Hi Reader
Welcome back to 1UP,
my weekly newsletter where I share all things health and mindsets to help you get stronger, feel younger and live longer.
What is in YOUR way Reader ?
This week on the podcast, I share some facts and tips around alcohol.
Not because I want to shame you if you drink.
Not because you have a problem with it.
But I did. I had a problem with it. So I share things from experience.
It's easy to glamorize alcohol. But I know the dark side of it. The part of the story we don't want to show to anyone.
Many of us are well able to drink in moderation and occasionally.
If that is you and you are someone who can have a couple of drinks at Christmas, or here and there the rest of the time, but can quickly say "Nah, I'm good" instead of having a third, a fourth, or more,...
Then that's awesome!
This episode of the podcast may not be for you.
Personally, I am in the camp of those who did not have control over drinking.
It was only a few years ago that I used and abused alcohol.
I used to drink instead of processing emotions.
I used to drink to be less serious.
I used to drink to belong.
I used to drink to "relax".
But I also used to drink because I enjoyed the feeling of letting go, and I was never good at having just one.
Which by itself may be an indication for a predisposition for drinking.
It took me a long time to even see that taking control over drinking, instead of alcohol controlling me, was a key to levelling up.
And when it comes to levelling up our health, that is true for anyone.
Despite the myth that has been prevalent for decades, drinking does not have any benefit for our brain, body and outlook on life.
I would argue that it is beneficial for social connection.
But only until a certain point.
You are here as a member of this community because you want to optimize longevity, lose belly fat and live life on your A-game.
So I know you want to be able to live alcohol-free, or enjoy it without excess.
If you also find that you tend to drink more alcohol in the winter, let me tell you that research has confirmed the link between cold weather, shorter days and increased alcohol consumption.
I talk about this in episode 28 of the 40s Fitness Reset.
You will like it if this year you are ready to take more control, and avoid the excess at Christmas parties.
In this episode you will get a couple of reminders in terms of mindsets that will help you stay grounded in who want to be, as well as some very actionable tips.
As I prepared this episode for you, I came across this question.
People sometimes approach their challenges wondering: Why did God make me this way (like predisposed for drinking) if it is not good for me?
Here is what I have come to believe from a life full of challenges: God has made us this way because there is something special for us on the other side of conquering it.
What is it for you Reader ?
Reply to let me know.
You have everything it takes to access the next level.
Rooting for you.
Jihane.