Why do you drink? Or why do you not drink?

[Autumnleavesfalling]

Been thinking about this tonight.

I drink too much. The thought of not doing so and letting go of that instant relax worries me.

I don't quite understand why I have chosen this as my coping mechanism. What do other people do at the end of a long day, working, kids all the household stuff etc for that instant 'and breathe ' feeling?

Coffee or a freezing cold non alcoholic drink 👍

Does that do the switch off feeling for you? I honestly think I have got in a bad habit

I don't drink... because I think it's expensive, makes me feel out of control which I hate and does your looks no favours.

I am always stressed though and I often wonder if it's because I have nothing to relax me like a lot of people have a glass of wine to unwind.

I have a hot bath, it's my coping mechanism, every night, can't sleep without one. It makes me feel relaxed, less achey, washed the day away.
I do drink alcohol but usually just a glass of two of red wine on a Saturday night, marks the weekend I suppose, habit, my heart doesn't break if I don't have a drink though.

@Comedycook my looks are affected by my drinking definitely. And my money.

I just have that thing that opening the wine is my switch off for the night. Without that I am left a bit lost. I am aware that's bad, hence this post. I want to introduce better habits. I am very stressed and really need that relaxation couple of hours xx

Cup of tea and a good book. Don’t like the taste of any alcohol as have a sweet tooth.

[quote Autumnleavesfalling]@Comedycook my looks are affected by my drinking definitely. And my money.

I just have that thing that opening the wine is my switch off for the night. Without that I am left a bit lost. I am aware that's bad, hence this post. I want to introduce better habits. I am very stressed and really need that relaxation couple of hours xx[/quote]
Yes I am stressed a lot! bit random, I've started doing puzzles and sitting down with that makes me switch off a bit!

Following, how do you think it affects your looks OP?

I don't drink, I think it's a waste of money.
Once my children are in bed I get comfy on the sofa with my cold Diet Coke. My husband drinks.. and I hate watching him get drunk, but he won't give it up.

I sometimes think that I need a glass of wine to go with a meal, and I am trying to train myself out of that.
One thing that works for me is remembering that I have never regretted not having a glass of wine the next morning!

I don't enjoy drinking because I think all alcohol tastes horrible. I've had really expensive ones and cheap ones too, both types I just feel like I have to psyche myself up. The thought of Having a nice glass of wine, does nothing for me.

A slab of chocolate and decaf tea

@HoppingHamster puffiness, weight gain, dull skin.... nothing good at all, but it is still my instant go to to relieve the stress! So stupid

Exercise

I rarely drink anymore but didn't drink much when I did, never had a drink at home apart from with Christmas dinner. No particular reason why though, just not that bothered about alcohol

I rarely drink as my DF was an alcoholic and I would end up the same way so I choose not to do so. I de-stress by playing puzzle games on my tablet (I don't particularly relax as such). Every few nights I play someto wind down and play some spa music for 10 mins or so to drift off. I do enjoy electric candles on a timer when nodding off tho.

I don’t drink at all, it’s expensive and apart from cider and Baileys I don’t like the taste so it’s not worth the calories

I don't quite get the "ahhh, and relax" feeling but I think that's just been programmed into me. I actually don't need that feeling anymore, I just enjoy the evening as it is.

Thank you everyone...for so many people I know 'wine o'clock' is very much a thing. I really like hearing what other people do for winding down

I like a drink but only a couple of nights max a week. I don’t want the health risks or the calories and it keeps if as a rare treat.

I mainly drink wine or cider, most of it is just habit, end of the day-chill out-have a drink etc.
I’ve switched to non - alcoholic cider most nights, it feels like I’m having a “drink”. It has the benefit of no alcohol but fulfils the psychological desire.
However I’m on wine tonight because .. we’ll just because .. 😄😄

I like herbal tea to wind down with, or if I’m stressed a power walk and pod cast is my favourite thing to do.

I love the taste of a glass of wine and have a couple of glasses most evenings. It does become a habit though, I rarely have an evening meal without wine, unless I am going out driving. I haven't had any wine tonight as I went straight from work to a meeting so didn't eat, so I will see if I feel any different tomorrow.

I don’t drink. I used to drink a lot.

I eat junk food now though to get that switch off feeling … don’t think that’s any better …!!!

I don't think you can force relaxation- it's like trying to go to sleep when you're not tired. You could try doing something to take your mind in a different direction, puzzles, jigsaw, knitting, cleaning etc