The title of this article could be interpreted in two ways: as day-to-day routine activities that we currently engage in that we pair with the delight of an alcoholic beverage, or as leisurely or social experiences one may be searching for to escape the pressure of having to drink.
With the holidays fast approaching and, with them, the opportunities to imbibe cocktails at any time of day, event, or venue, it’s essential to stay mindful of how much we consume (if cutting back is your goal).
In the first instance, we drink to glamourize small routine activities to make the perceived experience a bit more engaging, fun, interactive, or just plain sexy. You usually do these things on a weekday, after work, at lunch, or before bedtime.
Activities such as:
Taking a bath.
This one is so challenging not to drink with. Something about dim light, candles, hot bubbly water, music, a book, or a movie makes you think you need wine to go with it. I thought this too, until one day, I decided to switch the wine for a diet Coke, and the experience was no less relaxing and enriching after five minutes in. You emerge from the bath far more efficiently and less guilty, and you still enjoy a cool beverage while in there. There is no denying that having a drink is usually required, but it doesn’t need always to be a boozy one.
Cooking.
Being around fresh ingredients, working with your hands, smelling various aromas, and enjoying the company that may be present all invite the subconscious desire to sip on an alcoholic drink. But suppose you are trying to make healthier choices this holiday season and beyond. In that case, skipping the sauce with this daily or weekly activity can work wonders toward reducing your overall intake if it’s something you currently partake in.
Reading or any other solo hobbies.
Whether you like to read, paint, do calligraphy, play a musical instrument, or binge your favourite Netflix series, you can always skip the alcoholic drink that you think may enhance the experience. Returning to your childhood or teenage roots when you survived on juice, soda, or in 2024, your choice of a virgin version of any existing cocktail will serve you just fine.
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SOCIALIZING WITHOUT ALCOHOL.
In the second instance, if you are looking for hobbies or downtime activities to socialize or even as options to spend your solo time, plenty of options exist in that realm as well. For example:
Group classes.
Pottery, fitness, dance, painting, singing. I don’t think I’m writing anything original here that thousands of bloggers, hobbyists and influencers have already pointed out. Choosing to spend your time and money solely on experiences that require getting inebriated with friends is a choice you don’t have to make.
Volunteering.
It’s social, it’s of service, it’s wholesome, it’s fulfilling.
Owning and caring for a pet.
Animals give you a daily routine to focus on besides your own. They also provide you with a subject of study (if you want to learn about their behaviours and habits) and get you outside the house.
All of your usual interests, minus the booze.
It’s not the most popular point of view, but it’s true. It is undoubtedly the option that may require the most self-discipline and education to begin practicing (at least initially), but all social and non-social situations can be enjoyed without drinking. If it’s a goal that you believe will eventually improve your physical, mental, and emotional health, the pursuit and accomplishment of this goal, no matter how long it takes, will be enough to drive and motivate you to adopt this lifestyle permanently.
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Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope your reading has somehow educated, informed, or inspired you.
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