Cutting back on alcohol can do wonders for your mood, sleep and energy levels. Changing our drinking habits can also help reduce risk of serious health issues, including some cancers.
Here are some tips that’ll improve your health and your hip pocket:
- Challenge yourself to alcohol-free days, say Sunday to Thursday.
- Count your standard drinks - to stay within the Australian guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol
- Try a low-alcohol (or no-alcohol) beer, wine or spirit.
- Alternate between alcoholic drinks and non-alcoholic drinks like sparkling water or soda and lime. Visit the LiveLighter website for free healthy drink recipes.
- Dilute alcoholic drinks using ice or soda water.
- Use water to quench your thirst and sip alcoholic drinks slowly.
- Keep the house alcohol-free.
- Join in community events such as Dry July to keep you motivated.
- Know your triggers. If you reach for alcohol when you are stressed or tired, try going for a walk or doing something else to distract you.
Real-life stories
Meet David, Kylie and Cassie and hear how they reduce their drinking to improve their health and as a result are living life more.
Dry July
Dry July is an annual fundraiser that encourages you to go alcohol-free in July to raise funds for people affected by cancer.
Although going dry to step up for those affected by cancer, those who participate are also stepping up for their own health – perhaps without even realising it.
For Kathryn, giving it up has given her more than she imagined. Read her story.
Learn more about Dry July