Sober Curious
Looking at options beyond the bottle, here are a few alternatives to maximize relaxation and avoid the alcohol:
4. Meditation is known for tuning out the noise and helping the brain and body fully relax. There are apps and playlists that can help start the meditation journey for beginners. 5. Dance, because music releases dopamine—the same feel-good chemical released when consuming alcohol.
1. Hanging out with friends, which releases good hormones in our bodies like oxytocin and serotonin. 2. Get moving. Exercise and exerting energy increases endorphins, triggering positive feelings in our body. 3. Try non-alcoholic drinks. Mocktails can still offer the ritual of having a drink, without the headaches later. Similarly, chamomile and other decaf teas are known for their relaxing and calming properties.
Source: everydayhealth.com/self-care/alcohol-free-ways- to-unwind-at-the-end-of-a-long-day
unmanageable? Unhealthy? The unfortunate reality for lot of parents, is the relationship with alcohol can snowball quickly, without even realizing it. The snowball effect “I loved wine,” says Janna H of Penngrove, whose relationship with wine completely changed her life. “Wine was my drink of choice,” she recalls of her time as a wine mom. When her kids were 3 and 4 years old, Janna enjoyed taking the edge off at night with the occasional glass of wine. Building their dream house from the ground up, Janna was home with the kids while her husband worked long hours during the day. Running her own business part time as a hairdresser, while managing the kids and the rebuild, she was completely overwhelmed. “My husband wasn’t home and was working overtime, while I was running my business part time,” she says. “The stress of building a home and juggling the responsibilities, all while feeling alone while my husband worked overtime—I had no emotional help,” she shares. “I was constantly alone making decisions.” Very quickly, her one glass a night turned to two. “I thought, ‘I opened the bottle, so I may as well have a second glass.’ Then it would become two glasses,” she explains. “Then it was one or two every night. Eventually, it became a habit. It felt good and took the edge off.”
March 2024
NorthBaybiz 41
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