My Mindful Drinking Guide

Two years ago, I embarked on what I thought would be a straightforward path to sobriety. Today, I realize how transformative my journey toward mindful drinking has been. This evolution hasn’t been instant or easy, but it has been deeply enlightening. I’m excited to share my experiences, lessons learned, and strategies I’ve developed, hoping they can help others better navigate their relationship with alcohol.

What is Mindful Drinking?

Mindful drinking is not only a choice but a mindset as well. It means actively questioning why you drink, without self-judgment. It’s not about total sobriety but understanding your relationship with alcohol and how to make thoughtful choices accordingly.

My journey started with a public declaration of sobriety, which initially helped me stay on track but eventually became counterproductive. A pivotal moment came when a friend jokingly said, "I got you Simon, I'm watching you," as I poured a glass of red wine. That’s when I realized I needed to redefine my approach - not one of Sobriety, but of Mindful Drinking. Here’s my 5-5-5 guide to mindful drinking:

5 Main Benefits

Adopting a mindful drinking approach has brought numerous improvements to my life. Here are my top 5 benefits:

1. Enhanced clarity - Without the haze of drinking, my thoughts are clearer, sharper, and more insightful.
2. Increased productivity - This newfound clarity has boosted my productivity. I’m more efficient, creative, and focused on my long-term projects.
3. Better health - I sleep better, have more energy, and generally feel healthier. My mental health has also improved, making me more emotionally stable and positive.
4. Stronger relationships - Being more present in social situations has deepened my relationships, leading to more meaningful conversations and connections.
5. Financial benefits - An unexpected perk has been the money saved from drinking less frequently. While I might spend it on other activities, it’s still a nice bonus.

5 Mindful Drinking Principles

Personally, the key principle of my mindful drinking mindset is avoiding the point of feeling tipsy. Here’s how I practice mindful drinking:

1. Listen to yourself - Tune into how your body and mind react to alcohol. Let them guide you on when it’s right to enjoy a drink. Set a plan, but don't stress if you stray from it. Trust your inner voice.
2. Stay engaged - Continue to attend events and socialize with friends. Don’t isolate yourself; enjoy the fun while staying mindful of your drinking.
3. Be kind to yourself - Embrace the journey with compassion. Mindful drinking is a process, and it’s okay to have ups and downs. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Celebrate the little wins along the way.
4. Savor the flavor - Treat each drink as a chance to savor its unique flavors and aromas. Good quality drinks turn every sip into a little indulgence and a treat for yourself.
5. Stay balanced - It's all about balance—there's no need to cut alcohol completely unless that’s what you want. Find your sweet spot between drinking and non-drinking moments, and enjoy the best of both world.

5 Tips When Going Out

Going out can be challenging with the pressure of events like weddings, birthdays, and happy hours. Here are my top tips for navigating these social situations with ease:

1. Inform your circle - Let people know about your choice ahead of time. Whether you're taking on a challenge or just cutting back, giving others a heads-up can prevent awkward moments and ensure everyone is on the same page.
2. Bring your own drinks - I always carry non-alcoholic beer, mocktails, or wine. Having a drink in hand makes socializing easier and avoids those moments when people offer you something you’d rather skip.
3. Be prepared - Have a response ready for when people ask why you’re not drinking. Whether it's a straightforward explanation or a gentle excuse, being prepared keeps the conversation smooth.
4. Enjoy the moment - Focus on soaking up the vibe and engaging with others. Enjoy the event and make it memorable, even without the alcohol.
5. Remember your why - Keep your reasons for mindful drinking in mind. Reflecting on the positive outcomes can help you stay confident and on track, even when temptation arises.

Final Words

My path to mindful drinking is uniquely mine. I’ve never been one for drastic measures thus, my journey is a reflection of my outlook. Each journey is different, and it’s important to respect both yours and others' paths. When asked if I’ll ever drink again, my answer remains: "I don’t know." For now, I’m content with this lifestyle. It brings me more positives than negatives, and that’s enough for me. We often overcomplicate these decisions, but for me, it’s simple: the benefits keep me going.

Mindful drinking is about making conscious choices and understanding your drinking habits. It’s a personal journey that can evolve over time. Whether you choose total sobriety, occasional drinking, or simply a more mindful approach, what matters is aligning with your well-being and values.

At Upside Drinks, we don’t believe alcohol is inherently bad. Our mission is to help people enjoy it in a balanced and intentional way. We offer alternatives and support for those looking to change their relationship with alcohol. And that’s what motivates me to continue every day.

Join the Upside Community

We’d love to hear about your journey! Join the Upside Community now and share your experience with us. We’ve created a welcoming space for people to exchange ideas and seek advice. Your journey can inspire others and help grow our supportive community. Connect with us and be a part of this movement toward a healthier, more mindful lifestyle!