Reality TV star Kyle Richards made headline news when she recently announced that she was no longer drinking. It turns out that Richards, the reigning wild child of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and the queen of tequila-induced splits, has been sober for over a year. In an interview with Us Weekly in December, she revealed that removing alcohol from her life has made a significant difference in her skin and overall well-being.
The latest 2023 survey from NC Solutions found that 34 percent of Americans planned to drink less in the upcoming year. Of those who don’t drink at all, 21 percent say it’s to improve their mental health. Experts, such as Caroline Young, MS, RD, RYT, owner of Whole Self Nutrition, Jessi Holden, RDN, RN, culinary dietitian and owner of The Kitchen Invitation, Lori FitzPatrick, RD, nutritionist and founder of Nutrition on Tap, LLC, and Wan Na Chun, MPH, RD, CPT, of One Pot Wellness, shed light on the concept of mindful drinking.
Mindful drinking involves being aware of why and how much alcohol you drink, leading to healthier relationships with alcohol and reduced consumption. This lifestyle shift doesn’t necessarily include cutting out alcohol altogether, but rather, becoming more aware of how drinking affects you physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Like mindful eating, mindful drinking means paying attention to every aspect of the drinking experience. Factors to consider include what you’re drinking, how much, when you last ate and drank water, and how it’s making you feel. Starting to notice these aspects in a non-judgmental way is the first step towards a healthier relationship with alcohol.
The benefits of mindful drinking are numerous, including improved sleep, brighter skin, and increased energy and productivity. On the other hand, drinking too much can lead to health issues such as cancer, heart disease, liver disease, and stroke. Mindful drinking also empowers individuals to mitigate the physical and mental health risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption.
For those looking to adopt a mindful drinking approach, experts recommend having a plan and setting limits, being prepared to talk about your decision to drink less, bringing your own non-alcoholic drinks to social gatherings, and slowing down your drinking pace while ensuring that you eat and hydrate adequately. Making these mindful drinking techniques a regular part of your lifestyle can lead to a more fulfilling and healthier relationship with alcohol.
