When it comes to drinking less, cutting back can sometimes be hard to do. Once you form a habit of drinking often, it becomes something you rely on. Cutting alcohol cold turkey may feel impossible. That’s why many people find it helpful to practice drink-free days. Planning several days of the week to avoid drinking altogether can be a good way to cut back.
Drink-Free Days: Sticking to It
Make a Plan
When trying to practice drink-free days, you may find it helpful to make a plan. For instance, you may decide that you want avoid alcohol on certain days of the week. Try to decide how many days you want to go without alcohol. In addition, look at whether you should avoid weekend drinking or want to do back-to-back days. While you may not to put yourself on too tight of a schedule, having a plan for drink-free days can help you stick to it.
Buy Less
It can be hard to practice drink-free days when you have alcohol on hand. Therefore, you may find it helpful to buy less alcohol at one time. If you are going to drink, just purchase enough to safely drink at one time. Therefore, if you don’t have any sitting around, you may be less likely to drink on one of your drink-free days.
Have Something Different
Since drinking may be apart of the habit of your day, not having that drink might feel uncomfortable. So, it may help to find another beverage you can enjoy instead. For instance, smoothies, tea, or coffee, can become something you drink by habit. In addition, non-alcoholic drinks can also be an option for drink-free days. These beverages can be similar to any cocktails, only without the alcohol. By doing this, you can still enjoy the taste and habit of your regular drink, while still cutting back.
In short, cutting back on drinking can be hard if you’ve formed a habit. However, practicing drink-free days may be a way to make it easier. In order to do this, you’ll want to make a plan, buy less alcohol, and find new beverages you enjoy. Most importantly, remember not to be too hard on yourself.
