Alcohol Awareness Month takes place each April to help those who are battling an alcohol addiction, as well as those who are recovering from one.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, we all have been forced inside one way or another. For those who are battling addiction, staying inside could very well enhance their addiction or cause relapse.
During April, Integrity HRM wants our employees or whoever may need a helping hand to know that we are here for them to aid in whatever way possible.
Alcohol sales have grown 30% in the last year, which leads to many people knowingly or unknowingly abusing alcohol.
Here are warning signs to keep in my mind if you are concerned about yourself or a loved one possibly misusing alcohol:
- Feeling irritable or experiencing mood swings
- Having poor coordination
- Showing signs of slurred speech
- Experiencing blackouts or short-term memory loss
- Isolating from friends and family
- Failing to complete responsibilities and obligations at home or work
- Drinking alone or in secrecy
- Making excuses for drinking, such as to relax or deal with stress
- Engaging in risky behavior, such as drunk driving
How to improve your health by moving just 11 minutes per day
Another unintended consequence of the pandemic is the move to a more sedentary lifestyle. Whether that for work, being unable to go outside, or to a gym, not moving around can have serious health effects.
Studies from the Norwegian School of Sports Medicine show that exercising or moving just 11 minutes per day holds many benefits for a person. If possible, kicking that up to 35 minutes per day will provide the biggest benefits to your health.
Working out for an extended period each day may not be possible for everyone, so just committing to small acts like walking, riding a bike, dancing, or even cleaning each day can provide the necessary boost from moving around.
Mental health support
In combination with alcohol awareness and consistent exercise comes mental health. Over the past year, everyone has struggled with it in some aspect.
The pandemic has strained resources for mental health and continues to take a physical/emotional toll on people’s well-being.
Here is a list of support resources that are still attainable:
- Your primary care doctor, who can point you in the direction of mental health resources
- State psychological associations
- Work-based wellness and employee assistance programs
- The SAMHSA’s National Helpline, which is free, confidential, and available 24/7 by calling 800-662-HELP (4357)
- The United Way’s free and confidential service for community resources
- Take care of yourself and place the highest priority on your mental health. In 2021, no one should have to suffer from inadequate aid for their mental health.
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