Tamzin Outhwaite credits health to being 'sober curious' - but what does it mean?
Tamzin Outhwaite has said being "sober curious" helped her feel her best as she entered her fifties.
The former EastEnders actress, 52, added that she thinks she now has the "best body she’s ever had" and is more comfortable in her own skin than ever.
"I’m now at a stage in my life where I have become really comfortable in my own skin and really like myself," she told The Sun.
Read more: Tamzin Outhwaite reveals perimenopause changed her 'resistance' to alcohol - Yahoo Life UK, 2-min read
"I’m very realistic about the fact that this body isn’t the same as it was when I was in my twenties. But I do know I now have the best body I’ve probably ever had - even when I was 40, doing eight shows a week dancing in the West End."
She added that it was when she turned 50 two years ago that she began looking after herself "more than ever".
"I held back on alcohol and started a real health kick," she continued. "Now I’m on the other side of 50 - turning 53 this year - and it’s like I have a new lease of life.
"I know exactly who I am, what I’m doing and I’m confident physically and mentally with that."
The presenter added that being "sober curious" has not only helped her physical health, but her mental health too.
Read more: Tamzin Outhwaite: I am old enough to be boyfriend's mother and I don't care - Yahoo Celebrity UK, 2-min read
"I didn’t drink at all for six months last year, and then I introduced mindful drinking - which is basically drinking on special occasions but never getting drunk," she said.
"It helped with anxiety. I have enough of that going through the menopause and I didn’t need any more."
What is sober curious?
Sober curious is a term that has been around for a few years now, and it refers to people who previously enjoyed an alcoholic drink or two and now drink less or don’t drink at all.
Put simply, it’s being curious about what life would be like to be completely sober, so you cut down on your drinking to give it a test run, so to speak.
It means being more conscious about the alcohol you are consuming, and noticing the effects that it has on your body.
Benefits of sobriety
The NHS says some short-term benefits of drinking less alcohol include feeling better in the mornings, being less tired and more energetic, saving money, and having better skin.
Longer-term benefits of going sober include:
Lower blood pressure
Lower risk of stroke, cancer and liver disease
Lower cholesterol levels
Better sleep, memory and mood
Weight loss
Read more: Tamzin Outhwaite struggling to live normal everyday life during menopause - Yahoo Celebrity UK, 2-min read
How to drink less
As it stands, the NHS recommends drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol per week spread across three or more days. This is the equivalent to six medium glasses of wine or six pints of beer.
If you are looking to cut down on your drinking or go completely teetotal, Drinkaware suggests taking the following actions:
Make your intentions known: One of the best things you can do is to tell others that you are trying to drink less and to explain why. This will keep you accountable in social situations.
Try to avoid temptation: Shop online so you don’t feel the need to add a pack of beer to your grocery cart and avoid the pub where possible.
Reward your progress: Keep track of your short term goals and treat yourself to some self care or a day out when you hit them.
Fill the gap: Instead of heading to the pub on a Friday evening go to the movies, or instead of having a glass of wine while watching the telly, swap it out for a herbal tea instead.
If you feel like you may have a dependency on alcohol, you should see your GP or a medical professional as you may experience withdrawal symptoms like being irritable, shaky or tired.
You can also use Drinkaware’s Drinkchat, which is a free online chat service with trained advisors available from 9am to 2pm on weekdays here.
Watch: Blac Chyna celebrates 10 months of sobriety
