Taking a break really makes a lot of sense

An alcohol break, does that make sense? In short: yes! But then you don't really know anything yet. That's why for all doubters, pausers who could use a pick-me-up and anyone who just wants to hear it: read more about the boost your body gets here.

If you're just getting started, your body will go into cleanup mode. That big cleaning can feel like a hangover. Your blood sugar level may fluctuate a bit, but quickly becomes stable.

After that first hangover feeling, your body goes into detox mode. You can experience all kinds of withdrawal symptoms to a greater or lesser extent. You may not sleep well, have a headache, or feel fatigued for an extended period of time. If you want to read more about withdrawal symptoms: Read this article.

After about 72 hours, brain cells start to regenerate. In other words: brain cells recover and new stem cells are produced.

When you've had the first week, light begins to shine at the end of the dark tunnel. Your sleep rhythm seems to be getting better and the sharp edges of the withdrawal symptoms are gone.

After two weeks, the party really starts. Your stomach will calm down, your skin will look healthier, digestion will improve and you may even lose some weight.

When your third week is over, your cognitive functions increase (now you suddenly remember which groceries you have to get) and your blood pressure stabilizes.

With a month off, you have done your body a great favor. Your skin glows, your liver fat has decreased by fifteen percent and the white and gray matter in your brain is increasing in size.

Just a little longer then

If you intend to enjoy the many benefits for even longer (no blunders and no hangovers), then you can continue the positive line that your body is going through. After two months, your cognitive functions are back to their old level. Remembering, planning, reasoning and deciding are once again the best.

Three months later and mentally you also feel great. Anxious or sad feelings related to alcohol don't feel anymore. Blood cells renew, giving you more energy. After a day's work, sports, playing with the children or tackling the garden will not cost you any effort.

Lighter in body and mind, heavier wallet

As you know, there are many advantages to a (long) break. How about a reduced risk of oral, liver and breast cancer? What does not decrease, but grows is your bank account. Suppose you drink 5 bottles of wine at €5 each week. A quick calculation tells us that you then spend € 1,200 per year on alcohol. As far as beer is concerned, we are even slightly higher. If you drink two crates of €18 (excluding deposit) per week, you come to over €1,700 on an annual basis in beer alone. Shame right?