As we endure Melbourne’s 7th week of Stage 4 lockdown measures, things can go a little awry. Especially, on a day like today when it’s wet, cold and frankly miserable.

You could be forgiven for wanting to stay warm in bed and shut out the world. It’s somewhat of a rude awakening after weeks of relative warmth and sunshine for this time of the year.

Melbourne’s reputation for being a cold grey city is rearing it’s head today.

So what to do? You still have commitments like homeschooling the children, working from your laptop and keeping the household on an even keel. None of these things stop when the weather’s bad or when an as yet unstoppable Covid-19 virus comes to town.

Recent talk in the media has cited increased alcohol use in the home either as a coping mechanism or as a substitue for the lack of socialization and entertainment outside of the home.

What starts out innocently enough, a glass of wine while making dinner, can easily become a habitual reliance on a substance that frankly has nothing to recommend it. Sadly, using alcohol as a coping mechanism can end up creating more problems that it cures.

Alcohol is often portrayed as an escape from all your worldly issues. While this may work momentarily, like all drugs, when the effects wear off, it’s manatory that you drink some more to regain that state of bliss.

We’ve seen the panic buying of alcohol at the beginning of the pandemic. It was clearly viewed as an ‘essential item’ as no government dared to close liquor stores.

Beyond the familiar hangover symptoms such as headaches, dehydration and generally feeling blah. Increased alcohol consumption can also have unintended consequences. Like getting to sleep faster only to wake in the night and not be able to go off to sleep again.

Unexpected weight gain is another common side effect of alcohol consumption. The body views alcohol as a toxin, what can’t be eliminated from the body is stored in fat cells, most noteably around the waist (beer belly).

Reducing your energy and vitality. Projects are put on the back burner as you don’t have mental or physical energy to tackle them. Memory and concentration can also be affected due to a lack of B vitamins.

Many people develop systemic Candida infections leading to Thrush (among a myraid of other health issues) which can wreak havock with your physical, mental, emotional and sexual health.

Fertility is also reduced when both partners drink regularly. It affects sperm and egg quality, hormone levels and genetic expression.

For women, alcohol is especially problematic as it’s associated with increased period problems and menopausal symptoms due to nutritional deficiencies and reduced liver capacity to detoxify the body.

For men and women, alcohol increases the risk of all cancers.

And let’s not forget, alcohol does nothing to boost your immunity. The one true asset you have right now to ensure that you stay healthy and well.

Indeed alcohol increases the risk of catching anything and everything as your body is depleted of vital nutritents such as vitamin C and other antioxidants.

So if you want to regain your energy and motivation take stock of the things you have in your control. Simple changes can have a big effect on your health.

If you can’t completely elminate alcohol at least experiment with alcohol free days or reducing the amount/frequency of it’s use. You body will thank you for it.

Replacing it with other healthier options or activities is a great strategy too.

There has never been a better time to take control of your health. Email gettingwellnaturally@gmail today to take advantage of our $99 lockdown special offer and start getting the help you need today for a healthier tomorrow.