Many social events include alcohol, and choosing whether to imbibe with others tends to be a black-and-white decision — you either drink or abstain. If you decide to drink, sometimes you may feel social pressure to loosen personal limits on how much you consume.
Mindful drinking, however, means conscious consumption. “It’s all about awareness and experiencing what you are doing,” says nutritional psychology expert Marc David, MA. “Enjoying powerful substances like caffeine, sugar, and alcohol doesn’t have to be bad, as long as you are aware if it hurts or hinders you.”
Practicing mindful drinking or exploring the sober-curious movement can help you reevaluate the role alcohol plays in your life.
How
Prior to your next social event, take stock of when and why you drink and how easy it is for you to take a break for a few days or weeks at a time. Also consider your present circumstances, such as medications you’re taking or how you’ll feel the next day. Ask yourself the following questions, advises Rae Dylan, a New York City–based interventionist, sober coach, and sober companion:
- Why do I drink?
- When do I drink?
- Where or in what situations do I drink?
- What happens when I drink?
- What happens when I don’t drink?
- What motivates me to drink?
Understanding your patterns can help you identify opportunities to cut back or abstain or to imbibe more intentionally.
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