5 Go Sober for October Benefits

Sober October is here once again and is a beneficial event for those wishing to eliminate or cut down on their alcohol intake. Alcohol abuse is a common problem that affects millions of people, but you do not have to be one of those people who suffer from the fallout.

Sober October is geared up for people who have a desire to change and is a great fundraising event for MacMillan. Whether you choose to undertake the challenge alone, or with a group of friends, you can create numerous positive benefits in your life, all whilst improving your mental and physical health. The benefits of Going Sober can help you reshape your entire life. Want to know more?

What is Go Sober for October?

Go Sober for October is a fundraising campaign originally created by Macmillan Cancer Support, creating a health initiative that encourages participants to quit alcohol for the month and experience the benefits of sobriety. This nationwide fundraiser also simultaneously creates a sense of community, encouraging as many people as possible to take control of their alcohol intake, and potentially positively change their lifestyle.

Participants are encouraged to help charities of their choice, to create a sense of motivation. People are able to donate to participants taking part in Sober October, meaning the cause is beneficial for both the participant and the charity.

5 Benefits of Going Sober for October

If you’re interested in hearing the benefits of Sober October, you’re in the right place. Alcohol is a toxin in the body, therefore it can create some nasty side effects that go far beyond the typical hangover after a few gin and tonics. Removing alcohol from the body will almost immediately begin to create a less acidic base in the body, relieving complications surrounding alcohol intake, such as headaches, sleeping issues and digestive problems and possibly relieving pre-existing issues. So go Sober for October!

Health Benefits of Going Sober for a Month

There are many ways to improve physical and mental health. Some of the Go Sober for October Benefits include:

• Improved sleep
• Less anxiety and mood swings
• Less irritability
• Better focus and concentration
• A good, healthy appetite
• More motivation to do the things you love
• A clearer mind and less brain fog
• Less mood swings
• Improved energy
• Lower blood pressure
• Improved skin
• Improved finances
• Better regulation of your emotions
• Less risk of cardiovascular/liver issues/cancer

Supporting Charitable Causes

Started by Macmillan, Sober October doesn’t just help you in your quest for better health but contributes to a wider issue. Charity work is a vital part of life and can help you feel more fulfilled during this time, knowing you’re contributing to a great cause. Fundraising releases endorphins, which can give you added motivation whilst cutting out the calorific and toxic alcoholic substances.

Improved Sleep and Wellbeing

Alcohol may appear to help some people fall asleep, but it does not offer the quality of sleep that you may desire. Alcohol is a stimulant and therefore can create unrest in the body, even if it has made you sleepy. It can create sleep apnea and a general poor quality of sleep, leaving you feeling shaky and unwell the next day.

Long-term sobriety can help improve the quality of your sleep. In order to gain a good night’s sleep, you should consider exercising daily, removing caffeine from your diet after 3 p.m., and establishing a good nighttime routine, such as a hot bath, reading or a hobby. Adding a camomile tea before bed or some meditation may also be a priority.

Social Benefits and Personal Growth

Adding alcohol into your social life can be fun, and often makes people feel that they are having a ‘good time’, but this does not always equate to establishing lifelong strong bonds with your friends. However, good communication and undertaking tasks and challenges together is a wonderful way to create stability. Being sober together allows you to truly experience things in the moment together, without the added worry of being drunk and getting into potentially dangerous situations.

Personal growth and self-discovery may allow you to find new friends, help others in ways you wouldn’t think, and see life differently. Changing your routine could lead to a new career, improved home life, and better life prospects.

Save Money by Going Sober

Alcohol is certainly not cheap! By eliminating alcohol, you’ll save a pretty penny and be able to spend it on the things that really matter. It can also help you to better budget and utilise your money in the best way possible.

Tips for a Successful Sober October

Starting your Sober October Challenge is a great step. But in order to achieve the very most out of your challenge, you may need a little encouragement. So here are our top tips to help you make Sober October a success!

• Keep an active social life – try out new hobbies with your friends as a good distraction
• Try out a new hobby – now is the time to follow through on something that you have always wanted
• Treat yourself with rewards – after all, Sober October is a great accomplishment
• Keep a journal – this will help you look back on your emotions and make sense of the daily issues
• Give yourself a chance – cravings are natural, so reach for other non-alcoholic treats, or other tasty treats as a distraction
• Self-affirmations – these will give you further incentive and help you realise that you’re on a special journey

A Sober October Challenge is a great starting point for a shake-up of routine for the better, and finding a way to create a healthier lifestyle for the future. Eliminating alcohol from your life creates a balance in the mind and body, and will encourage you to continue this long after October ends. If you’re concerned about your symptoms or struggling to make Sober October work for you, it is important to reach out for help.

There are numerous self-help groups, forums and even GPs who would be happy to discuss your mental health. Alternatively, you can look towards a more comprehensive treatment route. If you feel that you are unable to remove alcohol and worry about alcohol addiction, you can reach out to one of our professional and friendly team members. Don’t hesitate to call us today on 0151 268 6992.

Posted on Friday, October 6th, 2023 at 12:01 pm in Latest News.