boredom, booze, and Performance

After weeks of isolation, many stay-at-home orders have been lifted allowing groups of friends and families to congregate once again. This boost in social life lifts our morales and spirits as we are able to catalyze hibernated friendships and social circles once again. This being said, our ways of life are still not back to the way they once were and boredom will continue to reap through our minds on a daily basis. Inevitably, the stimulation through alcohol becomes more desirable as our social lives begin to rekindle and boredom continues to persist. 

Since March 21st - around the first week of stay-at-home orders - alcohol sales in supermarkets and liquor stores have been up weekly between 15-30% while online sales spiked up 243% (1). Due to alcohol's sedative effects, it allows the body to relax while undergoing stress from this unfamiliar environment we are in - trapped inside our homes for months with nowhere to go. Alcohol is also associated in our brains with having fun, especially for collegiate aged athletes. It is normal to enjoy a glass or two of wine or beer with dinner and is unlikely to lead to any long-term detriments of performance, but excessive drinking will catapult athletes into performance decreases. Let's discuss some of the science behind this claim... 

Men and women physiologically react to alcohol consumption in both similar and different ways. Alcohol leads to depressed-CNS (central nervous system) function, interferes with gluconeogenesis, the breakdown of glycogen to glucose in the liver as it fights to breakdown alcohol instead, and decreases sleep quality by suppressing the REM sleep cycle which is essential to performance gains. Excessive alcohol consumption also inhibits the activation of mTOR, an essential protein for muscle rebuilding post-exercise along with lowering blood plasma levels needed for peak hydration status (2). In men, excessive drinking (4+ drinks) has been shown to impair the synthesis of proteins and halt muscle repair mechanisms. In women, alcohol is slightly less disruptive to recovery (3). However, alcohol should still be limited due to the previously stated facts. It is thoroughly researched that binge drinking not only limits our performance ceiling (our fitness), but serves as a huge detriment to our human health. 

Yes, limiting excessive alcohol consumption is crucial to not only increasing performance gains, but living a healthier life. No, there is no reason to completely cut out alcohol consumption unless consumption affects your mental health and medical well-being. So, this being said, kick back, enjoy a glass or two of your favorite drink, but remember to stay hydrated and not drink too much - especially close to bedtime. 

Citations: 
1. www.fatherly.com/news/alcohol-sales-increase-coronavirus-quarantine-beer-wine-liquor/
​2. Peak: The New Science of Athletic Performance That Is Revolutionizing Sports - Dr. March Bubbs
3. www.ironsageconsulting.com/blog/alcohol