Break from Alcohol Good for Body and Mind - Kiwi Counsellor

A month-long break from alcohol as part of fundraiser Dry July will not only have you feeling physically better, but could also help your self esteem and relationships, according to a local expert.

While the core aim of Dry July is to improve the wellbeing of adults living with cancer using the funds raised by those going booze-free for a month, it could also positively impact on your health and mental wellbeing, according to relationship therapist and addictions counsellor, Leanne French.

“Drinking even small amounts of alcohol often can make you feel tired and depressed,” says French, who has been a counsellor for over 25 years. “One of the biggest benefits from taking a break is that people feel healthier and better in the morning, and have more energy, which naturally leads on to doing other healthy things, like eating better food and exercising.”

“People taking a break for a good reason like Dry July also usually feel proud of themselves, and sometimes it is a relief to them as they realise being able to go a month without drinking means they don’t have a problem with alcohol. Much like going technology-free, people often realise there is so much more to do with their time and energy.”

Setting a goal and achieving it can help people feel good about themselves, regardless of how much they usually drink, she adds. “Proving you can socialise, relax and reward yourself without alcohol can be a big deal for many people. Add the feel-good factor of raising money for those who really need it, and it’s a great formula for improving self-esteem.”

French says another benefit of a break from booze could be a positive impact on relationships with spouses, partners and family members. “Drinking and recovering from drinking can be selfish. It can shut other people out and make you less physically and emotionally available to your partner,” she explains.

“Taking a break means you can assess whether this is happening, and may change your attitude to alcohol if it’s something that is having an impact on your relationship with a loved one.”

The opportunity to take a break from booze offered by Dry July is perfect for anyone looking to refresh their body and mind, she adds. “When there is a good opportunity like Dry July, where a break from alcohol receives support and encouragement, why not take it and the positive effects that come with it?”

Dry July is back for the fourth year in New Zealand and is already open for sign-ups. Last year, those who ditched the booze raised over $744,000 for three beneficiary cancer services around the country to improve the wellbeing of adult cancer patients and their loved ones.

“We’re excited it’s almost time to go booze-free again – you don’t often get the chance to raise money for charity by not doing something,” says Scott Savidge, Country Manager at Dry July NZ Trust. “Dry July is a challenge of determination, which also gives you the opportunity to examine your own drinking patterns and appreciate the value of a healthy, balanced lifestyle.”

Dry July improves the wellbeing of adult cancer patients by providing funds to create better services and environments for them and their families. In the seven Dry July campaigns to-date, 90,000+ participants have collectively raised over $20m AUD, helping support 40 different cancer services across New Zealand and Australia.

Sign up or get more information at www.dryjuly.co.nz.


BEDFORD SODA & LIQUOR / dry july campaign

GRAPEFRUIT & GINGER SODA
Served Bedford Soda Style or Sharing Pitcher Style
Ingredients: Fresh Grapefruit Wedges
  Ginger Syrup
  Soda Water
  Garnish with Rosemary Sprig and Grapefruit Wedge

CARAMEL-CORN, SPICED ESPRESSO MARTINI
Served straight up in Coupe Glass (Hot or Cold)
Ingredients: Espresso Coffee
  Vanilla Syrup
  Salted Caramel Crème
  Garnish with Caramel Pop Corn and a sprinkle of Vanilla & Chilli Salt

100’s & 1000’s SHAKE
Served Old Fashioned Milkshake Style
Ingredients: 100’s & 1000’s biscuits
  Strawberry Syrup
  Icecream
  Milk
  Garnish with 100’s & 1000’s biscuit and extra sprinkles

DRY JULY SIGNATURE “BLACK” SODA
Served Bedford Soda Style
Ingredients: Black Doris Plum
  Black (Three) Berry Syrup
  Lemon Wedge
  Soda
Garnish with Gold Bow, Mint, Cinnamon stick, Yellow Flower and Gold Dust