It's no secret that drinking too much alcohol can have negative consequences on our health. But what if you're someone who enjoys a drink or two in social settings?
Enter mindful drinking: a mindful approach to consuming alcohol which puts your health first. By tweaking your drinking habits with mindful drinking and non-alcoholic beverages, you can quickly course correct onto a path of healthier living.
Mindful drinking is an approach to being mindful of the impact that alcohol has on our bodies. This means being aware of how much we're drinking, what types of drinks we are consuming, and how often we are indulging in alcohol. With this awareness, we are better able to align our drinking habits with our long term wellness goals.
It's important to note that mindful drinking doesn't necessarily mean cutting out alcohol consumption(unless you make that choice). It means reevaluating our relationship with alcohol, making an effort to drink in moderation, and choosing non-alcoholic alternatives when possible.
There are a few key reasons why mindful drinking is important for our health. For one, alcohol is a toxin that can damage our liver, brain, and other organs. It's also the third leading cause of preventable death in the United States.
Additionally, excessive drinking can lead to a host of problems, including addiction, domestic violence, accidents, and more. Not only can mindful drinking facilitate a more enjoyable social experience, it also comes with many benefits:
Non-alcoholic beer sales went up 44% during the pandemic. Fascinatingly, nearly every generation (from the baby boomers to millennials to gen z) are less interested in drinking alcohol. The mindful drinking approach comfortably suits this emerging trend of health-conscious individuals in the U.S.
Unlike our predecessors may have predicted, this isn't an anti-alcohol movement. There is simply a pro-health movement. People want to live longer, healthier lives and be there for their families. Non-alcoholic beers, and even whiskeys, are proving to be an exceptional alternative for health-conscious folks looking to leave alcohol behind and practice mindful drinking.
It's easier to stand by mindful drinking when you know "the why" behind your decision making. Writing down goals helps embed them into your subconscious. Ask yourself these questions:
Whatever your goals are, jot them down, and orient yourself towards a positive, health-conscious path.
Mindful drinking isn't necessarily about cutting out alcohol completely. But if you're looking for an easy way to cut back, swapping in NA drinks here and there is a fantastic way to alternate your drinking pattern.
Modern day non-alcoholic beverages taste flavorful, refreshing, and comes without the downsides of alcohol. One way to enjoy the experience is with fun, non-alcoholic drinking games. NA beverages are perfect for health-conscious individuals looking for a savory alternative.
If you're going to be around people who will look down on you or peer pressure you into drinking alcohol, it might not be the best environment to begin your mindful drinking journey. Instead, surround yourself with positive friends and peers who support your efforts and share in your health-conscious values.
Interrupt your drinking pattern with some appetizers or horderves. Drinking on an empty stomach intensifies the side of effects of drinking.
Mindful drinking requires having a little bit of confidence! You'll likely have people ask "Hey, why aren't you drinking?" Instead of getting defensive, kindly let them know what you're trying and stand by it with confidence. Sharing your thoughts could ease the tension and make you more comfortable in a social setting as well.
It may not be peer pressure that steers you off the path...it might be FOMO! It's okay to notice that others are having a jolly good time. Feel free to take part in the festivities with one or two alcoholic beverages. Just be mindful of what you're drinking and how much! Because many non-alcoholic beers taste just as flavorful (if not more) as the top beers on tap, I find them to be such an excellent choice during those FOMO situations.
If all else fails, just remember how great you'll feel in the morning after practicing mindful drinking. Energy from deep restorative rest makes for a pleasant morning of exercise, productivity, or relaxing. Either way, it's much better than that hangover feeling!
Mindful drinking is a great way to approach alcohol consumption if you're looking for a healthier alternative. By writing down your goals, substituting in NA drinks, and surrounding yourself with supportive people, you can make mindful drinking easier and more enjoyable.
Remember that mindful drinking is about moderation; enjoy your alcoholic drinks while also being aware of the consequences. Cheers to your health! 🥂
Author Bio:
Steve Gagliardi is the founder of BodyBlizzard.com - an online resource reviewing the latest health products and trends. After 8+ years of experimenting with health technology, Steve is passionate about sharing the best products & tips that help us live longer, healthier lives.
