How to drink every day affects your mental health



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When the day has been long, you celebrate a victory at work, that it is Friyay!

Before you know it, you drink a glass of wine (or several) every night of the week and easily exceed the recommended weekly allowance. (14 units in case you were wondering)

Although we know the physical health risks associated with Sauvignon Broth each day, the impact on our mental health is less discussed.

<p class = "web-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "But the effects of regular consumption of alcohol on our mental health Recent statistics have revealed that the number of people admitted to hospital with alcohol-related behavioral disorders has increased over the past 10 years. 94% among 15 to 59 year olds and 150% among over 60s. "Data-reactid =" 25 "> But the effects of regular alcohol consumption on our mental well-being are actually quite real – people admitted to hospital with alcohol-related behavioral disorders have increased over the last 10 years 94% among 15 to 59 year olds and 150% among over 60s.

The truth is that these dilapidated wines could actually cause serious damage to our spirit.

"This prolonged alcohol consumption can have a significant effect on our mental health, even if you do not consume alcohol regularly," warns Dr. Julianne Barry of the GP Private Clinic at the London Doctors Clinic. .

According to Dr. Barry, alcohol can cause anxiety and depression because of its adverse effects on the chemical activity of our brain.

"Taking a drink to help calm the nerves can lead to a vicious circle of anxiety and increased alcohol consumption, so it's very important to try to avoid going that route," she says.

According to Dr. Barry, alcohol would interfere with neurotransmitters in your brain.

"These are the chemicals that transfer messages from one nerve to another," she says. "They depend on a status quo in the brain for their proper functioning. When this chemical change disrupts this balance, it can result in a feeling of initial calm and a false sense of well-being. "

As will be appreciated by those who discover their bravery after a few drinks, alcohol removes the area of ​​the brain responsible for inhibitions, allowing people to feel more confident and relaxed.

The problem is that mood swings can occur when alcohol lowers serotonin levels in our brains.

"Serotonin is a hormone that regulates our mood, which tends to be lower in depressed people," says Dr. Barry.

"If you are subject to stress or anxiety, drinking alcohol can be particularly harmful in that it is a known depressive symptom, which often gets worse. The link between the two is well documented. People with mental health problems are more likely to drink alcohol, as part of a self-medication effort, while those who regularly consume alcohol are more likely to drink alcohol. develop mental health problems. "

What to drink every day does for your mental health [Photo: Getty]

And drinking alcohol every day can also have a huge impact on your sleep.

"The larger amounts of alcohol you consume, especially when you approach bedtime, the greater the negative impact on your sleep is great," says Dr. Barry.

"Alcohol interferes with our sleep patterns and reduces melatonin levels. Melatonin helps to regulate the sleep / wake cycle or our 'circadian rhythm'.

"REM sleep is compromised, limiting freshness and clarity of thought, come in the morning."

Cue in the morning after the fog!

"You're not the smartest and it can often be a fatal start to the day, ultimately affecting mood and performance.

And a bad sleep can trigger a negative cycle without sleep / stress-plus.

"Suboptimal sleep can have a significant negative impact on our ability to manage levels of anxiety and stress," says Dr. Barry.

So, now that we know how much alcohol use affects our mental health, what can we do about it?

On the occasion of Alcohol Awareness Week, five alternatives are available to relax from Monday to Wednesday and beyond …

Get your shape on

Swap your beer for a bar. "It is well known that exercise has a very positive impact on mental health by increasing serotonin levels, reducing the level of stress and anxiety and helping to improve your mood," says the Dr. Barry.

But moving away from Bake Off to break burpees is not necessarily an easy switch.

"The hardest thing is to start a regular routine," says Dr. Barry. "As you approach the dark winter months, the last thing you want to do when you come home is to go to a class or gym."

She suggests taking your gym equipment to work with you so you can leave immediately. "Once you start exercising, you will achieve both the mental and physical benefits.

To walk on

There is no need to catch up with a bottle of Malbec, you know. "Rather than sitting on the couch / in a bar with a bottle of wine, grab your friend or partner and your sneakers and take a long walk – it's finally more refreshing, energetic, satisfying and good for your health. mentally, "says Dr. Barry.

Breathe

"Yoga, meditation and pilates all have excellent relaxation properties and, when they are practiced regularly, they can have very positive results for the mind and body," says the Dr. Barry.

Alcohol can have a surprising impact on your mental health [Photo: Getty]

Go out, without alcohol

Who said you needed alcohol for a good evening? "The UK is ideal for late-night events, which do not necessarily have to be alcohol-centered," says Dr. Barry. The recently formed "Sober and Social" movement organizes large alcohol-free social events, where you can meet other people who are trying to reduce or completely reduce alcohol.

Get help

"If you feel that your alcohol consumption is becoming problematic and has a negative impact on your daily life, your work, your relationships and your overall health, or if your loved ones have expressed concerns about your consumption of alcohol Alcohol, it might be time to talk to a professional, such as your general practitioner, "warns Dr. Barry.

"It can be hard to get out of the spiral of alcohol consumption without the help and advice of professionals, but there are many resources."

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<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Gwyneth Paltrow admits to being a "drinker seven days a week" before the London Goop pop-up"data-reactid =" 90 ">Gwyneth Paltrow admits to being a "drinker seven days a week" before the London Goop pop-up

<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "New research finds 'moderate light drinkers' at least likely to die early or develop cancer"data-reactid =" 91 ">New research finds 'moderate light drinkers' at least likely to die early or develop cancer

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