If you're interested in making some lifestyle changes to improve your health, limiting your alcohol intake is one of the best ways to good health. Mindful drinking is when you are being more purposeful with the way you drink alcohol, it doesn't mean giving up alcohol entirely but rather thinking about the way you drink alcohol. Cutting back on alcohol for better health is a great reason to start. Being more mindful when you drink means that you are more aware of your choices with each drink, and you're likely to consume less alcohol, which again has many benefits. Mindful drinking and cutting back on alcohol will result in more energy for activities you enjoy, better sleep, an improved immune system, and the realization that you are in control of your decisions. Transitioning to mindful drinking is now easier than ever with the many alcohol-free options available, making your shift seamless without having to sacrifice your social life or your taste buds. Consuming less alcohol has many benefits for your health, and many people are considering cutting back on alcohol to help them achieve their wellness goals. Here are some ways that mindful drinking can help change your life for the better.
Short term benefits of quitting alcohol include:
Weight loss. Alcohol has almost the same calories per gram as pure fat, consuming less alcohol can help with your weight loss goals. This also means no late night snacking because you're drunk and binge eating, which can lead to weight gain.
Better sleep. Alcohol can reduce the amount of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep you get. This impacts the quality of sleep and can make you tired and less able to concentrate during the day. Consuming less alcohol means you'll get a better night's rest.
No hangovers. Many times if we drink too much we spend our weekend nursing a hangover, and are left wondering where the weekend went. Mindful drinking helps you consume less alcohol which means no hangovers, and more time and energy to do more and spend quality time with loved ones.
So how do I start mindful drinking? Here are some quick tips to help you get started:
Make a plan. Know what you will be drinking in advance and make sure you are prepared with some non-alcoholic options as well. If you can't bring your own check out the menu beforehand so you know what's available.
Don't restrict yourself. If you want an alcohol drink, have it. Plan ahead how much you will drink and make sure you have some non-alcoholic options if you want to give yourself some boundaries. If you want to drink with your friends, have a drink. If you want to drink more, have another drink.
Don't worry about how much other people are drinking. On days when you don't plan to drink, don't feel like you have to be miserable without it. Just enjoy being social without the need to drink too much.
Be prepared. Bring non-alcoholic options with you so you are not tempted to drink alcohol if you don't want to. If you want to drink with your friends, go for it. Just be mindful of your choices and how much alcohol is in the drinks you are consuming. You will be surprised at how much better you feel.
Share with friends. This will help you to not overshoot your limit and restrict yourself.
It takes time to change your relationship with alcohol, but if you keep at it, you'll be amazed at how much you can drink without getting intoxicated or having a hangover the next day. It's okay if you have a drink or two more than planned, it's about being purposeful with the way you drink alcohol and knowing that you are in control of your decisions rather than being controlled by the alcohol. Also think of all the health benefits you'll be getting by consuming less alcohol. Be sure to check out all the non-alcoholic drink options at the www.mindfuldrinking.com to help you transition. Cheers too good health!