Are you wondering how some people practice alcohol in moderation like it is the easiest thing in the whole world?
Some people just seem like they have it all figured out, it's easy to say no to drinks, they are home early, and they *literally* always have a smile on their face.
Wait, shouldn't that be the normal?!
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Some of us might experience drinking a bit differently... Having a harder time saying no to drinks, drinking when we might not want to, forcing ourselves to drink to be social, I mean the list goes on!
In my research, and my own personal experience, moderate drinkers don't even really know they are being "moderate". Why is that?
Well, for starters their focus is not on drinking, but on grander things in their lives (waking up early, spending time with family, sports, etc). So, what can we learn from these moderate drinkers, so that we can also master drinking alcohol in moderation?
Here you will learn the top things moderate drinkers do differently without even noticing, their overall mindsets, and a lovely guide that can help you start drinking alcohol in moderation as well!
This post is all about alcohol in moderation!
Alcohol in Moderation
What moderate drinkers do differently...
The tops things that moderate drinkers do differently is a perfect place to learn the ropes of alcohol in moderation. What are their priorities? What are their intentions? And most importantly, why do they drink in the first place?
1. They choose drinks they truly enjoy
How many times have you gone out and settled for a drink you didn't really want, but since it was there you had it anyway?
Or, how about going out with friends and getting a beer because it's cheap, easy, commonplace? I can't tell you how many times I have gone out and settled for a drink that I didn't really want. Usually, that did not lead to good results...
Instead, alcohol in moderation looks like choosing drinks you *actually* want and that you truly enjoy. Moderate drinkers do not go out and settle for something they don't want in the first place. If they are going to drink, it might as well be good.
Personally, this looks like going out for a fancy cocktail or a high end glass of wine when I want one, not when everyone else is having one.
A subtle, but important, key in learning to drink alcohol in moderation.
2. They stop drinking when it stops feeling good
There comes a point when drinking where we can start to feel dizzy, a bit of a headache, can't read properly, etc. You might know what I mean. Don't feel ashamed!
Moderate drinkers can notice these early signs and they'll usually pump the brakes. They don't feel like they need to keep pushing for more, since they drink to feel a gentle buzz not like the world is collapsing!
3. They *definitely* don't attach emotion to alcohol
What are your emotional vices? Do you know what yours are? Drinking is one of mine, and I recognize that...
If your vice is drinking, the first step is to notice and acknowledge it. Then, practicing moderation when you do find yourself attaching emotion to alcohol.
I'm sure you have seen this happen before, and it would take a million and one pages to go into great detail about the emotional dependence people can easily latch onto with alcohol.
Though, we can keep it at: Moderate drinkers find healthy ways release and manage their emotions, so they are not dependent on the bottle of liquor to make them feel better.
4. They have the abundance mindset
Something I have noticed about people who have mastered alcohol in moderation is they are not trying to force "another drink before they leave". You know, the scramble before the night is over or before you leave to have just one more.
As though it is your last chance in the history of the universe to get a drink... Everyone running around like crazy trying to slurp up the final drop of liquid before the universe turns black.
They know they'll get a drink if, and when, they want another one. And if there is not another chance to get a drink? So be it. They'll go home just as happy without one.
(Secretly they know that there is no supply shortage of alcoholic drinks...)
5. They tend to decide before they nights starts
I remember babysitting when I was younger. The parents rummaging in the kitchen all dressed up. The kids and I playing on the floor.
And, the parents would then say to me before walking out the door, "We only plan to have one or two drinks then we will be home in about an hour."
Now, not everyone is a parent or even married. But, the idea is the same. Knowing exactly what you are going to do when you leave the house is critical in balancing your drinking.
Now, you might be wondering, how in the world am I suppose to know what my exact plans are? Maybe you enjoy the whimsical world of not having any real solid plans.
If so, check out the section below on "achieving moderation when going out" for a lovely guide on how to do this.
6. They don't finish a drink just out of obligation
My dad always says this when we go out, "You don't need to finish that drink if you don't want to. Just leave it!" And hearing those words I would be baffled by this idea because why leave a drink?
What moderate drinkers do differently is they tend to leave the drink if they don't want it anymore. Think about your morning cup of coffee, if it gets cold do you suck it up and still drink it? Or do you put it in the microwave to be heated back up?
To begin to master alcohol in moderation, that is a key idea. Don't just drink out of obligation to drink. Here are alternatives to drinking to check out if you need some fresh ideas!
7. They can self-correct when a drink is hitting faster than expected
How often do you get a drink that is either stiff or watered down? You might know, you get a watered down drink more than you usually get a stiff drink.
If you are getting a watered down drink, literally go somewhere else! Not worth it in the slightest. Nothing is more frustrating honestly when all you want is a nice drink. But, if it is stiff, a moderate drinker will be able to notice it and course correct.
Either get a water, drink way slower, or just not finish it in general!
8. They don't use alcohol as a social lubricant
Though, it can enhance any party or dinner, the moderate drinker does not NEED alcohol to be social. A big thing we see too is people feeling like they need to keep drinking to keep up the energy.
To keep up the energy of the party or to keep up the energy of themselves. This is a point when social drinking can get a little out of hand when we rely on it for socializing.
9. They enjoy mornings too much
Ok, this one had to make the cut because when I became a "registered" moderate drinker (kidding here) I absolutely fell in love with mornings.
And I see it as a common thing among those who drink alcohol moderately. You know, waking up with the sun rise, having a hot cup of coffee, feeling rested and refreshed. It's unbeatable.
Your morning routine can change your life for the better, bring you balance, alignment, and most importantly help you master alcohol moderation.
Overall, moderate drinkers are not controlled by the substance. Instead, they use the substance to their advantage. Let me tell you, once you master using alcohol to your advantage a whole new world opens up.
It's a beautiful way to enhance food, aesthetics, dinner parties, romantic connections, and more.
Achieving Moderation When Going Out: A Guide
If you really do struggle with drinking, please seek professional help. My content is not medical advice.
You may be wondering, ok that is cool that those people can achieve alcohol moderation... But, how can I do it?
First of all, we need to start with intention. To prepare our mind and body before even going out drinking. What are you realllyyyy trying to accomplish?
Then, when you have your intention, creating a drink plan. A drink plan is a statement that clearly says what you are setting out to do, how much you plan to drink (hence the name!), and what your goals are.
This going-out checklist and drink plan will make alcohol in moderation simple & feel good! Specifically, for you to walk out the door with a pure intention...
While many people set goals, most don't achieve them without intention or structure - around 92% fail to reach them.
If you have the goal to drink less or start to become a moderate drinker, then the guide is for you!