If you fall unwell often to cold & flu, have difficulty climbing a set of stairs, or generally feel exhausted and lethargic all the time, this post may be for you.
The symptoms aren't always as severe, maybe you're just expecting a bit more from your body than what it currently does. Maybe you want to be able to keep up with the kids, or have the capacity to run around a bit more. Regardless, I'm here to say that trying sobriety could be your answer. Take it from me, a guy that felt not so unfamiliar to our friend in that photo above a year ago.
"There must be something wrong"
Herse the picture: Me, 28 years old, struggling to walk up-hill to my job and physically crushed by working a short 4 hour shift at work. I had been sick with post-covid pneumonia, and had repeated chest infections over the past few months. I couldn't sleep properly, breath to my full capacity, and felt like I was falling apart.
"There has to be something wrong with me" I would say. Going to the doctor prompted the beginning of using steroid inhalers, a repeat prescription of quetiapine for sleep, and a few blood tests.
My back and legs were sore, skin was always paying up and the thought of walking up an incline was dreadful. The symptoms of fatigue would not ease overtime, and it's abundantly clear to me as to why. I was exhausted. The reason? My habits, mainly alcohol.
"That's it"
One night, during one of those shifts mentioned above I had to make a trip to the bathroom to gather myself after feeling nauseous, dizzy, and out of breath. I was fed up with hiding my coughing fits from the customers, and to put it plainly, was miserable.
It was at this moment that the decision to change happened.
Skip forward 12 months and not much has changed, except everything.
It's important to note at this point, it wasn't only alcohol that I gave up, it was smoking too. Which unsurprisingly is easier to give up when you stop drinking.
This post is about the physical benefits of sobriety so I won't go too far down other avenues but I'll tell you this. My mental health, social health, and spiritual health have all improved as well. Maintaining a holistic view of things helps me to keep my momentum, I use the healing model Te Whare Tapa Wha to self-assess during this journey, to learn more about that click here.
Let's cut to the chase - What are the physical benefits of going sober?
The below list is the most obvious physical benefits of sobriety for me. There are more benefits but these will do for now.
The physical benefits of going sober for 6+ months
Better breathing and lung capacity.
Higher stamina and ability for exercise.
Improved quality, regularity, and depth of sleep - being able to wake up easier too.
Skin ailments have eased - like eczema condition has improved, dark circles around eyes have improved, have regained colour in skin also.
Improved balance and co-ordination.
Weight is easier to control.
Inflammation has lowered across the board, including puffiness of the face.
Less pain symptoms from sickness.
Digestion, metabolism, and absorption of nutrients has improved. (feeling energised by food)
Cholesterol and liver function results from blood testing improved (see below)
Here are the blood test results: the first set was taken in April 2023, the next in September 2023. 4 months of moderate exercise (not even much cardiovascular exercise at all) bugger all difference to my diet, but taking those steps to betterment through 5ish months of sobriety and quitting the smokes. I'd love to see the results now!
In conclusion
Sobriety or abstinence may not be the answer for everyone. But, my belief is that through positive habits we can begin to heal and this helps us build up our physical health which has the flow on effect on all other areas of our well-being.
Best of luck, and I'll see you in the next one
~J.
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