The problem with alcohol

Moderation is key. If you cant completely abstain then moderation is the way to go with this stuff.

I cant believe that I am still learning this lesson. For 15 years I have had a relationship with alcohol and its always been on the rocks – see what I did there. Sorry that was lame!

I have always struggled somewhat with alcohol moderation, The problem is that once I have had a few all rationality goes out the window. I start knocking them in and variety becomes the spice of life which is a sure way to black out and forget the night. Usually I don’t stop until I pass out.

Why do I do this? Honestly I don’t know but I think it is more likely a combination of reasons rather than one big one.

  • I am not that comfortable in social situations and get anxious
  • Boredom
  • Pent up anger and stress from my own stuff going on in my head

These are the main reasons for my issue with alcohol.

Don’t get me wrong I have had allot of nights on the drink where I have had the time of my life, made great memories and was a perfect delight to be around but the bad nights are the ones that stick unfortunately and as I get older it is less acceptable and more embarrassing.

Recently I had a pretty embarrassing experience at my cousins wedding where I got completely obliterated and although I cannot remember much I am pretty sure I made a complete fool of myself. Another highlight of the evening is that I started a fight with a relatives partner. I am shaking my head right now. Luckily I was surrounded by people that care about me and the situation was contained and dealt with quickly before it could ruin everyone’s night.

Right well that is enough of the doom and gloom what’s done is done! Now what are some solutions that may be able to help me out in the future?

  • stop drinking.
    • I could stop drinking altogether, limit my time at social gatherings and events that revolve around alcohol and spend my time at more constructive tasks
  • stay clear of the spirits, stick to beer.
    • For me personally I find beer is a lazier drunk and I think that I am less likely to become aggressive when I drink it.
  • Only drink on occasion and limit myself to a predetermined amount
    • This one I think would be tricky, social life in Ireland revolves largely around alcohol but with some planning and exercised will power it could work. .i.e don’t stay for the whole night and have something planned later or the next day that cant be missed.

I know there are people out there who struggle much worse than me with alcohol and other drugs and I wish them well on their journey. I think one thing that can definitely help is to talk to people. Like anxiety alcohol is something that allot of people struggle with and its only when you talk to other people that you realize its not just you and that its quite a common problem with people.

I hope that this helps even one person out there who has had a similar problem at some point or is going through something similar right now. Feel free to get in touch if you would like to chat, share your story with me or if you have any advice.

Peace out and catch you next time.

3 big obstacles I face on the road to fitness

Everyone’s journey to achieving their fitness goals vary. Some may find it relatively easy while others slip up along the way, once, twice or on a constant basis.

The reasons that cause us to fall off the wagon also vary, though there are a few common to most people. Including this guy right here.

Consistency and dedication

I have to say the main reason for my slipping up along the way to achieving the physique and fitness level I have always wanted is a lack of consistency over time.

I may have different reasons or excuses for falling off my training regime but at the end of the day that is all it is! excuses. I have been lucky enough that no horrible tragedy has ever befallen me creating a situation where I physically cannot train. Only circumstances that have made it more difficult.

Well no more excuses now, time to change to a winning mindset. As a good friend of mine says scrap the words ‘have to’ and adapt the words ‘want to’ and at the end of the day I really do want to!

Alcohol and late nights

If I have been out for a night (or two) on the town it always has a disastrous affect on my workouts and diet. As I am sure many can relate.

Healthy eating goes out the window replaced by fast food and junk food, usually littered across my duvet as I hide away from the world and crawl down the rabbit hole of Youtube videos.

Any thoughts of going to the gym are quickly distinguished, this unproductive mentality can last for days. To stick the cherry on top of this toxic Sunday, I am known to partake in the delightful activity of social smoking once I am a few drinks in and start to lose some of my common sense.

So all in all alcohol can be pretty harmful when trying to focus on your health and fitness. Though there is not much wrong with a drink in moderation. A glass of wine with dinner now and again, catching up with a mate for a beer (one beer) or toasting a loved one with a good whiskey. In small quantities it can be enjoyable and have no affect on your progress so have a sip!

Giving in to temptation

I have had a good run for some weeks now but this one usually gets me on the drive home from work, Maybe you can relate.

So your in the car driving home and the hunger is really kicking in now, its been awhile since you had lunch. And to top it off maybe you had a lousy day. Then rising up from the horizon on the road ahead… a beacon of light or is it a fiery glare from the gates of hell! Nope its Mcdonald’s and my mouth is beginning to salivate!

Temptation comes in many forms, attempting to pull us from our path. Sometimes we fight it off and sometimes we are not so lucky. The important thing is to dust ourselves off when we do slip up. Call a spade a spade and get back on track. The worst thing is to go into full binge mode with the mentality ‘ oh well I already gave in might as well keep going and try again on Monday. Nooo sir accept it for what it is, Don’t give yourself a hard time and get back on track.

We are all humans… well if you are reading this you more than likely are and humans make mistakes. I believe that is the method by which we grow and learn the most in life. I welcome the next mistake so I can learn and grow bit more. Become that bit stronger and wiser.

Well that’s my top three obstacles I wrestle with on a regular basis. What are the obstacles you face? Leave a comment and let me know look forward to hearing from you.

Peace out, Good luck and chat to you soon.

Welcome and thanks for stopping by.

Hi there!

Although attempting to achieve my health and fitness goals and lead a healthier lifestyle is not something that is new to me, sharing my experiences with other people through a blog and social media is something very new.

I have always been something of a hermit when it came to sharing photos, videos and personal content on the internet for the world to see, so this will be one more obstacle to toss on the pile.

So I am excited to see what happens and share my experiences with other people for the first time, whether it be for amusement or as a source to relate to as you embark on a similar journey. what ever the reason may be for coming here I hope you find something you enjoy and hopefully something that can add a little bit of value to your own life. That is what I intend to do for myself.

Stay tuned as I will be documenting the highs and lows of my journey and writing about the vehicles I will be using to reach my goals, that does not mean I will be attempting to pull my van around a car park to get fit…or does it.