Why Christmas Is The Best Time To Quit Drinking Alcohol

Are you trying to quit drinking alcohol but finding it difficult? You're not alone. In fact, research shows that trying to quit without support is only successful 4-5% of the time. Fortunately, there are many effective ways to achieve sobriety, and quitting during the holidays is one of the most successful methods. Here's why Christmas is the best time to stop drinking alcohol.

You can save money by not buying alcohol.

If your goal is to save money, not buying alcohol can be a great way to do it. Alcohol, whether beer, wine or spirits, can add up quickly when purchased regularly. Rather than spending that extra money at a bar or liquor store, why not save it?

Not only are you actively contributing to your long-term financial goals, but you're also enjoying the health benefits of a sober lifestyle. By kicking the habit, you might find yourself with more willpower to stick to that budget and stay on track financially.

So if you've been thinking about ways to save money, cutting out the alcohol could be one of the wisest decisions you could make.

You'll have more time to spend with family and friends

Spending time with our family and friends is one of the most important things we can do in life. As we get older, our schedules usually become more packed, and it can feel like it's impossible to make dedicated quality time for them.

Fortunately, by changing our priorities a bit and focusing on what's important - namely, the people who mean the most to us - we will find more time to spend with those we care about. Finding fulfillment in those moments of bonding and connection will be worth far more than any project or activity ever could be.

Appreciating those opportunities to embrace and love the ones close to us will make all the difference in how happy our lives can be.

You can avoid the holiday weight gain by not drinking empty calories

Holiday weight gain is something many of us face when seasonal festivities start to roll around. Rather than thinking it's to be expected, you can take practical steps to prevent it by not drinking empty calories such as soda, juices, and alcohol. These calorie-dense drinks carry no nutritional benefits and are notorious for packing on the pounds quickly.

If you find yourself wanting something sweet during the holidays, try sparkling water infused with fruit or a light beer instead, which offer more health benefits than regular soda or sugary alcoholic drinks. Making smarter beverage decisions this season is an effective way to avoid the dreaded holiday weight gain.

Alcohol is a depressant, so you'll be in a better mood without it

While alcohol is widely used as a social lubricant and can certainly provide moments of relief and amusement, it is important to remember that it is a depressant that makes you feel worse in the long run.

Numerous studies have found that when people abstain from drinking, they are in a better mood overall. Not only do people tend to be more positive and optimistic, but their anxiety and depressive symptoms also significantly improve.

So, if you want to keep your spirits high, skip the drink next time socializing with friends and opt for an activity like going for a walk or playing games instead.

You'll be more likely to stick to your New Year's resolutions if you don't drink alcohol in December.

If you've made a New Year's resolution for 2023, setting yourself up for success by avoiding alcohol in December may be a wise choice. Studies have shown that people who forego drinking during the end of the year are more likely to follow through on their resolution when the new year strikes.

Focusing on healthy alternatives such as herbal tea, homemade smoothies or simply sipping on water can help shift your focus away from alcohol consumption and towards your resolution goals. It may prove to be more difficult than expected to get past all the festive drink-filled New Year's Eve parties, but those who do will find themselves much closer to reaching their goals for 2020.

There are plenty of non-alcoholic drinks available that are just as festive.

The holidays are a great time to add extra cheer to social gatherings. Serving up festive beverages doesn't have to involve alcohol, however. There are lots of delicious non-alcoholic drink options that can brighten up the holidays just as much.

Many restaurants now offer freshly made mocktails, which are creative mixes of juices, herbs, and spices. If you're local store doesn't make these types of drinks, you can try making your own with items from the grocery store like juices and iced teas. You can even experiment with muddling fresh fruit in sparkling seltzer for a simple but tasty holiday treat!

No matter which route you choose, adding a festive non-alcoholic option to your holiday gatherings will ensure fun for all involved.

If you're looking to save money, stay healthy, and stick to your New Year's resolutions, quitting drinking for December may be the way to go. Plenty of festive non-alcoholic drinks are available, so you don't have to miss out on the fun.

And if you need help staying on track, we offer a free quit-drinking webinar that will give you all the tools you need to make it through sober. So what are you waiting for? Book your place today.