Summer has finally arrived and temperatures are starting to rise!
I immediately think of barbecues, camping, baseball games, soccer games, swimming, and patio brunches. But I also think of craft beer, bloody marys, mimosas, and margaritas. It really is hard for me not to associate these activities with alcohol. What are you supposed to do when you are trying to limit your drinking, or trying to abstain from alcohol completely?
Stick with like-minded people
We all know that one person whose sole goal is to get wasted. Once they achieve that goal, they start pushing others to drink. This can be a very difficult situation to deal with. Hanging out with supportive people is imperative! Supporting you is a sign of their respect and love.
If finding support is hard, do a search on the internet. Search for “sober groups near me,” and you will find a ton of results. You can also find new companions through 12-step programs. Finding support and community is important! (You can share the mocktail recipe at the end of this post with your sober friends!)
Engage in activities
Get up and do something! Things are finally starting to open back up; do all those things you’ve been missing. Movies, concerts, restaurants, museums, festivals, farmer’s markets, amusement parks, road trips, water parks … the list goes on and on. You can take a class to learn something new. Or start that hobby you keep telling yourself you are going to start. If you keep your mind occupied, you’re less likely to think about drinking.
Savor your food
Food can be an amazing tool to help reduce the amount you drink, and help replenish your body when it’s depleted from drinking. Leafy greens such as spinach, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and kale help with recovery and suppressing alcohol. So do whole grains like brown rice, oats, and whole wheat pastas. Seeds and nuts increase dopamine levels—since alcohol also increases dopamine, having that boost can make us a little less likely to seek out booze. Rich proteins like eggs, chicken, fish, milk, and Greek yogurt help speed recovery time, as well as possibly reducing alcohol cravings.
Keep these nourishing ingredients in mind when you are drinking, or when you’re working on reducing your alcohol consumption.
I hope your summer is exciting and filled with adventures. You can keep these tips and tricks in your back pocket. Whether you are abstaining from alcohol, or just trying to lessen the amount you drink, be safe. Always have a designated driver or use a rideshare app. Happy sunshine!
Cucumber Lime “Fauxhito”
- 6 thin slices English cucumber, plus 1 long, thin slice for garnish
- 6 mint leaves, plus 1 sprig for garnish
- 2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz agave nectar
- ice
- 4 oz chilled club soda
- Muddle the cucumber with the mint leaves in a cocktail shaker.
- Add the lime juice and agave and fill with ice; shake well.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Add the club soda; stir once. Garnish with the cucumber slice and mint sprig.
