5 tips for intentional drinking

I like to joke that it’s no coincidence that International Self-Care Day, which was this past Monday, July 24, and National Tequila Day happen to fall on the same day. 

Which brings me to a much debated topic, can alcohol be a form of self-care?

Mind you, I’m NOT asking the question, is it healthy for you?

The New York Times recently published an article that discussed new studies showing there are actually NOT benefits to moderate drinking, as previously thought. And overall it is in fact healthier to abstain than it is to drink moderately. (Click here if you'd like to read the article.)

While the detriments of alcohol have long been known and discussed, many people still choose to partake of it for a multitude of reasons. 

It could be part of your culture or religion. 

Or simply something that brings you added joy. 

A glass of wine as a complement to a dish of pasta 

A flute of champagne to celebrate a wedding

A bottle of cold beer to refresh you on a hot summer day. 

So how do you create a healthy relationship to alcohol and incorporate it into your life with the best intentions while keeping your self-care and well-being desires in mind?

I have some thoughts for you.

As a disclaimer, what I have to say on this topic is not medically based and is simply my own personal opinion and experiences and I honor that my thoughts are not meant for everyone. 

In any and all areas of your life I encourage you to always take full responsibility for your own health and well-being and choose what works best for you. 

Here are my Top 5 Tips to consider around Intentional Drinking

Intentional Drinking Tip #1

Know your Boundaries: there is a fine line of where alcohol can be therapeutic- helping you relax and destress, and where it becomes self sabotage or detrimental to your health and well-being- like avoiding your life or numbing your feelings. 

Intentional Drinking Tip #2

Be Aware of Your Emotions: are you choosing to drink because it would feel fun and enjoyable or because you’re feeling depleted, stressed or like you “just can’t” with life at the moment?

Being aware of your emotions and the purpose alcohol is serving as you go into drinking can help you be better able to manage your intake and the choices you make during, like remembering to hydrate and eat, as well as the foods you choose.

Intentional Drinking Tip #3

Not all Alcohol is created Equal: I get super feisty on gin, vodka gives me a headache the next day and bourbon makes me super tired. I love wine although red can give me acid reflux. And I’m amazing on tequila. White wine and tequila are my go-tos and for the most part I stay away from cocktails because of the added sugar, or limit to one before switching to something else. 

Not only can different types of alcohol affect you differently, there are differences in the way products are made, including additives, whether they’re organic or biodynamic, etc. and our bodies are always changing so just because something works for you in one stage of your life or cycle doesn’t mean it’s going to work the same in another. 

Being in tune with your body can help you to be able to enjoy the benefits of it with less repercussions.

Intentional Drinking Tip #4

Support your body in detoxing: lymphatic massage, infrared sauna, supplements like vitamin B, C and milk thistle, detox teas, electrolyte tabs… there are tons of products out there to help you detox and replenish the nutrients your body needs post drinking. 

I am not a doctor, so I’m not going to specifically recommend anything. My suggestion, do some research, talk to your own health professional, and find a protocol that works for you. You’ll feel more empowered in your choices.

Intentional Drinking Tip #5

Let go of guilt: I’m going to get on my soapbox a little about this one.

Have you ever noticed a time when you’ve gone out and haven’t had a lot of fun or were drinking when feeling emotionally vulnerable and ended up feeling awful the next day? And conversely a time when you drank way more than you feel like you “should have”, or were having a ton of fun and in an emotionally great place, and somehow felt surprisingly good the next day? 

How does this happen? 

First of all, go back to rule number two. Second, if you’re going to choose to include alcohol, embrace your choice. Don’t spend time feeling like you shouldn’t do it, or chastising yourself for choosing this over something else that you feel like would be a “better” choice. If you find you can’t fully embrace your choice, consider what’s creating the resistance and re-evaluate if there is a different choice you’d like to make.

From my own personal experience, guilt, judgment and making yourself wrong has the power to make you feel infinitely worse- alcohol or no alcohol involved- than a consciously chosen night of intentional drinking ever will.

Cheers! May you live a long, happy, healthy and joy filled life!