Alcohol has the potential to activate feel-good endorphins in the human brain. That’s why many start to look for stress relief and happiness at the bottom of a bottle. Once a person starts down this path, it’s hard for them to stop.
It doesn’t help that alcohol is the center of almost every party. You can’t go to a wedding reception without wine options. The only non-alcoholic drinks available are the juice boxes that the kids are drinking.
They don’t feel adult enough. Don’t fret. We’re here to tell you that there are alcohol alternatives available to you.
This doesn’t only apply to drinks. Whenever you feel stressed, you can take part in a hobby or go for a jog. Keep reading to learn more.
1. Kombucha
First up on the list is kombucha. The base of this sparkling drink is usually either black or green tea. Healthy bacteria and yeast are sprinkled on top and left to ferment for a few weeks.
It will provide the same adult taste without giving you a buzz. This isn’t the only reason why it’s one of the best alternatives to drinking alcohol. It’s good for you.
The probiotics found in the drink are great for your digestion. It reduces inflammation in your gut and can help you lose weight. When you drink kombucha made from green tea, your body will take in tons of antioxidants.
Those who drink green tea on a normal basis also have an easier time controlling their blood sugar levels than those who don’t. It can even kill bacteria and reduce your chances of catching a cold.
2. Mocktails
Mocktails don’t have quite as many health benefits as kombucha, but they are a healthy alternative to drinking alcohol. They’re not that hard to make. All you need is club soda, juices or syrups, and some kind of garnish.
Alcoholic beverages have tons of calories that their cocktail counterparts don’t have. If you drink alcohol before bed, there’s a good chance that it will keep you awake because it’s a depressant. Drinking mocktails don’t have the same effect.
Many use fresh cherries and other fruits as a garnish in their drinks. It’s not much, but these fruits do contain antioxidants, vitamin C, and other nutrients your body needs to thrive.
The last benefit is that buying the alcohol that goes into regular cocktails is expensive. By skipping out on buying these to make mocktails, you save tons of money!
3. Non-Alcoholic Beers
Are you more into beer than fruity mixed drinks? You can crack open a few non-alcoholic beers. If you hit the gym on a normal basis, you should consider having one after your workout is over.
The ingredients found in the brew promote muscle recovery. This means that you’ll bounce back faster and be able to get back to the gym ASAP.
It can rehydrate you on a hot day. Hops is an important ingredient in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beer. Consuming it can help you get a better night’s rest.
That is if you drink beer in moderation. You’ll sleep when you get drunk, but you won’t get the REM rest that your body needs for recovery.
With non-alcoholic beer, you’ll get to reap the rewards of the hops without getting any of the negatives from having one too many drinks.
4. CBD
Many people reach for alcohol when they’re under a lot of stress. What they don’t realize is that alcohol is only a short-term fix. Once you sober up, your problems will still be there.
CBD is one of the best alternatives to alcohol for anxiety and depression. Serotonin is the chemical in your body that’s responsible for your mood. If you don’t have enough of it, you may experience heavy depression and, in some cases, anxiety.
CBD reacts with receptors in your brain to increase the production of this helpful feel-good chemical. CBD oil and alcohol don’t mix badly when you take them together, but it’s better if you stick to CBD.
5. Start Exercising
Speaking of feel-good endorphins, exercise can release them as well. Hitting the gym will help you work out all the stress you’ve been under. Getting fit will also improve your self-esteem and give you a boost of confidence.
Many gyms have classes that you can take. Most of the time you’ve got to schedule these classes, which means that you’re not likely to skip them. This will keep you coming back for a while.
You’ll make lasting friendships with those with the same fitness goals as you. You may even find people who are fighting with the same problems.
6. Meditation
Meditation is something simple that everyone can do when they’re feeling stressed. Instead of grabbing a drink, sit down and close your eyes.
Clearing your head isn’t easy. Instead of trying to empty your thoughts, count your breaths. All it takes is ten minutes a day doing this to ease your anxiety.
7. Pursue a Hobby
It’s hard to afford alcohol or spend any time with it if you’re busy with a hobby. So, pick up a book that you’ve been meaning to read. Start making music.
Pick up painting, whatever you need to do to focus on something positive for a change.
Great Alcohol Alternatives You Can Reach For
There are many reasons why people drink alcohol. Some do it at social gatherings. Maybe you’ve been under a lot of stress at work.
No matter what the reason is, there’s a way for you to stop it. Try out one of these great alcohol alternatives to start down the path of sobriety. If you’re looking for more ways to kick alcohol to the curb, check out our blog to get a few other great ideas.
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