Your weekly drinking results
A few changes could make a difference to you
You drink MORE than 90% of men your age
Less alcohol = less calories.
It's shocking to see how many calories are hidden in alcohol. Cutting out a drink here and there can really reduce calories and help you lose weight. For every large glass of wine you don't drink, you'll save 235 calories. For every pint, you'll save 180 calories. Avoiding spirits and mixers can save you lots of calories too.
Save money.
If you start drinking less you should quickly start to see the money you're saving pile up. Keep this money in a safe place and use it as additional motivation. The less you drink the more you'll save!
Drinking less can help you sleep.
Regular drinking can affect the quality of your sleep, making you feel tired and sluggish. When you drink alcohol before bed you may fall into a deep sleep quicker, but as the night goes on you spend more time in the less restful Rapid Eye Movement (REM) stage of sleep. This can leave you feeling tired the next day, not matter how long you stay in bed. To help you sleep better, stop drinking earlier before bedtime. This will give your body time to process the alcohol you've drunk. On average it takes two hours to process a glass of wine or pint of beer. For more advice to help you sleep visit www.nhs.uk/livewell/sleep/pages/sleep-home.aspx
Now we know more about how you drink, we'd like to suggest some simple tips that you could try using to drink less. You don't need to do them all. Pick what works best for you and your life.
Sleep better after a shift.
Shift work can disrupt your internal 'body clock' which can lead to poor sleep and a lack of energy. Having a drink to relax or help you sleep after your shift actually makes things worse. If you have alcohol in your system when you go to sleep you might go to sleep easier, but there's a good chance you'll get less restful sleep. On average it takes your body two hours to process a pint of beer. Visit the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for a range of techniques to help improve the quality of your sleep.
Find a way to relax that you like - that doesn't involve having a drink.
We all need ways to unwind from our busy lives. Drinking alcohol may make you feel relaxed at the time, but can make you feel worse afterwards. Simple activities like exercise, reading, yoga, playing music, cooking something new or making time for a hobby can all help you wind down. Find what works for you.
Keep an eye on how much is in your glass.
It's easy to drink too much when you're at home. Pay attention to how much you or your friends and family pour into your glass and always make sure to finish one drink before pouring another. Topping up drinks makes it harder to keep track of how much you've had and to know when you planned to stop.
Keep less alcohol in the house.
If your house is always stocked up with alcohol you're more likely to drink it. Try buying less alcohol when you do the shopping and keep it out of sight at home to help avoid temptation.
Know the score - drink less enjoy more.
For many of us, cheering on our team is often accompanied by a few drinks. But when you're watching an afternoon's sport it's easy to overdo it, leaving those great sporting moments a distant blur. Pace yourself by alternating with non-alcoholic drinks. You could also try choosing a lower strength beer or lager.
Is red wine really healthy?
Are beer and wine safer to drink than spirits?
© Drink Less Feel Good 2025
