Like so many things in life, when it comes to alcohol, less is more.
Here are practical tips for curbing your intake while increasing enjoyment.
Don’t include a glass in your wind-down routine.
Photo: Flavia Morlachetti/Getty Images
Personally, I often have a big glass of water andgo for a walk.
Replace drinking (or a drink) with another thing.
Negative here refers to goals around elimination, deprivation, or lack.
But most of us need something to replace the pleasurable behavior we’re trying to eliminate or limit.
Practice mindful drinking.
Mindfulness doesn’t have to mean shutting yourself in a room to meditate.
you’re free to actually exercise mindfulness while you’re enjoying cocktails.
How does it work?
Notice what it smells like, tastes like, even feels like on your tongue.
Note how it makes you feel physically and specifically: Are you sleepy, relaxed, chatty, dehydrated?
Is the glass heavy, delicate, fluted, cold?
Who are you with?
Are you really listening to them, or are you thinking about what you’re going to eat later?
Pause and think between every single drink.
Another element of drinking more mindfully involves tuning into the momentsbetweendrinksthat’s where habits can truly be changed.
This can help you make an intentional choice based on how you feel right now.
Time yourself.
As with any indulgence, a little ongoing vigilance goes a long way toward reducingunhealthy consumption.
Use a white wine glass.
“It won’t negatively impact the taste of most red wines,” Dutton confirms.
Plan ahead.
That way, you know what’s ahead and what to expect.
And the key: Let yourself enjoy it!
You’ve already made that decision."
Alternate with something non-alcoholic.
It’s gratifying to feel a part of the social experience at a restaurant or bar.
So you’ve just finished your glass of wine and don’t know what to do with your hands?
Stop worrying about “wasting” drinks.
Nor should you feel that you have to empty a bottle of wine the same day you open it.
2014;49(3):295-302. doi:10.3109/10826084.2013.832327
