Many people observe sober months these days. “Sober October” and “Dry January” are two of the most common alcohol-free lifestyle movements right now. It’s good to take a break from alcohol every so often. Alcoholic beverages dehydrate the body and can have detrimental impacts on both body and mind over time.
For this reason, lots of people explore sober living to improve their physical and mental health. You do not need to go sober for the rest of your life (although, it’s totally fine if that’s the goal), but even just a small break can give your body the reset it needs so you can feel better.
Sober October is a fun way to engage in sober living. If you want to give Sober October a try, below you’ll find some easy non-alcoholic swaps to sip on while participating.
Alcoholic Alternatives While Socializing
What makes giving up alcohol hard for many is its role in social gatherings. If you think about the last party or networking event you went to, you might note that alcoholic beverages were a central feature. However, there are plenty of non-alcoholic beverages that are available in most social settings.
If you are looking for ways to stay sober at a social event but still enjoy a cold beverage, you can try:
- Seltzer water with a splash of lemon or lime.
- Kombucha, which is a healthy probiotic drink with minimal alcoholic content, usually below 0.5%.
- Nonalcoholic beers, for those who enjoy the taste of an ice-cold beer.
Alcoholic Alternatives for Stress Relief
Many people drink to manage and relieve stress. After a long hard day, it’s not uncommon to hear someone remark that they need a drink. Going sober can be tough if you use alcohol to cope with stress, being without it can make stress management hard and confusing.
However, there are many drinks that offer stress-relieving benefits and aren’t alcoholic. Some good options for stress-relieving non-alcoholic beverages are:
- Kava, an increasingly popular alcohol alternative. Kava is made with the root of the kava shrub and can be effective in mitigating anxiety and insomnia.
- CBD drinks. These beverages made with CBD can decrease anxiety and increase feelings of relaxation. CBD can also quell inflammation in the body.
Conclusion
Cutting out alcohol can be challenging, even if it’s only for a month. Consuming cocktails is so normalized and integrated into our culture that going without can make someone feel lost.
However, there are many great health benefits to giving your body a break from the toxic components of alcohol. Luckily, there are many beverage alternatives today that can be suitable swaps for a cocktail at your next event or happy hour!
