Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

If you don’t drink anymore how do you relax / switch off at the weekend?

27 replies

C1239 · 22/04/2023 18:41

I didn’t intend to stop drinking but the last year I’ve just sort of stopped! I hate the hangovers but I do miss that feeling of having a glass! If you don’t drink anymore how do you get that chilled feeling of a weekend?

OP posts:
pinthetailonthedonkey · 22/04/2023 19:11

A chilled glass of nosecco (in a champagne flute ) with crisps and dip :)

coffeecupsandwaxmelts · 22/04/2023 19:13

I don't really do anything specific - I just love that feeling of finishing on a Friday and knowing I have two days off, lol.

35965a · 22/04/2023 19:13

coffeecupsandwaxmelts · 22/04/2023 19:13

I don't really do anything specific - I just love that feeling of finishing on a Friday and knowing I have two days off, lol.

Same!

BellaJuno · 22/04/2023 19:14

I go for a run which always chills me out, and try to read for a few hours in the peace and quiet.

Newnamenewname109870 · 22/04/2023 19:15

I’ve never used alcohol to chill out I guess! I love coffee or a nice herbal tea, some nice food. Getting out and about for a walk, seeing friends. Things like that.

DrManhattan · 22/04/2023 19:16

Loads of self care stuff, nails, relaxing watching TV or reading. Walks. Don't miss drinking at all or the massive hangovers!

Whiterose23 · 22/04/2023 19:17

I’m trying to lose weight so the red wine has had to go on a weekend. I like the feeling of having a glass of something whilst watching a movie with DH.
I’ve started to drink non alcoholic gin and I’m finding I’m not missing the alcohol at all and not sabotaging my diet by snacking! My current favourite is Tanqueray Sevilla 0.0

LondonSouth28 · 22/04/2023 19:19

A lot of yoga. Self care stuff: nails, home pedis, facials, walks and Netflix!

Rattlethestars · 22/04/2023 19:21

Reading, nice chocolate and decaff tea.

Wc100423 · 22/04/2023 19:23

Nosecco, 0% with fish/seafood, corona with a wedge of lime with Mexican and 0% Guinness with curry. Makes me feel like I’m having a drink with my special dinners.

I nearly have in tonight so had a 0% corona preparing chicken fajitas and side dishes it did the job and now the cravings for alcohol have gone.

Peri menopause and alcohol do not mix and I need my sleep 💤

Starhead69 · 22/04/2023 19:23

Ive never really used alcohol medicinally, I used to drink socially but some months I don’t drink at all anymore.

mynewusername2023 · 22/04/2023 19:23

I also never used alcohol to relax, I only ever drank socially.

I relax by reading, watching TV, walking, and most importantly napping.

Heroicallyfound · 22/04/2023 19:24

Pukka tea! Joy, Calm, Peace

Starhead69 · 22/04/2023 19:25

Starhead69 · 22/04/2023 19:23

Ive never really used alcohol medicinally, I used to drink socially but some months I don’t drink at all anymore.

i hadn’t finished! I watch my fave tv shows, drink tea, eat chocolate, have a bath, go for a walk, Exercise, sit in the garden when it’s warm

SaturdayBiscuits · 22/04/2023 19:26

Cups of tea, reading, crisps, sometimes PJs & dressing gown

ChocAuVin · 22/04/2023 19:29

I have just found that progressively, I have noticed it’s more the feeling/anticipation of drinking that I like more than the actual drinking alcohol (certainly true of the after effects).

I just let myself notice that I am wanting to alter my state in some way, and think about what it is that I want alcohol to give me in that moment, and then think if there’s a healthier/more satisfying way to address that need, rather than immediately going for a glass of booze.

ChocAuVin · 22/04/2023 19:30

…This usually turns out to be a tea, a yoga stretch, or a book.

Xrays · 22/04/2023 19:32

I stopped drinking 12 years ago. Then I started eating chocolate. Too much chocolate. I’ve just replaced one addiction with another.

Thequeenofwishfulthinking · 22/04/2023 19:35

Since I got divorced I don’t drink at home anymore. Only at social occasions without the children (a rarity - these days. I read to relax and usually treat myself uk something sweet. Last night I had a Creme Egg. Tonight I’ve got a large bag of Jelly Tots!

philautia · 22/04/2023 19:44

Bad answer but eventually you just don't need that thing to wind you down as you are pretty stable and chilled most of the time!

Before I stopped this was my biggest worry.

Princesspuppy · 22/04/2023 20:02

I still drink but have the occasional dry month. I find my relaxation in the evening is actually sitting down once the kids are in bed and putting on the TV! When I am drinking, the glass of wine adds to it. But it can easily be just a glass of water

Hankunamatata · 22/04/2023 20:02

A non alcoholic drink in a nice glass. I like fancy flavoured tonic in gin glass with loads of ice and twist.

Notfeelinglikemyselftoday · 22/04/2023 20:05

I find doing something on a Friday evening makes a big difference. It can be as simple as a nice walk if it's still light. Or meeting a friend, going to the cinema. I love booking my favourite yin yoga class after work, totally forgotten about the week by the time I leave. And the weekend often feels longer when I've not just headed home straight from work.

Bugbeau · 22/04/2023 20:22

I only drink socially but in terms of relaxing ant home either a cold drink in a glass with ice (usually like Pepsi max or Diet Coke) or a cup of tea and chocolate. Depends on the weather and if I’m trying to lose weight or not!

bamboonights · 22/04/2023 21:54

pinthetailonthedonkey · 22/04/2023 19:11

A chilled glass of nosecco (in a champagne flute ) with crisps and dip :)

Same 😁