The 5th annual #AlcoholFreeFor40 Challenge kicks off next week on Ash Wednesday. And this challenge isn’t just about giving up alcohol – it’s also about what we’re getting in return, including whole-body benefits for our brain, body and spirit.
DETAILS OF THE CHALLENGE
WHEN: Ash Wednesday through Easter
WHAT: Give up all alcohol from Ash Wednesday until Easter. Before you stop drinking (or within one or two days after you stop) establish a few baseline metrics, and then repeat these metrics after the challenge to note progress and improvements. They include:
- Record your weight.
- Close-up photo of your face, one that shows the details of your skin and eyes.
- Lab work including markers of inflammation, liver health, and alcohol toxicity: full list of labs at www.AlcoholFreeFor40.com.
KICKOFF EVENT
- Ochsner Eat Fit is coordinating pre- and post-challenge metrics in 5 regions across the state
- When Thursday February 27 from 4 to 8 p.m.
- Where: Locations in NOLA, Northshore, BR, Lafayette, Shreveport
- Price: $25 (more than $400 value)
- Sign up via Eventbrite at www.AlcoholFreeFor40.com
SOCIAL SUPPORT
#AlcoholFreeFor40 Facebook Group: follow the journey of others and share your own experiences, challenges, successes, mocktail recipes and photos.
Happy Hour Workouts and Mocktail Meet-Ups across the state, follow Eat Fit or check back regular at www.AlcoholFreeFor40.com for latest details.
WHY TAKE THE CHALLENGE: The #AlcoholFreeFor40 Challenge gives us the opportunity to explore what drives our behaviors, understand our reactions to everyday stressors, and provides us with tools and strategies that we can carry with us well after this 40-day self-experiment.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Improved Stress + Anxiety
- Better Sleep
- Healthier-looking skin and eyes
- Enhanced mental clarify, focus
- Better mood
- Improved blood pressure control
- + more
STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS
- Prepare for the inevitable “witching hours” of temptation
- Determine your replacement behaviors
- Take care of your basic needs in terms of healthy diet, sleep and stress management.
- Make the most of the challenge: Throughout the challenge, take the time to dial in and be aware of the microbenefits of going alcohol-free.
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