Oxytocin calms the stress response, and there’s evidence it curbs the urge to stress drink, according to a review of research. Spending time with friends may even help you live longer, other research has shown. For some, routine alcohol use may be a means of masking deeper emotional, mental, and life challenges, and this coping mechanism can turn into an addiction, according to American Addiction Centers. If you’re Canadian, you may be more familiar with the Caesar, which is basically a bloody mary that uses Clamato tomato cocktail instead of tomato juice. Alcohol isn’t the only supposed “quick fix” for the pandemic blues. Sales of Oreos and crackers were up in the first quarter of the year.
Club soda with flavored syrup
Here are some ideas for alternative activities next time you’re thinking about pouring yourself Substance abuse a glass. Go to a late-night yoga or fitness class, or take one virtually. It can be a pain when all you want to do is veg out on the couch, but you’ll sleep soundly and wake up feeling refreshed.
Alcohol Alternatives If You Want To Relax Without The Hangover
Whether you prefer the gentle notes of chamomile, the refreshing kick of peppermint, or the bold tang of hibiscus, there’s something for everyone. Plus, sipping on herbal tea is a mindful way to relax while also supporting your overall well-being. From a health perspective, coconut water has several benefits that make it a standout alternative to traditional alcoholic drinks.
The Journey of Love
How often does a social night out get in the way of your grounding routines? If you’re an introvert like me, spending a couple of hours alone can help recharge and reset you on the path towards your goals. It’s a stimulating, challenging, and competitive way to spend a weekend night. Have a bonfire (make sure it’s contained properly and check current fire regulations for your area first). Spend time with your loved ones — or just have a quiet evening alone.
Benefits of Not Drinking Alcohol
The effects of taurine are more subtle than some of the others on this list. When I consume taurine, I notice an overall sense of calmness and relaxation wash over me without feeling intoxicated or impaired. Kava is a social brew used in the South Pacific, traditionally served in a shell. Its relaxing, anti-stress, and insomnia-relieving properties are thought to come from an ingredient called kava-lactones. The anxiolytic activity without sedation or muscle relaxation makes it a candidate as a stress reliever that maintains alertness and coordination – something compromised by alcohol.
- Whether it’s yoga, boxing, Zumba, or strength training, group fitness classes offer structure, accountability, and community.
- You can also put on meditation music and aromatherapy candles to make you more relaxed.
- However, there does tend to be a lot of sugar in these types of alcohol alternatives as they often use fruit juice, warns Cox.
- Adaptogenic beverages include a mix of plant-based, functional herbs that generally cause mood-boosting or relaxing effects.
- Local recreational leagues for soccer, basketball, volleyball, or other sports are widely available and often beginner-friendly.
- Before I get into the list, it’s going to be really important for you to look at how you can change your habits around alcohol, and what you should do before taking a break from the booze.
- This flowering plant root has substantial early evidence as a stress-reducer and is also shown to reduce fatigue.
- Brands like LaCroix or Spindrift offer flavored varieties that mimic the refreshing sensation of beer.
- Personal development is a powerful alternative to drinking because it shifts your focus from escape to growth.
You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe things to drink instead of alcohol coaches for more personalized guidance. Discover the power of mindfulness in managing cravings and cultivating a positive mindset. Try incorporating breathing exercises, journaling, or practicing gratitude in your daily routine. These practices can help us focus on the present moment, increase self-awareness, and shift our attention away from alcohol. Coffee is another fantastic option that can be tailored to your liking with various tastes, add-ins, and preparation techniques. The beer industry has recognized the recent increase in sales of its alcohol-free and low-alcohol beers (0.5% ABV).
