Caterina Giorgi from Fare presented on a range of confronting statistic around the toll alcohol has on Australian society. It’s such a part of our culture, but now is a good time to have an open and honest discussion about the very real consequences for our health and what price we are paying collectively.
On the mental health side, many drink to “cope” better with stress, but in fact, alcohol acts as a depressive, increases anxiety, negatively effects sleep quality which all massively reduce our mental resilience.
From a ritual stand point, many use alcohol at the end of the day, as a reward for getting through. Finding alternative healthy activities will be very effective to break the cycle of regular consumption. Establishing new friends alongside those new activities will be key to maintaining a healthier lifestyle and break the pattern of daily drinking. The alcohol marketing machine focuses on the “community” of drinking, maybe it is time to find a better community?
It is not about giving up alcohol completely, although for some its best, but rather asking an honest question to yourself; are you consuming alcohol or is alcohol consuming you?