Last Updated on November 14, 2023
Are you ready to hit the reset button on your relationship with alcohol?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of taking a break from alcohol consumption and the numerous benefits it can have on your physical and mental health, as well as your social and financial life.
According to a study published in the British Medical Journal, even a short break from alcohol can have significant health benefits.
Join this month’s 30-day alcohol challenge and give your body the health kickstart it deserves! Read on to learn all the benefits that Sunnyside’s Alcohol Reset Challenge can offer you.
Upcoming 30-Day No Alcohol Challenges in 2024
In a survey conducted after Sunnyside’s Dry(ish) January participants, many people experienced numerous improvements in their overall health. We asked over 25,000 participants to share the benefits experienced after completing their challenge. Here’s what they said:
- 83% experienced fewer binge drinking days
- 80% felt a sense of accomplishment
- 78% gained more control over their drinking
- 73% saved money
- 64% experienced more energy and focus
- 63% slept better
- 62% experienced better overall health
- 60% improved their mental health
- 59% had a better mood overall
- 56% relied on alcohol less in social settings
- 54% improved their productivity
- 46% saw improved fitness habits
- 43% improved their eating habits and diet
- 35% experienced improved family and relationship dynamics
- 31% noticed better skin
- 29% lost weight
In many cases, those who opted into the Fully Dry challenge and stuck with not drinking for a full 31 days saw increased benefits overall. We wanted to help more people experience the benefits of an alcohol reset by offering accessible challenges for anyone looking to improve their relationship with alcohol. Join one of the challenges below to start making better choices around your alcohol consumption:
Physical Health Benefits of a 30-Day Alcohol Challenge
Improved Liver Function
By taking a break from alcohol, you’re giving your liver a much-needed rest. This leads to reduced inflammation and fat accumulation, and it enhances your liver’s detoxification capabilities. In a study conducted by the University College London, participants who abstained from alcohol for four weeks experienced a decrease in the risks of fatty liver due to alcohol.
Weight Loss and Improved Body Composition
When you cut out alcohol, you’re also cutting out empty calories that can lead to weight gain. Plus, your metabolism can function more efficiently without alcohol slowing it down. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that alcohol consumption can lead to an increase in overall calorie intake, contributing to weight gain. Check out this periodic table of calories in alcohol to get a better sense of how many added calories you’re actually consuming by drink type.
Better Sleep Quality
Did you know that alcohol can disrupt your sleep patterns? According to a review published in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, alcohol consumption can negatively affect sleep quality and duration. By abstaining for 30 days, you can enjoy deeper sleep and more consistent sleep patterns.
Improved Skin Health
Taking a break from alcohol can do wonders for your skin. You’ll experience enhanced hydration and reduced inflammation, which can lead to a decrease in acne and an overall healthier complexion. A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that alcohol consumption can exacerbate skin conditions like rosacea and acne, and show signs of aging particularly in women.
Mental Health Benefits of a 30-Day Sober Challenge
Enhanced Cognitive Function
A break from alcohol can lead to improved memory and concentration, and a reduction in brain fog. According to a study published in the journal Consciousness and Cognition, even moderate alcohol consumption can have negative effects on cognitive functioning.
Increased Emotional Stability
As you embark on your 30-day alcohol reset challenge, you may notice reduced mood swings and irritability, as well as better management of stress and anxiety. Research published in the National Library of Medicine suggests that alcohol consumption can contribute to mood disorders and increased anxiety levels.
Boosted Self-Esteem and Confidence
Completing the challenge will give you a sense of accomplishment, leading to enhanced self-awareness and personal growth. A study conducted by Sunnyside found that individuals who participated in Dry or Dryish January, a similar month-long alcohol abstinence challenge, experienced increased self-efficacy and perceived control over their drinking habits. Overall, reducing alcohol intake can have strong positive impacts on your mental health.
Social and Financial Benefits from an Alcohol Challenge
Strengthened Relationships
When alcohol isn’t the center of your social life, you can form more genuine connections with friends and family. Plus, your communication skills will naturally improve. Many studies have found that abstaining from alcohol or reducing it can lead to improved social functioning and increased satisfaction with interpersonal relationships.
Financial Savings
By cutting out alcohol, you’ll notice a significant reduction in spending. The average American spends approximately $1,200 per year on alcohol alone. Of course this number ranges higher for heavier drinkers. Use this opportunity to reallocate funds to other important areas of your life, like travel, hobbies, or savings. This could also be a chance to start investing in healthier habits, such as joining a gym, trying a new fitness class, or enrolling in a personal development course.
Cultivating Healthier Coping Mechanisms
During the challenge, you’ll learn to identify and address triggers that lead to alcohol consumption and implement alternative stress-reduction techniques. By replacing alcohol with healthier coping mechanisms, such as exercise, meditation, or journaling, you can build resilience and better handle life’s challenges.
Building Mindfulness and Awareness
Recognize the role alcohol plays in your life and develop strategies to maintain a healthier relationship with it moving forward. Mindfulness is the key to sustainable change. Through increased awareness, you can better understand your patterns of consumption and identify areas for improvement. Mindfulness-based interventions, and mindful drinking have been found to be effective in reducing alcohol consumption and preventing harmful behaviors.
Conclusion
In summary, a 30-day alcohol reset challenge offers a myriad of benefits for your physical and mental health, relationships, and finances. So why not give it a try? Embrace the opportunity to improve your overall well-being and remember – you’ve got this!
Start out by participating in Sunnyside’s 30-day Alcohol Reset Challenge and join a group of over 150,000 people who are improving their relationship with alcohol.
