It is as though a huge sign that says "DRINK LESS ALCOHOL". Everyone sees it, everyone feels it. Wellness is on the rise and alcohol is on the decline...
Though, why does it seems so challenging? Dusk begins to fall and all the sudden we fantasize a drink. But, that drink leads to two, three, or four.
Is there something wrong with us? Are we meant to be drinking alcohol? Like, what is really going on here?! And how can we gain control of it?
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Learning to drink less alcohol comes from awareness, intention, and well grounded routines. It's about relationship, not restriction. It's about awareness, not resentment. Ultimately, it is about peace.
When I was working in Napa Valley, I'm sure you could imagine how hard it was to keep my drinking under control when I had access to 10 foot tall vats full of world class wine!
Ok, we didn't actually drink straight from the tanks (only sometimes), but you get the point. It takes a certain level of awareness and a bit of an "ah ha" moment to come to terms with drinking, and drinking less!
These are exactly the tips I wish I knew when I was in my early 20s desperately trying to find the bottom of the bottle (spoiler: I never found it).
You will learn the best tips to drink less alcohol that no one seems to be talking about. These are not taught in schools, or discussed in social settings, so these secrets feel just like that... Secrets. Enjoy!
This post is all about how to drink less alcohol!
Drink Less Alcohol
How to Drink Less Alcohol
The best tips to drink less alcohol are:
- Prioritize your life
- Learn alcohol craving symptoms and causes
- & use the tips below
How to drink less alcohol is a broad and challenging question, wouldn't you agree? You do, otherwise you wouldn't be reading this!
The good news is, with just a few tiny shifts you can quickly be on your way to solid mindful drinking habits. Because I am going to be honest, humans were made with alcohol all around us. We were not meant to be against it or in bad relation with it (though that obviously happens).
If we can get to a place in our lives where drinking, alcohol, and wine become a symbol of rejoicing instead of a symbol of destruction, our world would be a whole lot brighter.
Drinking Less Alcohol Tips (& Secrets)
1. Have a drink plan
The number one best way to drink less alcohol is to have a plan. You can hear that for almost every part of life, right? Want a successful career, ok well, what is your plan? Want kids, ok well, what is your plan?
Drinking alcohol is no different!
When I go out, no matter where I am going, whether it is date night or out with the girls, I create a drink plan *in my mind*. It helps me understand my motives, my goals, and my deepest yearnings (yes, I'm serious).
Not only does a drink plan align you with other parts of your life, but it puts you in the driver seat. And luckily, I took it out of my mind and blasted it out on paper just for you!
Want a FREE going-out checklist and intentional drink plan?
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I am obsessed with this! Intentionality is so important and allows us to lead a more confident life filled with purpose. I use this guide every single time I go out.
2. Follow 1/2/3 rule & 20-minute rule
I’ve talked about these before and it is being repeated because they are so helpful when talking about how to drink less alcohol.
You can use these together or separate, one might work best in one circumstance and the other in a different circumstance.
The 1/2/3 rule is simply no more than one drink per hour, no more than 2 drinks per sitting, and no more than 3 drinks per day. Alternatively the 20 minute rule is: wait 20 minutes between each drink.
Let's put this into perspective, the times I am out with friends and say it is a birthday then I usually follow the 20-minute rule. But, listen, I am not religiously checking my phone... Wear a silly watch and stay AWARE! Like a survivor out in the woods watching for wolves.
Because let's be real, that is how quickly alcohol can creep in. One second you're chilling then next you have lost total control. But, of course, that won't happen to you because you'll be on alert (wink).
3. Only drink high end drinks
Something i learned while working in the wine industry in Napa. When i started only drinking top-tier wine I was actually starting to also drink less. I say this a lot, but cheap drinks come in abundance.
Instead of going out for a cheap drink (maybe a beer), save yourself for that one amazing cocktail. In the city that is closest to me, I adore strolling the streets, popping into cafes, and the one night where we go out for stellar (life-changing) cocktails or wine.
Now, the visit to the high end bar would not be romanticized if I was pumping myself full of cheap drinks all the time, right?
It might still be nice, but my mouth wouldn't be watering (as it is now). I wouldn't be fantasizing my first sip over and over again in my head, which I do!
Is this making any sense at all? Please stop me if it doesn't. Wait, you can't... I'll keep going.
Now you might be saying, well Ali i go out and have 4-5 nice cocktail at my favorite steakhouse. What about that is helping me drink less alcohol?
This comes with two assumptions:
- You actually have a budget and can’t spend 100s of dollars on drinks every week or so
- You are not going out for nice drinks, then the next night going to get $8 beers somewhere...
It's a lifestyle choice. Choose wisely!
I could go off about this, in regards to health and wellness, it matters what you put in your body! So opt for high quality, high end drinks, make the evening something special and turn towards the lifestyle of fine wine and expensive cocktails (on occasion).
And trust me, you will be drinking less alcohol and enjoying it more too...
4. Alternate between soda and drink
The OG way to drink less alcohol is to alternate between a drink and a soda, soda water, or... A non alcoholic botanical soda!
Not only does it help you pace your drinking, but it also hydrates you which helps the following day. I mean, it's two birds with one stone.
The botanical sodas are insanely helpful for curbing alcohol cravings and helping you to drink less alcohol in general. They have the black lemon botanical soda and the schisandra berry botanical soda.
Black lemon is perfect for times when you need some energy (aka caffeine!) and a great alternative to bring to parties or BBQs. Then, the schisandra berry soda has calming and relaxing effects ideal for when you are at home watching a movie with your man.
Either way, whether you choose a fun mocktail or a simple sparkling soda with lime, either one is perfect for alternating between drinks.
(Side note, the botanical sodas can be pour over ice with a just a splash of alcohol! Drink less, and enjoy it even more 😉 ).
5. Get enough sleep (yes, I'm serious!)
Plenty of reasons to get good sleep, I mean c'mon it's the best. Studies show that not getting enough sleep reduces your self-control, impairs your decision making, and effects your ability to problem solve.
So, you're trying to drink less alcohol?! AND your sleep rhythm is off?! Hmmm, something is clicking here. Maybe, just maybe, try to get into a balanced circadian rhythm and your self control might bounce back...
Soooo many reason to get good sleep, but I am mostly looking at the women! Sleeping well actually helps balance our hormones while drinking disrupts them.
6. Use the Sunnyside app
The literal #1 mindful drinking app that has already helped thousands and thousands of people learn to balance their drinking...
Have you ever tried one of those sleep tracker apps? You wake up and it gives you like a 6/10, plus all the statistics of why you basically didn't sleep (when really you did sleep and you're just as confused as I am).
This app is NOT like that.
Sunnyside is based on neuroscience to effectively help you get a better handle on your drinking habits. A whopping 96% of members actually drink less alcohol, can you believe it?!
Pair this tracking app with alternating drinks, or even just drinking high end drinks only and actually see the data on how your drinking habits change. It can be so rewarding to see, plus gives you that awareness to tap into the real lifestyle you are searching for.