It's the weekend and time to unwind and relax.
How are you going to manage your urges to over drink?
Just keep in mind... the bottom line/common denominator is this:
You are searching for a feeling.
Relaxation
Comfort
Release
I guarantee you can create those feelings without drinking!
It takes practice.
There is no magic pill.
Only HARD WORK and MINDFULNESS. PERIOD!
Perhaps, right now you think that a drink or more is going to give you those feelings.
The feeling that you receive from a drink is false and temporary.
Alcohol tricks your brain. Once you consume alcohol it digests through your body and loses it effects in about 20-30 minutes, which is about the time you start thinking, "another drink sounds good". It's chemical as well as psychological.
If you want to change you have to manage your mind!
You, my friends, have the ability to create relaxation and comfort at any time without a drink.
Why can it be so difficult?
So, if your goal is to relax and unwind you need to practice allowing an urge and not suffer the negative consequences of over drinking.
How do you allow it? Welcome the discomfort and the "fight/tantrum" that your brain is about to throw when it doesn't receive its reward.
ANTICIPATE IT!
You know it's coming but you don't want to "fight"... in your mind it's easier to give in and have the drink because it's a programmed belief.
For example, just like learning how to ride a wave at the beach... the first time the wave approaches you're expecting to be violently tossed around. But each attempt thereafter you get better at understanding the rhythm of a wave. Soon enough you can ride that wave into the shore and really enjoy the journey.
You are probably afraid of the negative feeling of that comes when you say "no" to a drink. The more you practice breathing in and allowing/accepting the discomfort of the feelings that follow when you say no, the closer you are to losing your over desire for drinking. You might think the discomfort will last too long... the only reason the discomfort lingers is because your mind keeps creating more thoughts that create the desire. Listen to the thoughts and... ride it out.
Relaxation and comfort don't just "show up". You have to create it from within and not find it in something outside of yourself.
What are your other options to not embibing?
Plan ahead and purchase ingredients to make a mocktail.
Purchase a premade mocktail (there are some great ones to choose from).
Try Kambucha (so many great varities)
Create another activity that can soothe your mind and generate healthy endorphins: walking, a drive, Zoom calls with family and friends, games, gardening, puzzles, etc.
Sip on herbal tea (try a different flavor each night).
All the above are ideas for your toolbox to help you manage your urges. It's time to start building it.
I'd love to hear what you create for your toolbox. Send me an email... let's connect... support is key to changing the habit of over drinking
info@stephaniecolson.net
P.S. See what's in my toolbox HERE.
✅ P.S.S. Need a simple to follow step-by-step process to drink less? Check out my signature programs HERE.
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