How to Get Started with Mindful Drinking

Perhaps it starts with one painful hangover too many, or an embarrassing mishap. However initiated, taking a hiatus from drinking, whether during Dry January or any other time of the year, provides an opportunity to reflect on the role alcohol plays in our lives.

Just as our relationship with food is a complex one, there are many factors behind when, how, and why we approach a drink, particularly an intoxicating one. Drinking often goes hand-in-hand with just about any moment where being less anxious implies a better experience — networking with strangers, first dates, celebratory parties, or at 5pm after a stressful day. Some of us drink simply because we like the taste and the feeling of being buzzed. Wine, beer, and spirits often pair well with food and are believed to enhance the dining experience. However, some of us drink simply out of boredom, to escape a bit of reality, or even to forget.

Enter ‘mindful drinking,’ or a way of staying present while imbibing. While the goal with mindful drinking is not necessarily the same as mindful eating — although, cutting back on drinks can lead to weight loss — taking a similar approach can be helpful in realigning our relationship with alcohol.

Practice abstinence

Taking a break from alcohol is easier for some than others — and for those reading this and suspecting they may be alcohol dependent, please know that there are supportive resources ready to help you, such as The Temper.

For those that are sober-curious, abstaining from alcohol for a few weeks or longer will give your body and mind a chance to hit the reset button. After a few weeks, you may experience improved digestion, sleep, and mood. Once you find some clarity, you may want to reintroduce alcohol incrementally, rarely, or not at all.

Slow Down and Smell the Rosewater

What if you treated every drink as an individual culinary experience? Similar to the way an oenophile approaches a glass of Riesling, take the time to sniff, swirl, and taste your drink — whether it contains alcohol or not — rather than guzzle it down. Let the flavors roll around your tongue and pay attention to how the drink impacts your mood, your decisions, and your physical well-being.

Mix it up

According to Technomic, which studies restaurant trends, more establishments are rolling out mocktails and low-ABV cocktails on their menus this year. And in some cities, alcohol-free bars and events have popped up to cater to the sober crowd, such as Getaway and Listen here in NYC. If you find yourself at a bar or restaurant with a selection of non-alcoholic drinks, don’t be afraid to sample them and reduce your alcoholic intake. You may be surprised that no- and low-alcohol drinks have come a long way in terms of creativity, flavor profile, and mouthfeel. Take advantage of the growing choices and allow yourself to look at moderation in a whole new way.