Addressing Alcohol and Mental Health
There are a number of factors that can positively or negatively affect one’s mental health. As we continue to learn more about the importance of taking care of our mental health, we must consider what we do to create a healthy headspace. It’s equally important to be mindful of the things we do that can negatively affect our mental health. After all, taking care of our minds is just one component of our overall well-being.
There are some things that are commonly understood as being good for one’s mental well-being. Getting adequate amounts of sleep, exercise, and nutritious foods are a few ways to stay physically healthy, which in turn fuels a healthy mind. However, there are also plenty of things we do every single day that can make things worse and create stressful environments, which can have adverse mental health repercussions.
One example of a common behavior that can have negative long-term effects is our relationship with drinking. Drinking in small quantities can be a great way to blow off some steam, and relax after a long day or workweek with friends. However, alcohol is a central nervous system depressant and can end up having more than a few negative side effects, especially when consumed in higher quantities.
Fortunately, there are still ways to enjoy delicious drinks without worrying about the negative side effects of alcohol.
In this blog, we’re going to examine the link between alcohol consumption and mental health, as well as some things you can do to still enjoy your favorite drinks without worrying as much about the harm they can cause.
Be mindful of your mood before drinking
Alcohol tends to intensify moods; if you feel happy, the dopamine reward your brain receives signals to the body that what you’re doing is good, and should be continued. However, the hangover that follows drinking can often lead to feelings of depression or anxiety. If either of these emotions or conditions are ones that you experience regularly, the feelings can similarly feel that much more intense.
Before making the decision to consume alcohol, take stock of how you feel and what kind of day you’ve had. If you’re generally in a good mood or otherwise had a good day, a few light drinks can be a great way to unwind and enjoy some time with friends. If, however, you’re feeling down, depressed, sad, anxious, or otherwise not in the best spirits, consider abstaining from the alcohol. After all, there are plenty of things to enjoy without drinking!
Consider non-alcoholic alternatives
At Ritual Zero Proof, we pride ourselves on making the finest non-alcoholic spirits in the world. We offer a variety of products like our whiskey, gin, tequila, or rum alternatives, all of which can be mixed in with regular drinks or used on their own to craft delicious cocktails that can be enjoyed by anyone.
One major benefit of drinking non-alcoholic spirits is that you’ll automatically consume less alcohol, which is always a good thing. By drinking non-alcoholic spirits (or enjoying drinks made with alcohol substitutes), you’ll consume less of the harmful and toxic chemicals that can seriously alter your mood, or cause other long-term health concerns.
Another serious benefit of non-alcoholic spirits is that you’ll consume fewer calories. All of our products contain next to 0 calories per serving, as opposed to their alcoholic counterparts which can have up to 150 calories per serving (or more)! By drinking fewer calories, you’ll avoid issues like weight gain which are well-known to adversely affect your mental health. Of course, you can always make weaker drinks by using a combination of a regular spirit with one of our alcohol substitutes; this will help you consume less alcohol and fewer calories at the same time, while still enjoying some of the good feelings associated with drinking.
Next time you’re in the mood for a drink, check out our cocktail list for some delicious drink ideas that won’t ruin tomorrow before it starts!
Consider abstaining altogether, at least for a time
An unfortunate reality is that many Americans throughout the country use alcohol as a coping mechanism for dealing with feelings like depression, anxiety, or stress. The even more unfortunate byproduct of this coping mechanism is that, while the negative emotions may be dulled temporarily, the ensuing hangover can oftentimes make you feel even worse.
If you find yourself feeling down, consider other options besides turning to the bottle. Exercise, prayer, meditation, breathing exercises, and more can all be really great ways to reduce your stress and help regulate your emotions. Of course, if your emotions generally worsen over time you should absolutely contact a medical professional, but in brief moments of doubt or sadness, it can be helpful to take a step back from everything and enjoy a few quiet moments to yourself.
These quiet moments don’t have to mean sitting alone in a quiet room either, it could be something as simple as cooking yourself a nice meal, or making a decaffeinated coffee or tea (or alcohol-free cocktail). Whatever the activity is, taking a few minutes to yourself rather than choosing to drink can lead to significantly more long-term benefits than the short-term relief a drink can offer.
Many of our wonderful customers prioritize their health, but it’s important to remember that taking care of our minds is a critical component of overall wellness. While there are many great ways to do this, it’s important to also consider what we put into our bodies, which includes food and alcohol. Making low abv drinks with non-alcoholic spirits can be a great way to be more intentional about what we consume, but at the end of the day, any amount of alcohol can be harmful. Just remember to be mindful of how much you’re drinking, what you’re drinking, and (most importantly) why you’re drinking. If you think it might not be a great time for you to drink, know that you can still enjoy a delicious mocktail made with any of our whiskey, gin, tequila, or rum alternatives.
Check out our website today and learn about some of the great ways you can enjoy drinks with alcohol-free liquors!
Note: If you are worried about the mental health of yourself or someone you know, please seek medical advice immediately. Don’t forget to check in on your friends and family, too!
