Alternatives To Drinking Alcohol To Relax
Alcohol is one of the most commonly used substances in the world. While there has been great progress in educating people about drinking alcohol responsibly, there is still a way to go. With over 137 million Americans regularly drinking alcohol and over 14.5 million people identifying as having an alcohol use disorder, now is a great time for people to be looking into alternatives to drinking alcohol.
We all know the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption; however, it still remains one of the most popular drinks to help people relax and unwind at the end of the day. The market for non-alcoholic beverages has boomed in recent years, and the low and non-alcoholic drinks sector is thought to be worth over $10 billion.
The Dangers of Using Alcohol to Relax
Alcohol is a depressant, and it can have severe effects on your mood and mental health. Add to this that alcohol is highly addictive, and this is a recipe for disaster. Alcohol impedes your ability to have a deep sleep, and often, when used to help people relax, it has the complete opposite effect.
If you are struggling to relax, it can be a good idea to look for alternatives to drinking alcohol.
Kombucha
Kombucha is made from black or green tea, fermented, and contains few bacteria. Consumers looking for something that tastes "grown-up" but is also healthy have embraced it, propelling it to cult status in recent years. The beverage makers and health-conscious supporters laud kombucha's probiotic and antioxidant properties. Its popularity within the health-conscious market is because it lacks sugar, and this surge in popularity and potential health benefits make it a great alternative to alcohol.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is widely recognized for its sleep-enhancing qualities. If you feel stressed and need to relax, incorporating chamomile tea at the end of the day alone or as part of a relaxation ritual can induce a deep, more restful sleep to aid stress release and clarity of mind.
Chamomile tea contains antioxidants, specifically apigenin, promoting sleepiness and reducing insomnia. Other health benefits include anti-inflammatory properties that may help with blood sugar control and protection against certain cancers.
Mocktails
A mocktail is a drink that does not contain any alcoholic content and instead incorporates juices or sodas, flavored waters, and numerous other non-alcoholic ingredients to create a variety of flavor combinations.
You can easily make yourself delicious mocktails at home by searching online for the best mocktail recipes or adapting your favorite alcoholic cocktail to remove the alcohol.
Modern mocktails tend to have a sophisticated air about them, putting them on an equal footing with their alcoholic equivalents in terms of sophistication. Then employ a range of ingredients to span a spectrum of flavors and colors, and they garnish the drinks to offer a spectacular experience without the usage of alcoholic beverages.
Sparkling Juices
A non-alcoholic drink that can still give you the feeling of sipping bubbles without the downsides that alcohol brings. Because it has fizz and bubbles like champagne, sparkling juices can be a great alternative to drinking alcohol. You can shop low sugar varieties or natural juices, right through to fruity blends and concoctions that will make your taste buds dance. For added effect, sip from a champagne flute or wine glass.
Valerian Tea
Valerian root has been used for centuries for its sedative properties. For this reason, it has been a popular ingredient in many sleep formulas for those with trouble sleeping and insomnia. Valerian root also helps to reduce anxieties and promote calmness. So if you are drinking alcohol as a way to relax and unwind, swapping it for a valerian tea can not only be better for you but can improve your chances of relaxing naturally and getting a good night's sleep.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
As mentioned earlier in this article, the low and non-alcoholic market has boomed in recent years. This growing trend has been attributed to younger drinkers who want a healthier alternative to their favorite drinks and a way to enjoy the social aspect of drinking while still reducing their alcohol content. No longer are non-drinkers resigned to soft drinks and water only.
Non-alcoholic drinks are great alternatives to drinking alcohol in more social circumstances or to trick your mind into being able to relax without the crutch of substances. These days you can purchase non-alcoholic varieties of your favorite beers, wines, and spirits that are almost indistinguishable from their alcoholic counterparts. Choosing to substitute one or all of your drinks can still give youth experience without actually consuming alcohol.
Herbal Tea With Lemon Balm
When combined with lemon balm, Herbal teas can be an excellent relax drink for anyone looking for a natural way to drift off. When it comes to relieving stress, battling insomnia, and encouraging healthy sleep, lemon balm, also known as balm mint in other parts of the world, is a terrific choice.
To brew the most fabulous herbal tea, begin by cleaning approximately ten lemon balm leaves and placing them in a teapot filled with boiling water. Allow the mixture to steep for around five minutes before adding a tablespoon of honey and drinking it while still warm.
Warm Milk
Lastly, this is an age-old suggestion but still a good one. Warm milk isn't just for kids or babies, and there is a good reason why it is touted as a relaxation and sleep aid.
Warm milk is preferred by many moms and scientific professionals alike because it includes considerable amounts of the amino acid tryptophan, which is beneficial for the body. After the amino acid tryptophan is ingested, it is transformed into the natural hormone melatonin, which aids in the regulation of our natural sleep state. Tryptophan can also be found in high-carbohydrate diets, which may explain why many people feel tired after consuming a substantial amount of carbohydrates.
Alternatives to Drinking Alcohol
While having the odd drink to relax at the end of the day is seen as something typical or even expected, relying on alcohol to help you relax can lead to a dependency that can have damaging effects on your health and your life. Choosing non-alcoholic alternatives to drinking can help you unwind while remaining sober and reducing your alcohol intake.
