effects.
Depending on how much you drink, alcohol can be linked to both chronic and acute alcohol-related harms.
Chronic alcohol-related harms include cancer, liver cirrhosis and other diseases and illnesses.
Acute alcohol-related harms include alcohol poisoning, physical and (or) verbal fights and accidents.
Read the full article here.
Canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/health-concerns/alcohol-health-concerns
So, for February, I am refraining from drinking. I’ll likely save a few bucks, avoid the dreaded dry mouth after-effect, and perhaps improve my health a touch.
Cheers! (With a crisp glass of water!)
March Goal: Spending Freeze!
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