5 Psychological benefits of being teetotal and not drinking alcohol

Today I bring a topic that can be as refreshing as a glass of fresh water in the middle of August: alcohol withdrawal.

Although it is true that saying goodbye to glasses of wine or beers at dinner may seem like a real challenge to some people, the psychological benefits of making this decision can surprise you.

Ready? Go for it

Psychological benefits of being teetotaler

It's Monday morning. You get up, make yourself a cup of coffee and sit down to plan your week. Remember that feeling of clarity and focus? That, dear reader, is what teetotalers have access to every day!

1. Energy and Concentration

Can you imagine waking up every day with the feeling of being ready to conquer the world? By eliminating alcohol, our brain can function at its maximum capacity without the handbrake of alcohol. Concentration improves, energy increases, and suddenly you realize you can do more and better.

Think that alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, one of its main effects is precisely to steal your energy and put a glass ceiling on you. It limits you, and unfortunately it is one of the main "invisible" obstacles that people do not see due to this "cultural alcoholism" in which we are immersed.

• Related article: "Psychological well-being: 15 habits to achieve it"

2. Emotional health

In addition, abstinence from alcohol can bring greater emotional balance. Alcohol can magnify our unpleasant emotions and make it difficult to manage. By eliminating it from our day to day, we give ourselves the opportunity to live and manage our emotions in a more balanced and healthy way.

Despite what the movies have led us to believe, we don't need a couple of drinks to have deep, meaningful conversations or to deal with anxiety or sadness (if alcohol is a main tool to cope with these things, it is very likely that you have a problem with alcoholism, or that you are developing).

3. Authenticity

Have you ever wondered who you really are after a couple of drinks? Well, abstaining allows you to find out. Saying goodbye to alcohol you give yourself the opportunity to know yourself and to present yourself to others as you are.

Alcohol is sometimes used as a kind of social crutch, a way to dispel discomfort or insecurity. However, when we remove alcohol from the equation, we come face to face with our own vulnerabilities.

This can be uncomfortable at first, but over time, it forces us to develop healthier coping and communication skills. We become more ourselves, because we no longer have the alcohol filter to hide parts of our personality or our feelings. Our conversations become more genuine, our connections deeper.

On the other hand, by giving up alcohol, you may find that you are more present in your social interactions. You no longer have to worry about whether you've had too much to drink or the possible side effects of alcohol the next day.

This level of awareness and presence can give you a new ability to really listen to others and respond in more thoughtful ways. You will find yourself more in tune with the emotions and needs of others, which can strengthen your relationships and make you a more understanding and caring friend or partner.

• You may be interested in: "The relationship between Alcohol and Social Anxiety"

4. Empathy and Understanding

Also, by maintaining clarity in all situations, you can better understand and connect with others. Empathy and understanding don't need a couple of drinks to flourish.. Being teetotal can be a great way to exercise our power and autonomy, and to show ourselves that we can live according to our decisions and convictions.

For starters, by clearing the "fog" of alcohol, you can begin to see your own feelings and those of others more clearly. Alcohol deadens our emotions, making us less aware of how we really feel and how our actions may affect others.

When we stop drinking, these emotions can come back with a vengeance. Although they can be challenging to manage at first, this increased emotional awareness can help us better understand how others are feeling.

Also, facing life and its challenges without the crutch of alcohol can make us more aware of our own struggles and the struggles of others. In this sense, stopping drinking can be an act of self-pity that extends to empathy for others. We become better able to listen and respond to the emotional needs of the people around us., simply because we are more in tune with our own needs and emotions.

Lastly, withdrawal from alcohol often leads to increased presence of mind, which is an essential tool for empathy. When you are fully present in a conversation or situation, you are better equipped to understand and share another person's feelings.

Instead of being aloof or distracted by the effects of alcohol, you can fully participate in conversations and respond with empathy and understanding.

• Related article: "The 6 types of social skills, and what they are for"

5. A decision of one's own and self-determination

By choosing teetotal, you are making a decision based on your values, your desires, and your health. You are proving to yourself that you are in control of your life and that you can make decisions that align with what you really want.

Being teetotal, you free yourself from social pressure to drink and show great self-determination. This attitude of self-determination can carry over into other areas of your life and help you live on your own terms.

Deciding to teetotal is ultimately a personal choice that requires a high degree of introspection and determination. Sometimes it can feel like you're going against the grain, especially if you're in an environment where drinking is the norm.

However, this decision to go against the mainstream can actually greatly strengthen your sense of self-determination. By exercising your freedom of choice, you show that you have control over your actions and your life, regardless of expectations or social pressures.

In the process of becoming teetotaler, also you may find that your self-confidence increases. When the decision to abstain from alcohol is made, we are often challenged to face our insecurities and fears.

You may be wondering, will I be able to enjoy the holidays in the same way? Can I get through a bad day without resorting to a glass of wine to relax?

The answer is a resounding yes. As you face these challenges and emerge victorious, you realize your own strength and resilience, and that can be incredibly empowering.

Also, by making a conscious and healthy choice for your life, you show yourself that you value and respect yourself. This self-assertion can lead to an increase in confidence in yourself. In the end, deciding to be teetotal is an act of self-determination and self-affirmation that can lead to a greater sense of self-esteem and confidence. Not only will you be making a healthy choice for your body, but you will also be nourishing your mind and soul.

Frequent questions

These are some of the most common questions related to not drinking alcohol:

How do I handle social pressure if I decide to be teetotaler?

Although it may seem like it, you are not alone in this situation.. Many people have had to deal with peer pressure when deciding to be teetotal. The trick is to be sure of your decision and communicate it firmly.

You don't need to go into detail about your reasons, you can simply say, "I've decided not to drink alcohol." Most people will respect your decision. If you're in an environment where there's a lot of pressure to drink, ask yourself if these are the kinds of “friends” you're interested in.

• You may be interested in: "The 5 Types of Alcoholism (and Associated Disorders)"

What do I do if I feel bored without drinking alcohol?

You may initially feel a void in your social activities if they have always revolved around alcohol use. But, this can be a great time to discover new hobbies or pick up old interests.

Have you always wanted to learn to paint, play an instrument or dance salsa? Now you have the energy and time to do it!

Also you can explore social activities that are not focused on alcohol. From book clubs to hiking groups, there are endless options to enjoy and socialize without having to consume alcohol.

How will my decision affect my personal relationships?

It is true that your decision to be teetotal can affect your personal relationships. Some people may not understand why you have decided to stop drinking, and some social activities may change. But remember, relationships are built on mutual respect, and the people who love you will support you.

Furthermore, this decision could also have a positive effect on your relationships. Without the veil of alcohol, you are likely to communicate more authentically, and this can strengthen your connections with others. And who knows, your decision might inspire others to consider their own drinking habits.