Changing the Conversation with Yourself

As we begin a new year, January is always the perfect month to set our intentions and become more mindful. It is especially a great month to become more mindful about what we are putting into our bodies. We have the tendency to overdo it during the festive season with more parties, catching up with family and celebrating with friends. It can be easy to overindulge especially when it comes to our drinking. If you want to get back on track, mindful drinking can be a great place to start. 

You might wonder what mindful drinking stands for? In a snapshot, mindful drinking is the practice of being aware of why and how much alcohol you are consuming.

There are many health benefits that come with embracing the principles of mindful drinking – just to name a few. 

Better sleep. As a mindful drinker, you are more likely to experience fewer sleep disruptions and increases in sleep quality. Although when we drink we seem to fall asleep quicker, in the long run, it disrupts our REM sleep which is the restorative part of our sleep cycle where we dream and get our most important rest for the day ahead.

Less anxiety. Alcohol consumption changes the levels of serotonin and can worsen anxiety. The less we drink the less we mess with our brain’s chemicals and keep our mood more stable.  

Glowing skin. Drinking alcohol can result in two things when it comes to our skin – dehydration and inflammation. Drinking less will make your skin look more hydrated, plumper, brighter and give you fewer wrinkles!

Ask yourself the right questions

Asking yourself the right questions before you reach for a drink is such an important habit to work on. It will allow you to fully think about your decision before just going into autopilot and having that glass of wine or bottle of beer. Before you say yes to a drink, ask yourself: 

Do I feel good about myself?
Am I drinking because I feel I am in a good space?
Do I have anything important I need to do in the morning?
Is this decision going to empower my best self? Or disempower my best self?

Experiment with alternatives

There are so many low ABV and alcohol-free alternatives that will enable you to still have a drink that you love but without having to feel like you are missing out and without the big hangover in the morning! Finding out which alternatives you love and experimenting with no or low alcohol is a great way to stay on track when mindfully drinking.

Plan ahead

Check out the menu online or call the place ahead of time and see what is available, don’t get stuck in a situation where you feel like you have to drink because they don’t have a good enough alcohol or low ABV selection. Remember that you are the decision-maker when it comes to drinking and you hold all the power to make the choices that will serve you well.

Be proud and confident

Be proud and confident of your choice to become a healthier and happier version of you. Socialising can sometimes feel tricky especially when it feels like everyone else is drinking, but feel empowered to let your friends and family know about your new lifestyle choice. This allows you to set boundaries and even inspire those around you! 

Explore the world of mindful drinking with Wanderlust and Bacardi, and take control of your routine, decisions you make, and live your best life while drinking mindfully. Plus enter our competition to WIN a Wanderlust Mindful Package for two worth £500. Visit [add link] for more information. 

Please enjoy responsibly, drinkware.co.uk for the facts

About the Author

Emily Syphas is a sobriety & self-love coach and founded Sober & Social in 2018, a community that offers events and support for those exploring or leading an alcohol-free lifestyle. She is on a mission to help you lead a more positive, impactful and empowered life. You can find Emily on Instagram: @iamemilysyphas or @soberandsocial_.