You may have heard the term “Mindful Drinking” before, but what exactly is it and how does it work? It is a global movement led by health-conscious younger adults that is now embraced by all ages. It is less of a fad and more of an attitude and mindset.
Drinking mindfully is asking yourself questions about why you drink, without judging yourself. Before having a drink, you pause and ask yourself, do I actually want this drink? The idea is to become aware of how alcohol affects your mind and body, building a healthier relationship with alcohol.
Interested in practicing mindful drinking? Start by thinking about the way you drink, how often, how much, and why you drink.
Recognise your triggers:
- Am I drinking to make a boring evening more fun?
- Do I want to get a buzz?
- Am I trying to drown my sorrows or get away from my problems?
- Am I in a social situation that feels awkward?
- Have I had a difficult day at work?
The idea is to be aware, to recognise why you might overindulge or drink without thinking. You want to be “in the moment”. The choice to drink – or not to drink – is yours alone.
Here are some of the ways to drink mindfully:
1. PAUSE
Before having a drink, pause and think about it. Sometimes we fall into the default behaviour of having another drink, without even wanting one. Ask yourself a simple question: “Is this really what I want right now?”
2. HAVE A GAME PLAN
Make as many decisions as possible before going out. If you are going to drink alcohol, decide what and how much you want to drink.
3. BE FLEXIBLE
Don’t hold on too tightly to restrictions – rules can backfire! If you are too strict with yourself, your brain might rebel and want more. Flexibility puts you in control.
4. YOUR ORDER, YOUR CHOICE
In a social group, it’s easy to follow everyone else’s lead. Avoid ordering out of habit and start off with a soft drink or water. If you arrive thirsty, this makes a lot more sense.
5. ENJOY!
Mindful drinking can be a fun, pleasurable experience. Sip slowly and really savour your drink. Experts say you should love what you drink. If you don’t love it, don’t drink it.
It seems that the secret of mindful drinking is to be aware, aware of how you feel – physically, mentally and emotionally. If you aren’t 100% convinced that you want a drink, or another, make a conscious decision.
“Drink because you are happy, but never because you are miserable.” — G.K. Chesterton
Also keep these practical tips in mind:
- Have a glass of water between every alcoholic drink
- Downsize your drink – a single rather than a double, a spritzer or share with a friend
- Make sure you eat before you drink
- Avoid top-ups – finish one drink before pouring another
- Avoid joining in ‘rounds’ – the fastest drinker will set the pace
- Don’t drink and drive. Pedestrians should also be extra careful after drinking.
- Follow the 0-0-1-3 formula: 0 drinks if underage, 0 drinks if driving, 1 drink per hour, no more than 3 drinks per occasion
And remember, if you want to feel refreshed and mindful the next day, take two capsules of MYRKL* two hours before having that first drink!
Important Notes:
*MYRKL is a supplement designed to support well-being while consuming alcohol and promote responsible alcohol consumption. It efficiently breaks down the absorption of alcohol, giving you the opportunity to enjoy your social experiences regret-free. Do not take more than the recommended dose of 2 capsules in 24 hours.
Based on a randomised placebo-controlled double-blind crossover study, conducted with 24 healthy subjects. Subjects were randomised to take 2 capsules/day of AB001 or placebo for 1 week prior to experimental day, where they ingested a light breakfast and drank a moderate glass of spirit (0.3 g/kg body weight).
- Pfützner A, Hanna M, Andor Y, Sachsenheimer D, Demircik F, Wittig T and de Faire J. Chronic Uptake of A Probiotic Nutritional Supplement (AB001) Inhibits Absorption of Ethylalcohol in the Intestine Tract – Results from a Randomized Double-blind Crossover Study. Nutr. Metab. Insights.2022;15:1-5. 2. Professional CC medical. Probiotics: What is it, benefits, side effects, food & types [Internet]. [cited 2023 Sept 27]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/14598-probiotics 3. Proposed Patient Information Leaflet. 4. Benefits of vitamin B12: Cardiovascular disease San Antonio [Internet]. [cited 2023 Sept 27]. Available from: https://www.texasneurospine.com/blog/the-benefits-of-vitamin-b12
