Join Us For Dry July

How is it already July? I swear March was just last month, yet here we are. As varying levels of lockdown and quarantine are still implemented, it can be tough to maintain good habits and healthy choices. I’ll admit, I’ve been enjoying more than my occasional beer for the past few months. Hanging out at home most days can make it far too easy to grab a drink from the fridge, and then another and another.

With many bars still remaining closed, now is the time to bring the craft cocktails (or in this case, mocktails) to your home. There are so many different non alcoholic ingredients to experiment making or mixing with, and summer months mean fresh, in-season fruits and herbs.

If you like your drinks with a bit of a bite, shrubs are a great option, as well as kombucha (you can even try making it at home). For something on the sweeter side, try mixing our prosecco or bubbly rosé with infused simple syrups (lavender or raspberry are my current favorites). If you want to get really creative, we have some more fun recipes like this summer peach mocktail or a blueberry bellini.

Spend Time Outside

Being outside and in nature for longer periods of time is associated with a greater sense of wellbeing and good health, especially for those in urban areas. With many social spaces limiting capacity or remaining closed, getting out of the house to do something can be difficult. If you live in a city or find yourself inside most days, take some time to venture out and go for a walk, run or bike ride.

Not only are you getting some cardio, you’re also getting a nice dose of Vitamin D, which can help protect against a number of disorders including depression, which can be exasperated by drinking alcohol. By participating in Dry July, you have the chance to give your brain a break and focus things that can truly make you feel better.

Listen to a New Podcast

Now you’re out for your daily walks, but you need something to occupy your ears! Check out a new podcast on something you’ve always wanted to learn more about- all you have to do is listen! Here are a few podcasts our team plans to listen to this month:

• Home Cooking- this podcast features Samin Nosrat (author of Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat) as well as veteran podcaster and musician Hrishikesh Hirway. The show centers around quarantine themed cooking and making dishes with limited or missing ingredients. It’s a great listen for those that want to explore chefing it up more while staying at home.
• Rabbit Hole- this podcast will truly bring you down the rabbit hole of what we know as the internet. NYT columnist Kevin Roose dives deep into different areas of the web, and evaluates how platform algorithms can shape our culture and belief systems, all through a screen.
• Code Switch- this podcast is a great listen for anyone wanting to be a better ally or educate themselves on race in America. Each episode explores race within different spaces in our society, and discussions tackle some tough issues. Relevant now more than ever, this podcast is an opportunity to learn through storytelling and fantastic discussions.
  

Treat Yourself

At the end of the day, it’s important to always appreciate the work you put in to making better choices and good habits that stick. While you may not be treating yourself with booze, I like to find other avenues to reward myself for the little things. Grabbing ice cream down the street or kicking back for a Netflix marathon are always at the top of my list. Maybe for you it’s spending a day on the lake or celebrating a hike with a cold Grüvi. Regardless of what makes you happy, take some time to show appreciation for yourself and the progress you’ve made.