Why Stress And Alcohol Use Go Together In Our Crazy World

Why Stress And Alcohol Use Go Together

It's been proven in studies that people who experience more stress drink more. It makes sense (kinda) — stress and alcohol use seem to go together because we are told that alcohol makes you feel as if you can loosened up, so it's used to eliminate stress.

The truth is, however, that this can become a dangerous habit fast. Alcohol is addictive and large quantities can often make you feel worse than better, leading to a dangerous cycle.

After all, you don't want to be dependent on something that will make you feel worse in the long run.

So you need to know how to handle pressure without turning to alcohol. These are the best ways to stay alcohol free and stress free at the same time!

Try Out Meditation

Although meditation is looked on sceptically by some, it's been proven that mindful meditation can have a huge effect on your brain and health.

Download some apps or look up some tutorials and carve out a portion of your day to dedicate to meditation. Many people find it beneficial to clear their mind in the morning before they start work and others would rather do it at night when the day is over.

It's worth experimenting to see what works for you. Meditation might have effects you never guessed it could!

Listen to Some Music You Love

When it comes to handling stress while living alcohol free, sometimes the simplest things are best.

It's okay to be indulgent, sit down, and listen to your favorite music. Sometimes it's important not to multitask; sometimes you have to just sit down and let your brain rest.

Music can work wonders at relaxing the mind, especially if it's some songs you love. Create a playlist that makes you feel relaxed and take the time to listen to it, or even have it playing while you work if possible.

Get Some Exercise

If you're asking how to manage stress, exercise may not seem like the greatest idea. A lot of people don't like exercise, which means it's not a common go-to solution.

The science behind exercise making you feel better is real, however. Exercise releases endorphins, which trigger happy and positive feelings in the brain. If you've been dealing with excess stress or pressure, these may be positive feelings that you really need!

Many people don't like exercise because they haven't tried a lot of it. Experiment with different forms of exercise and find one you like.

Some people live for the gym, some love to run at their own pace, and others might prefer more creative forms like dancing.

Make Sure You're Getting Enough Sleep

Sleep can have a huge effect on your stress levels. When it comes to stress management, making sure you're getting enough sleep is absolutely critical. Poor sleep can have a terrible effect on many things.

Adults should be getting around eight hours a day and although many people get less than that, it doesn't mean it's healthy. Create good sleep habits to encourage a long, deep sleep at night by doing the following:

• Don't look at a blue screen immediately before bed
• Never work in bed, as it should be for sleep only
• Get up at a consistent time every day
• Have a hot shower or bath a couple of hours before going to bed

By doing all of these things, you can create a healthy pattern that will hopefully reduce your stress levels.

Create Healthy Boundaries

It can be difficult to tell people no or distance yourself from someone. Sometimes, however, it's just necessary.

If someone is inviting you to do something that makes you uncomfortable, even if it's just hanging out with them, it's important to be able to say no. People that you have in your life should only enrich it and if someone is causing your stress levels to rise because they're toxic, it's time to back away.

It can be hard to create boundaries because it feels like being rude, but there's nothing wrong with prioritizing self-care.

In fact, it's essential.

Prioritize What You Love

Overall, you should prioritize what you love. When it comes to your favorite activities whether that's reading, outdoor activities, movies, time with friends... Make time for all of that!

Some people get stuck in a poor work-life balance which means they end up spending all of their time doing something they don't enjoy. This can lead to poor stress management because they aren't taking any time for themselves.

Even if it's just an evening or two a week, disconnect from work and any other obligations completely and dedicate a couple of nights to you and whatever you love doing.

You'd be surprised at the difference that can make.

Never Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Above all else, you should never be afraid to ask for help.

If you're struggling with stress and you can't seem to fix it, ask a friend for help. Ask for company. You could even seek out a therapist, as therapy can be very effective at solving emotional problems.

There are plenty of places you can go for help, even if it doesn't feel like it.

Ask your loved ones or a professional — either way, it's better than struggling on your own.

It's Important to Know How to Handle Pressure Alcohol Free

When it comes to how to handle pressure, alcohol is a quick-fix solution that will only end up with you feeling worse in the long run. Instead, find healthier ways to deal with your stress that will not remove it for just a night, but permanently.

By trying out all of these things, you can find what works best for you.

If you want to quit drinking but aren't sure where to start or worried about how it will go, check out our free webinar on how to stop!