Alcohol Awareness Week
When was the last time you had one of those days at work when you struggled to focus because of a fuzzy head? Or spent Sunday lying on the sofa watching TV when you should've been out with friends?
Or what about the last time you opted for an extra couple of hours in bed instead of a session in the gym, or cancelled dinner at your Mum's in favour of an early night to catch up on lost sleep?
Chances are, it wasn't too long ago.
A couple of extra drinks on your night out can seem like a great idea at the time, and it's very easy to let 'one more' turn into two or three when your mates are wanting you to stay out, but how
often does 'one for the road' still feel like a good idea the morning after? Not that often.
This week (4th – 10th October) is Alcohol Awareness Week where the retail and drinks industry, health professionals and the Scottish Government come together to highlight that by making just small
changes to our drinking habits and drinking more responsibly, we'll be able to get more out of our day, week and weekend; at home, at work and with our friends or family.
Here are just a few tips on how you can make simple changes to your drinking patterns and manage the amount of alcohol you intake enabling you to get more out of your precious free time - during
Alcohol Awareness Week and beyond:
Use soft drink spacers
Use soft drinks or water as 'spacers' to alternate between alcoholic drinks. That way you can make your night last longer.
Eat before, and while, you drink
Food helps absorb alcohol and so limits how quickly it will get into your bloodstream. It's a good idea to eat a decent meal before you go out and to snack while you drink. It'll also give you more
energy to enjoy yourself!
Keep a diary
Try keeping a drinking diary, noting how much you drink and where and when, so you get a better idea of your alcohol intake. From this you can plan your week with alcohol around the sensible
drinking guidelines.
Stay within the limits
When drinking wine go for a small glass instead of a large. A lot of people don't realise that there can be over 3 units in a large glass of wine! The recommended drinking guidelines for men are
3-4 units of alcohol per day and women 2-3.
Have at least two 'alcohol-free' days a week
Alcohol can trigger changes to the cells in our livers, and excessive drinking over time can cause changes to build up into liver disease and even cancer.
And relax...
Think about ways to relax and enjoy yourself without necessarily drinking alcohol: head to the gym, go for a walk, take a bath or read a good book to unwind.
For more hints for drinking responsibly, or to learn more about how many units and calories you intake on an average night out, go to: www.alcoholawarenessweek.com
Comments
This article really brings it home to you and gives you serious food for thought.Alex McRae
good article very informativepamela brown