Do you feel like you’ve been drinking too much lately? There are times we get into this rhythm, much like consuming too much dessert, and realize we want to cut back a bit. But, how do you go about cutting back on drinking?
Why You Might Need to Cut Back on Drinking
Drinking too much alcohol of any kind regularly can be unhealthy — it leads to problems with your liver and other vital organs, and can contribute to high blood pressure and an increased risk for stroke and heart disease as well. The good news is that there are techniques for cutting back on your drinking, like incorporating non-alcoholic drinks, that are simple, safe, and proven by research to work. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying an alcoholic beverage, but if you’re looking to make a change for anything from weight loss, to better sleep or improved energy, then check out these strategies!
How Can I Cut Back on Drinking?
- Create realistic goals and write them down: Make a list of your reasons for cutting back, such as the effect on your health or increasing tension in relationships, and put it where you can see it.
- To have a healthy relationship with alcohol, set limits: Decide how many drinks you will limit yourself to in a week or within a certain period of time. Your doctor may advise you to drink less or not at all if you have certain medical conditions.
- Keeping a drinking diary is a great way to shed light on your relationship with alcohol. Track your drinks for three to four weeks. Write down how many drinks you have per day, as well as what and how much you drink. Review these notes at the end of that period. If you’ve had trouble sticking to your goal, discuss it with your doctor or another health professional.
- Sip your drink and make an effort to enjoy it slowly: Also, take time for regular meals while drinking.
- If you’re going out with friends, let them know in advance that you’ll only have a certain number of drinks.
- Learn to enjoy other activities that don’t involve alcohol: Just because you’re drinking less doesn’t mean you have to be sitting at home alone. Get out of the house with friends or family and join an activities group. Checking out the art museum, walking in a nearby park, or just going to the movies are great ways to stay involved with people who want to have fun without alcohol.
- Try non-alcoholic drinks: There are so many different delicious options for non-alcoholic drinks that will give you the taste and variety in your beverage that you’re looking for, without the alcohol. Give our non-alcoholic IPA or Citrus Wheat a try instead of an alcoholic beer.
- Stay persistent. Reaching this goal will take time, just like any other health or fitness goal might.
Many people who have tried to cut back on their drinking often find that it is difficult, especially when faced with social situations that revolve around alcohol. This can be difficult because it plays such a strong role in the way we socialize and have fun. That’s why we created Rightside Brewing!
Back in 2017 while pregnant with her daughter, our founder, Emree, recognized a need for more non-alcoholic drinks. There was such a focus on everything she shouldn’t have, and aside from water and soda, there really weren’t any non-alcoholic drinks she could order. That experience heightened her awareness of the limitations drinks can put on social situations.
Our hope is that Rightside lets you socialize without sacrifice, take better care of your health, and enjoy a delicious brew – all at the same time. Check out more of our non-alcoholic beer options today!