by Sofia Moreau

With the seeds of anxiety and boredom sown deep during the global furlough, it is no surprise that alcohol consumption has lurched upward. Our rational selves may ponder: Is this excessive drinking inflicting harm? How does it impact our fitness? Several surveys revealed that over one-fourth of the UK’s population amplified their alcohol intake during the lockdown. While some were successful in reversing this trend once restrictions eased, many found themselves entrapped in the clutches of habituated excessive drinking.

The philanthropic organization, Alcohol Change UK, reported that one-third of these drinkers took decisive steps to regulate their consumption, taking assistance from online resources or their personal physicians. The organization observed a staggering 242 per cent upsurge in visits to their advisory website. However, two-thirds of respondents anticipated maintaining their current intake levels post-lockdown, indicating how people struggle to break established habits.

Tackling Alcohol Dependency Standing Tall

If excessive drinking cripples your everyday life, or if you feel beholden to alcohol, it is imperative to seek professional help. Luckily resources like online chat services and confidential helplines are accessible to provide assistance.

New Paths to Par down Alcohol Consumption

There are straightforward strategies to curb your desire to drink and enhance wellness:

• Opt for low-alcohol or non-alcoholic drinks. Innovations like low alcohol wine and ‘clean gin’ offer delectable alternatives.
• Interleave your alcoholic beverages with soft drinks.
• Serve yourself. Utter control over the quantity poured helps cognition of consumption.
• Discipline yourself to have at least two alcohol-free days each week.
• Seek distractions. If the urge to drink is overly potent, engage in a bracing walk instead.

Troubleshooting Alcohol & Fitness Misconceptions

Alcohol can severely undermine your exercise regime. While the body can process about one unit of alcohol every hour, an overindulgence can lead to alcohol accumulation in the blood, impacting your performance during exercise. In addition to depriving the muscles of glucose and vital energy, alcohol can disrupt sleep cycles, concentration, coordination, and body temperature, all of which are critical components for optimal athletic performance.

Exercise and Alcohol: A Complex Relationship

Exerting oneself physically may safeguard against some alcohol-inflicted liver damage by enhancing the liver’s efficiency in processing the alcohol. However, this does not imply that regular exercise permits unbridled alcohol consumption. These assertions remain in the realm of conjecture, with scientific studies still in progress.

Long-term Impact of Alcohol Consumption

No alcoholic intake can be deemed entirely harmless. Recommended allowances exist which offer guidelines on consumption. There is preliminary evidence suggesting that moderate drinkers might have a decreased risk of heart disease compared to total abstainers. However, moderate-intake’s relative advantages do not outweigh its potential for harm. It is pivotal to remember that a healthier lifestyle is more beneficial than alcohol.

The recommended alcohol intake limits are as follows:

• Both men and women should not consume more than 14 units of alcohol regularly per week.
• If you habitually drink 14 units per week, spread your intake over at least three days.
• Pregnant women should completely abstain from alcohol.

In conclusion, while the lockdown has seen a rise in alcohol consumption, it’s essential to consider the long-term implications on our health and fitness. Remember, taking control of your habits is the first step towards a healthier lifestyle.

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