College is supposed to be the best four years of our lives, and for me I can confidently say that, so far, it has been that. But, with the highs β having freedom, finding our true selves, beginning our careers β also come the lows. I found this out the hard way my freshman year. Although it was an amazing start to college, I found it hard to pace myself and my social life. I always put my school work first, so in my eyes I was totally rocking the whole “college” thing. It wasn’t until my second semester when I realized that all I was doing was burning myself out. I would choose to go out, either downtown or to parties, a couple nights a week. Every week when Sunday would come around, I found myself sad, burnt out and missing home. I would usually write this off to just a lack of sleep or a typical hangover. As time has passed, I have found it easier to say “no” to my friends when I want to stay in. I’ve realized that getting myself into a routine and not drinking multiple times a week allows me to feel my best. Not only am I avoiding hangovers and the “lows” associated with drinking, I’m also saving my brain.
I recently stumbled upon a podcast episode from The Huberman Lab, one of my favorite podcasts. Not only was it extremely eye-opening, but it was also a bit terrifying. Huberman discusses how when consuming alcohol, habitual and impulsive behaviors increase. The more often people drink, the more changes there are in their neural circuits. This means a decrease in inhibition, feelings of well-being, self-image and mood. Because of the toxicity of alcohol, drinking can alter gene expression, which is associated with a large increase in cancer risk. Huberman states there is a “4 to 13% increase in risk of breast cancer for every 10 grams of alcohol consumed” (1:38:30). Typically, one shot is roughly 10 grams.
Huberman sums up his findings stating that, “Alcohol is a toxin, but it’s also a toxin that people enjoy the effects of” (1:39:55). In listening to this episode, I was able to grasp the importance of making informed decisions about my alcohol consumption, with my mental and physical health at the forefront. Although it’s scary, I’ve realized that staying in when all of my friends are out is beneficial. I can tell you from firsthand experience β missing out on a few college nights will never lead to regret.