Most people might say NA beer, sodas, or even simple sparkling water are the best alternatives to drinking. Though, it's much deeper than that...
When we break it down, we see that drinking takes up our time and occupies our hands and mind, right? So, maybe to ease our drinking more successfully we can replace the time spent drinking with an activity that uses our hands and occupies our mind...
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When I wanted to slow my drinking and gain control, I got the first flight to Costa Rica to attend a month long yoga teacher training. It was then I realized if my hands were occupied, then so was my mind, and the less I craved and reached for a drink.
You will learn the best grounding alternatives to drinking that occupy our hands to keep them off the bottle (or your credit card at the bar!). A guide meant to be something you can come back to time and time again when you need more ideas.
This post is all about alternatives to drinking with some ideas being more long term and others a quick fix!
52 Alternatives to Drinking
A bit of a disclaimer here, this is not medical advice. Please seek professional medical advice before taking supplements or seek help if you have a drinking problem. I am not able to make direct claims regarding the effects of herbs, so please do your own research.
Alternatives to drinking alcohol to relax
1. Herbal Teas
The number one alternative to drinking is hands down herbal teas. Believe it or not, the hops used in beer are said to have medicinal properties... Hops may produce a sedative effect making you feel more relaxed. So, you can have your own hop tea that may give you the relaxing effect while avoiding alcohol.
Other sedative and relaxing herbs to use in teas are:
Please do you research on dosage and proper use. Some herbs are not meant to be consumed in excess and have the potential for side effects.
2. Take a herbal course
Which brings me to my next point! Take an herbal course. Have your chamomile tea in the evening and take an online herbal course to learn on your own.
Or purchase a book on herbalism and read in the evening.
3. Magnesium Mocktails
Very similar to an herbal tea, a mocktail is a great way to still scratch that beverage itch! My favorite mocktail is an electrolyte powder in water over ice, one that is high in magnesium (as magnesium helps with relaxation).
A really good alternative to drinking is this magnesium mocktail powder for sleep, muscle recovery, heart support, stress, and more. Add with a slice of lemon in a cocktail glass, and with a straw of course!
4. Nightly yoga
Either going to a slow flow yoga class or doing hatha yoga on your own. Though, I would try to avoid vinyasa as that is energetic and meant to get your blood flowing which is the opposite of relaxing!
If you are trying to relax then yin or hatha will be your best friend!
5. Breathwork
Breathwork can be such an amazing tool. When I first learned about it I was surprised that you can use your breath the calm down and relax, but also to energize and lift you up. I mean, try taking three DEEP breaths right now and see how you feel after...
6. Work with plants
Que the naturalist in her overalls digging in the dirt. She is onto something there! Being in nature and interacting with the natural elements is proven to release stress and relax the nervous system. Which in turn helps get and stay relaxed.
7. Pick up an instrument!
Growing up my father would be in his study playing the guitar almost nightly. Though, when he wasn't he was enjoying a drink watching a movie.
When his hands were occupied by the guitar he was far less likely to start drinking. Plus, occupying your mind with a complex skill like playing music is perfect to focus and relax the mind.
8. Get obsessed with meditation
For real, getting obsessed with meditation is a secret alternative to drinking. It is not as easy as having a drink, but once you instill the habit it can become extremely beneficial when it comes to nightly relaxation.
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9. Get a 1,000 piece puzzle
Yes, a one-thousand piece puzzle! Set up a designated space in a spare bedroom or on your table and do 20-30 minutes of puzzling before you go to sleep. If you are not a huge puzzle person, I totally get it...
10. Journal sesh
I find if I have trouble relaxing it usually is because I have a million and one thoughts running through my mind. I either need to talk to my husband, or I need to write (or meditate, do yoga, or all of the above).
Though, a quick journal sesh can help alleviate some stress and allow for you to relax. Pair this with the magnesium mocktail and find almost immediate relief.
Alternatives to drinking alcohol at a party
11. Start making cacao
Notice I did not add cacao into the section above. This is because cacao has stimulating effects. When you are heading out to a party, make an iced cacao with honey, cinnamon, and raw milk.
Put into your stanley, with a straw, and gently sip on all evening. The stimulating and euphoric effects of a cup of cacao will substitute the buzz from alcohol, plus it contains caffeine!
12. Kombucha
You know it, I know you do! Kombucha is a great alternative to drinking with its sizzling texture and unique flavors. Plus, you get to enjoy some probiotics!
I understand it can be challenging to find decent kombucha, though, you can find good brands on the shelves at a supermarket. However, how cool would it be to make your own kombucha and bring to a party?
You could offer it to friends and encourage them to make a mixed drink out of it. Some really cool kombuchas I have seen are fruited kombuchas and herbal kombuchas which opens up a world of possibility.
13. Fermented sodas
Going off of the idea above, fermented sodas can also add a world of possibility. Look for a local fermented drink company. Usually that comes in the form of NA beers, but depends on your local town.
I have also made my own ginger beers before which were fantastic! Fermented sodas are 1000x easier than kombucha. I made a Lemon Balm ginger beer and wow, just wow.
14. Board games and NA drinks
If you are looking for alternatives to drinking alcohol at a party and open to hosting your own party then you could easily do a board games and NA drink party (with kombucha or fermented soda obviously!). This idea is compatible with both men and women friends!
15. Ladies spa night with herbals
A more compatible idea for the ladies! For another idea to avoid alcohol at a party is to host your own spa night that focuses on health and wellness instead of drinking.
Use herbal teas for desired effects, do each others nails, face masks, etc!
16. Movie night with popcorn bar
Talk about the hand to mouth itch! Either going to a party or hosting a party you can do a movie night with a popcorn bar. This serves as an alternative to drinking because it occupies everyone's hands and usually scratches the hand-to-mouth itch.
Other healthy alternatives:
I hope those ideas are sparking some creative juices for you when you are ready to slow down and relax, and also when you want to avoid drinking at a party. These other healthy alternatives to drinking are quick fixes and also long term ideas!
Quick Fixes
17. Paint a wall in your house
18. Find a workout gym with workout classes near you
19. Join a book club, church group, run club ASAP
20. Plan a trip out of your state
21. Get into the History Channel (I'm dead serious, it will change your life)
22. Join a pottery class
23. Go to botanical gardens, butterfly pavilion, etc
24. Redesign an entire space in your home
25. Start an evening bike ride or walk without headphones
26. Join the sunnyside app
27. Get super into thrifting
28. Make a vision board
29. Join an online sisterhood
30. Organize your drawers in your bathroom or kitchen
31. Go to Home Depot (make sure to bring your husband)
32. Organize that one closet…
33. Fix something that is broken at home
34. Get a massage (my personal favorite)
35. Read a book with popcorn or finger snacks
36. Bake a treat!
37. Visit local art galleries
38. Support local markets (this one depends on the season)
39. Sunset picnic
40. Get a candle making set here or from Micheals!
Long Term Ideas
41. Start a business. Instead of going out drinking, build something
42. Date to marry. Change your priorities and move on from casual dating which usually means going out drinking... Right?!
43. Learn about qvevri wines and the Spirit of Alcohol to change your relationship with it
44. Pick up an outdoor hobby like hiking, trail running, foraging, etc
45. Learn about the native plants in your area and their medicinal properties
46. Learn to make medicine
47. Learn to make wine, understand why that can help you here!
48. Start a project to make all your own skincare, cleaning products, etc.
49. Get involved in a volunteer group
50. Go to local creative workshops
51. Get a camera and walk around your town
52. Make a plan for how you will move forward, just a phase, or a new way of being? Journal it!
Some of these ideas might be better than others for you, but if you think about it these ideas cost either as much or less than going out drinking (with a few exceptions).
It depends on what you are interested in and what your overall goals are. I hope this served you and you found it helpful either in your long term goals or for a quick fix!