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What is mindful drinking?

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Mindful Drinking

Walking a fine line.

Drinking is one of those socially acceptable indulgences, like coffee or energy drinks. Images abound of happy people having a drink as they enjoy a BBQ or gourmet meal, which of course are much better when accompanied by a glass of red wine. And for most people enjoying a drink here and there is ok.

Today we call that ‘Mindful drinking’.

So how can we distinguish between mindful drinking and mindless drinking? After all just what is it that tips that scale from the glib entertaining hostess regaling the table with anecdotal stories that engage and amuse her guests into that person whose vocabulary rapidly declines into a muddle of slurred words? The hostess in this scenario is thoughtful and most likely an occasional drinker, the other probably already has an unhealthy dependence on alcohol. Understanding the difference is crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship with alcohol.

So just what is Mindful Drinking?

Short take, someone who is all about indulging while remaining present and aware. Mindful drinking involves consciously considering the reasons behind your decision to drink and how it aligns with your overall well-being. When you practice mindfulness, you can develop a deeper understanding of your relationship with alcohol and make informed decisions about when and how much to drink. If you are a mindful drinker you are likely drinking in moderation, you have found a balance between being able to enjoy that glass of wine and needing to drink the whole bottle! When you are “intentional” about your drinking you are understanding why you choose to consume alcohol in certain situations. Is it for celebration, relaxation, or simply socializing? By recognizing your motivations, you can make conscious decisions that align with your values and goals.

Mindful drinking also means that you are listening to your body’s signals, how does alcohol affect you physically and emotionally? If your drinking has negative physical effects and yet you still choose to drink chances are that you have already crossed that line between mindful and mindless consumption. It’s like that old yarn about the man who goes to his doctor and says Doctor it hurts my hand when I do this and the doctor says, well stop doing that then. If your drinking is causing you to feel sick and you still drink, chances are pretty good that your drinking is becoming problematic.

Some indicators can alert you when you are on the edge or over it.

You are routinely engaging in bouts of heavy drinking, often to the point of intoxication
You are using alcohol as a way to escape from or cope with emotional or psychological challenges.
You feel like you can’t get through things, your day that meeting, a social situation when out needing a drink, even if it interferes with your daily life and responsibilities.

Walking the fine line between mindful drinking and mindless drinking requires self-awareness, honesty, and a commitment to your well-being.

The good news is that most of us can make the transition from mindless to mindful drinking.

Set and stick with your boundaries: The first thing you must do is acknowledge clear limits for yourself regarding how much and how often you drink. Stick to these boundaries and be accountable to yourself.

Practice Self-Care: There is nothing wrong with making time for you. Whether it’s reading a book, hiking, trying something new like taking an art class or learning how to play pickleball, or maybe just vibing in the backyard enjoying the sun, whatever floats your boat take some time and just enjoy the fine art of being alive, or as the Italians say .. Enjoy La Dolcelavita
Find a support group: If the thought of undertaking a shift to mindful drinking habits on your own seems impossible then ask a friend to join you. Want to keep this private? No problem there are so many support group options available for you out there and best of all most of them are free and accessible. .Whether it’s a 12-step program like AA or a non-12-step approach like SMART Recovery there are so many people out there just like you who want to change their relationship with alcohol, you will find your community in a short time.
Be here now! Take time to reflect on your drinking habits regularly are they aligning with your desired outcome? Do they align with your values? If they don’t then change things up. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to mindful drinking. Just like any journey of self-discovery taking these steps is very much a personal journey, it asks you to be present, honest, and committed. As you truly engage with the process and become more self-aware of mindful of your choices and how they affect your well-being, you can learn to not just walk the fine line between enjoying alcohol responsibly and falling into mindless consumption, you will become a balance master!

However, not everyone is going to be able to make that transition, and that’s ok too. There are so many organizations and programs available to guide you through the process of mastering your addictions. You might even consider residential rehabs like Searidge Alcohol Rehab.

If you believe that you or someone you know may be struggling with alcohol dependency call us at 1-888-777-9972 today our compassionate intake team is here to help.

One Of Atlantic Canada's Best Alcohol Rehabs For Detox & Lasting Recovery​