How to quit drinking, tips that really work!

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Alcoholism is a disabling addictive disorder best dealt with early before its negative effects have taken an irreversible toll on the body as well as a person's close relationships. Like all kinds of addictions, it isn't easy to quit drinking especially when it concerns about alcohol withdrawal are considered. But for a person who is determined to make the right change in his/her life by finally calling it quits with alcohol, here are some simple quit drinking tips that they can use.

   Talk to the doctor. It will be wise to discuss with your physician first the decision you are making in order for you to be aware of the risks involved with quitting. You can also look into your options for quitting such as quitting cold turkey or going through a gradual process of reduction by using replacement medications.

   Shift your attitude about quitting. Perhaps one of the best tips to stop drinking you can follow is this - see alcohol as the enemy you have to be free from and not as a friend you have to let go of. A radical shift in your view of alcohol will help a lot in making your decision to quit less stressful and less hard on you mentally and emotionally. Get educated on the dangers of alcohol abuse and see if these drawbacks far outweigh the good feelings you get from having a drink.

   Make it memorable. Once you've decided to quit, make it a momentous event in your life by consciously setting aside a date when you will do it. This gives the act of quitting more meaning and prepares you mentally as well as emotionally.

   Make your home alcohol free. One of the practical quit drinking tips is to throw out remaining bottles and cans of alcohol even the ones that have already been emptied out. By keeping it out of your sight, you eliminate one way for drinking to get into your mind.

   Engage yourself in a hobby or with family and friends. By ridding your home and your life with all traces of alcohol, you can begin to fill it up with things that have more value to you and will do you better in the long run. Find a new hobby that will relieve you of your stress. List things you've been wanting to do for a long time and constantly challenge yourself to do them. Involve your family and friends in your decision so they will be less likely to trip you up on your journey to remain alcohol free. Get all the support you can get from these people because that will keep you running during the low days.

   Use your hands. Buy something that you can place on your hands such as a ring or a bracelet that will signify to you that your hands will no longer be used to touch alcohol. A tattoo may also work for some people. This is one of the most symbolic quit drinking tips that you can follow and will surely make an impact in your journey to stay sober.

Related articles

• Alcohol and Depression: Which Came First the Chicken or the Egg? (beliefnet.com)
• For Some, Moderate Drinking May Prolong Life (webmd.com)
• Girl Talk: I Quit Drinking - So What? (thefrisky.com)

Why doing exercises is important for you?

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What has happened to the United States that has made it such an obese country? We produce some of the finest athletes in the world (as evidenced every year in the Olympics), so why is the average citizen so fat?

We blame the food, and that's definitely a part of it. But can food really be the biggest reason that the country has gotten so robust. Is anybody familiar with any traditional (meaning old) southern dish that isn't deep fried? This is the food that our forefathers grew up on, and we're bigger than we are. In fact, we are continually passing new legislation to monitor calories and fat content of many types of food, so is there any reason to think that the food is much more conducive to modern weights than in previous generations?

I think it has to fall primarily on a lack of activity. Amenities and entertainment both require less bodily motion than at any previous time in history. As a population, we see an increasing number of desk jobs (at least in a normal economy), we spend more time driving than ever (I know people who are unwilling to walk a city block), and many forms of recreation can be had without moving of the couch. Many people can be entertained by spending 6+ hours on the couch watching television. Whether that should be considered a worthwhile way to use one's time is a completely different debate, but there is no doubt that it burns very few calories.

That doesn't mean that there aren't still plenty of ways to get exercise. Gym memberships aren't expensive from a standpoint of value (if they are used) compared to price. Most gyms also offer classes  such as Yoga  with their membership. Actually, many communities now offer free yoga or dance classes through their recreation department. Also, activities such as running, walking, or biking (once you have a bike) outside that are free and great for the body. Anything that increases your heart rate leads to extra calories being burned, and also works the heart (a muscle) itself. Most things that get the heart rate going are usually a bit enjoyable as well.

But, during the day, DO SOMETHING! Watching television, playing video games, taking a nap, and gaining weight doesn't count. As the wise say  be active, be happy, be healthy.

Related articles

• Burn Calories with the Little Stuff (lifescript.com)
• 10 Reasons You're Not Losing Weight (lifescript.com)
• The fitness gadget that has it all (guardian.co.uk)