Have you ever noticed how alcohol affects you differently depending on the time of day and situation? Even your stress levels, hydration levels and how much you ate can come into play. Well, you do not think things through – certain factors can exacerbate the effects of alcohol on you. Therefore, according to experts, it is important to be aware of the worst times to drink alcohol and to be generally mindful when you want to enjoy an adult drink or two.
A 2017 study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that alcohol consumption has been steadily increasing in the United States since the 1990s – especially for women, minorities, and older adults. Not only that, but a poll in May 2020 found that humans began to sink even more after the outbreak of the coronavirus. In fact, the average daily drink of a person increased by 27% compared to before the pandemic, while drinking increased by 26%.
Clearly, it is time for Americans to examine their drinking habits for a long time, especially since alcohol consumption carries a number of short- and long-term health risks, including high blood pressure, depression and anxiety, a weakened immune system, and certain cancers.
That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a glass of wine or a craft cocktail every now and then – the key is to be smart about how much you drink and when. According to experts, these are the worst times to drink alcohol, and for more healthy tips, check out our list of The 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans define moderate drinking as one per day for women and up to two per day for men.
“Excessive drinking is never a good idea, no matter when you do it,” says Dr. Josh Ax, a certified clinical nutritionist and author of Ancient Nutrition. “Binge drinking is going to affect your energy levels, brain function, cardiovascular health, mood, sleep patterns and more.”
According to the Sleep Foundation, drinking alcohol – which consumes four or more drinks in about two hours for women or five plus drinks for men – can be particularly detrimental to your sleep quality. This is important to keep in mind as sleep deprivation can negatively affect your mood, memory, cognitive performance, immune system and blood sugar regulation.
Needless to say, as a general rule, it is best to enjoy one or two drinks, depending on your gender and size, and then cut yourself off.
Do not forget to read about tips for choosing healthy drinks while you are busy.
Sorry, daydreamers – but those Sunday Funday bloody mares and mimosas do you no favors.
“Alcohol can cause inertia, fatigue, lack of motivation and concentration, low energy and low mood,” says Dr. Ax. “If you drink early in the day, you probably do not have a productive, healthy day. You are also less likely to eat balanced, healthy meals, to exercise and to participate in stress-relieving activities.”
This is especially important to keep in mind if you still have to do work or any other tasks that are mentally stressful to complete the same day. One study, which tested the cognitive abilities of male medical students in the afternoon and then in the evening, found that they performed much worse with their afternoon test under the influence of alcohol compared to outside, while there was little to no difference between their results were not. the evening regardless of whether they drank or not. Researchers conclude that this suggests that there is a “circadian variation” in the effects of alcohol.
“If you have a day meeting, stick to one drink and enjoy it slowly,” adds dr. Ax by. “Then switch to hydrating drinks like lemon water or seltzer.”
Here are the side effects of giving up alcohol, according to science.
Experts believe that drinking when you are bored can easily become a vicious cycle.
“If you drink out of boredom, you need a new hobby,” says Dr. Ax. “It’s an unhealthy action and it can lead to a more sedentary lifestyle, more boredom and more drinking.”
Instead of putting a beer in the fridge when you have nothing to do, dr. Ax before you want to go outdoors, listen to music or cook a healthy meal – like one of these 100+ best healthy recipes.
What’s the first thing you do after an overwhelming workday? If you tend to pour a drink, you may well think so.
“Some people use alcohol as a crutch when they feel stressed or anxious,” says Dr. Ax. “It is dangerous because it can lead to a vicious cycle and will not help relieve stress levels. In fact, it can increase anxiety, stress and feelings of hopelessness.”
Research shows that alcohol can actually exacerbate the effects of stress. This is probably due in part to the fact that alcohol stimulates the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol, while also changing how the body experiences and responds to stress.
Bottom line? It is better to meditate or practice breathing if you need to relieve tension and relax. Or try this 5 minute indoor workout!
Since alcohol is a sedative, you can assume that a few drinks in the evening will help you get a better night’s rest – but as it turns out, the opposite is actually true. According to The Sleep Foundation, although alcohol can initially cause feelings of relaxation and drowsiness, it is also associated with poor sleep quality and duration. In essence, it causes you to fall into a deep sleep fairly quickly, causing an imbalance between your slow wave sleep and REM sleep cycles. This in turn usually means more sleep disturbances – and interruptions in your REM sleep the next day can lead to drowsiness and poor concentration.
For these reasons, The Sleep Foundation recommends avoiding alcohol for at least four hours before hitting the hay.
So when is the ideal time to take in? According to dr. Ax, this is the best time to have a drink when you are present and alert, except to follow the above guidelines. This way, you are more aware of how much you are consuming, and can feel satisfied after just one.
“If there is a less harmful time to drink, this is the case if you can fully enjoy the drink for its taste, perhaps as part of a healthy meal with a loved one,” explains Dr. Ax. “Drinking alcohol now and then – maybe one to two or two drinks a week – is ideal.”
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