At INFRA Skills, we emphasise fostering a healthy lifestyle, particularly in the infrastructure sector, where safety is paramount. An integral part of this commitment involves controlling alcohol consumption. While moderate consumption can fit within a balanced lifestyle, excessive alcohol use can result in serious health complications and negatively affect work performance and safety. This article presents practical guidance on controlling alcohol consumption and establishing healthier habits.
Understanding the Dangers of Excessive Drinking
The first step towards taking control of alcohol consumption is understanding the risks associated with excessive drinking. Over time, drinking too much alcohol can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and other health problems. It can also affect your mental health and lead to dependency. Awareness of these risks can be a powerful motivator to change drinking habits.
Establishing Personal Boundaries for Alcohol Intake
It’s essential to know your limits. Health experts recommend that both men and women should not drink more than 14 units of alcohol each week. Try to have several alcohol-free days each week. Setting and sticking to these limits can help you avoid the adverse health effects of excessive alcohol consumption.
Implementing Minor Modifications for Moderating Alcohol Use
Small changes can add up to make a big difference. Consider choosing lower-calorie options for your favourite drinks, especially mixers. Opt for diet fizzy drinks, slimline tonics, or soda water. When it comes to wines and ciders, choose ‘dry’ instead of ‘sweet’. If you’re switching from alcohol to soft drinks, make sure they’re sugar-free. Water is always the best choice –sparkling and still has no calories.
Building Healthy Routines to Curb Alcohol Intake
Developing healthy habits can help you take control of your alcohol consumption. Here are some tips:
- Have a glass of water between each alcoholic drink. This will slow down your drinking and keep you hydrated.
- Set a drink limit at the night’s start to avoid getting carried away.
- If you feel pressured to drink, buy your drinks instead of doing rounds. You could also say that you’re driving, can’t drink with your medication, or have some sparkling water and let people assume it’s an alcoholic drink.
- Engage in physical activities or hobbies to distract yourself from drinking. Physical activity can also help reduce stress, which is often a trigger for excessive drinking.
Finding Support to Manage Alcohol Use
If you’re struggling with alcohol, it’s essential to seek support. Talk to someone you trust about your concerns. If you’re finding it hard to reduce your drinking, consider seeking professional help. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help; many resources are available to support you.
Consulting with your doctor is an excellent first step if you’re concerned about your drinking. They can provide advice tailored to your situation and refer you to support further. Health associations like the British Heart Foundation also offer valuable resources and support for people looking to control their alcohol consumption.
At INFRA Skills, Occupational Health Nurses are available to provide support and guidance. They are trained professionals who understand the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle while working in the infrastructure sector. They can give advice, support, and resources to help you take control of your alcohol consumption.
At INFRA Skills, we promote a healthy and safe work environment. Taking control of alcohol is an integral part of this. By understanding the risks, setting limits, making small changes, developing healthy habits, and seeking support, you can control your alcohol consumption and contribute to a safer and healthier workplace.
FAQ’s
Why is controlling alcohol consumption important at INFRA Skills?
At INFRA Skills, promoting a healthy lifestyle is crucial, especially in the infrastructure sector, where safety is paramount. Excessive drinking can lead to serious health problems and negatively impact work performance and safety.
What are the health risks associated with excessive drinking?
Over time, excessive drinking can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and other health problems. It can also affect your mental health and lead to dependency.
What small changes can be made to control alcohol consumption?
Consider choosing lower-calorie options for your favourite drinks, especially mixers. Opt for diet fizzy drinks, slimline tonics, or soda water. When it comes to wines and ciders, choose ‘dry’ instead of ‘sweet’. If you’re switching from alcohol to soft drinks, make sure they’re sugar-free. Water is always the best choice.
What support do INFRA Skills provide for controlling alcohol consumption?
Occupational Health Nurses can provide support and guidance at INFRA Skills. They are trained professionals who understand the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle while working in the infrastructure sector. They can give advice, support, and resources to help you take control of your alcohol consumption.
