7 surprising benefits of taking a break from alcohol

Whether you are extending your Dry January or simply hitting pause, taking a break from alcohol, even temporarily, is one of the best things to do for your body and mind. While we are aware that the risk of drinking alcohol starts from the first drop, quitting, even for a short period, can improve your health. Here is what to expect.If you are considering quitting alcohol for a month, we have good news! When you drink alcohol, your liver breaks it down, and in the process gets damaged. So even short breaks from alcohol can help repair the liver, thereby leading to improved liver function. Want better liver function? Think of giving up alcohol altogether.Alcohol kills about 2.6 million globally every year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Drinking alcohol not only damages your liver, but also destroys your heart. In fact, alcohol consumption is the worst thing you can do to your heart. Alcohol consumption increases the risk of heart disease, and by cutting back or quitting, you will do your heart the biggest favour. There is no doubt that alcohol affects your brain. It can impact your brain development and also lead to memory loss, which is why the authorities have set a legal drinking age in place. If you are planning to quit drinking even for a brief period, you may notice considerable changes in your memory and cognitive functions.Yes, you read it right. Alcohol consumption is linked to at least seven types of cancer. In fact, it is the third most common potentially avoidable cause of cancer, after cigarette smoking and excess body weight. So, quitting, even for a brief period, can reduce your risk of cancer.If you have been struggling with weight management, despite following a balanced diet and regular exercise regimen, may be its time to cut back on alcohol. Alcohol consumption can lead to weight gain, which means hitting pause can help in weight loss.Alcohol is known to cause sleep disorders. Though many assume it may induce sleep, the reality is far from it. Alcohol may act as a sedative and help you fall asleep faster initially, but it affects the quality of your sleep later. It reduces REM sleep, which is significant, and leads to frequent awakenings, thereby disturbing the process. You will experience a restful sleep if you quit drinking.While many believe drinking alcohol can improve mood, its not really true. In fact, it leads to depressive symptoms, including anxiety. If you are planning to take a brief break from alcohol, you will notice your mood improving in less than a week. You will experience better mental clarity, and not to mention the emotional stability it offers. So, when are you quitting? Don’t hesitate to seek help from medical professionals to help you in the journey towards sobriety. It is possibly the best thing you can do for yourself.