A guide to moderating your drinking
Physical HealthArticle17 July 2023
Swapping cocktails for mocktails? Good for you!
Moderating your alcohol intake comes with numerous health benefits, including improvements in sleep quality, energy levels, concentration, weight loss, physical activity and metabolic health.
When approaching this lifestyle change, consider what you’d like your ideal relationship with alcohol to look like. For instance, is sobriety your main objective or do your current health goals align with a moderated drinking approach? Either way, your decision to cut out or cut down on alcohol is a big step towards embracing a healthier lifestyle.
Like many things in life, the best way to succeed is to have a solid plan. The below suggestions provide a balanced approach to alcohol consumption, with a focus on building better habits and establishing a healthy relationship with alcohol.
A guide to moderating your drinking
Begin by establishing your goals: If you intend to moderate your drinking, set a limit and commit to it. This quick assessment tool can help you determine how your drinking habits stack up according to the World Health Organization's recommendations, enabling you to make informed choices when setting your goals. The Australian alcohol guidelines recommend having no more than four standard drinks in any one day, and no more than 10 standard drinks across a week. However, in the spirit of a challenge, you may consider opting for fewer drinks than this.
Know the definition of a standard drink: The strength of alcohol varies according to the type consumed, and knowing this is vital to adhering to your set goals. Learn how much to pour for a standard drink, here.
Get digital and track your progress: These days, most people are rarely without their smartphones. So, what better way to keep yourself accountable than to use an alcohol-tracking app to monitor your progress? Apps such as I Am Sober and DrinkControl can help you count your drinks, remain motivated and build new habits. You can even keep track of your savings!
Identify other activities you love: Fill the void of drinking with other non-alcoholic pursuits. Take up that yoga or boxing class you’ve been meaning to try. Sign up for a creative activity or course, or invest your time in family and friends. It’s amazing what you can do with your spare time when you’re not battling a hangover.
Manage your triggers: Identifying your personal triggers requires a degree of self-reflection. For instance, if your usual social catch-up takes place at the pub, suggest meeting for a coffee instead – or go for a walk together.
Seek help when needed: Moderating your drinking is no easy feat and sometimes you need to ask for help. Seeking support from family, friends or a trusted health provider as you experiment with reducing your alcohol intake can help keep you on track while remaining socially connected.
At Zurich Evolve, we want to work together to protect health. At any stage of life, we’re here to help you stay healthy or feel healthier. So as part of our commitment to supporting your health journey, we’re offering Zurich customers, in partnership with Allen Carr’s Easyway, $100 off the Quit Alcohol seminar program (live online). For more info, click here.