Making conscious decisions about what and how much you drink can profoundly impact your health. Developing healthier drinking habits isn’t just about cutting back on alcohol or sugary beverages; it’s about cultivating a lifestyle that supports hydration, moderation, and overall well-being. Here’s a comprehensive guide, including tips tailored for those in the bar industry, to help you develop healthier drinking habits.
Understand Your Current Habits
Begin by evaluating your current drinking habits. Record what you consume in a typical week, including alcohol, sugary drinks, coffee, and water. Awareness is the first step to change. For bar workers, this also means noting when and why you drink during shifts, post-work, or as part of social rituals.
Get More Sleep and Stay Active
“Danielle Repetti, an individual coach and nutritionist, emphasizes the transformative control of rest and development. “For bartenders, it’s typically about rest or daily activities,” she explains. “Try making a pattern of doing in a 45-minute walk or exercise session before a change.”. Or center on getting eight hours of rest the night sometime recently a long end-of-the-week shift.”
Getting enough sleep can improve decision-making on the fly by reducing stress and increasing patience, which helps during and after shifts. Regular exercise reduces stress, boosts feel-good hormones, and lessens the need for other stress-relieving substances. Making health a priority creates positive momentum that’s easier to maintain.
Drink More Things That Aren’t Liquor
Having nonalcoholic choices on hand is basic. “I don’t continuously like drinking plain water, so all the choices are fundamental for me,” says Chelan Finney, a Modern York City brand minister. She recommends keeping cold brew, frosted tea, club pop, and electrolyte-enhanced drinks on hand.
For included inspiration, turn hydration into a fun challenge. “For each drink I have, I drink a glass of water,” offers Victoria Canty, a brand minister in Los Angeles. Remaining hydrated makes strides in general well-being and serves as a characteristic obstacle to intemperate drinking.
Avoid Drinking at Work (Unless It’s for a Good Reason)
Creating clear rules for yourself, such as not drinking at work or quickly after shifts, can rearrange decision-making. “In 2013, I stopped drinking on the job,” says NYC bar experienced Pam Wiznitzer. This equalizations the days I lock in a few glasses of wine or cocktails with those I remain sober.”
Caitlin Castellano, common chief at BlackTail in NYC, challenges the thought of privilege to post-shift drinks. If you share in a move drink, let it have a purpose for the occasion, attempting an unused menu thing or testing with a formula. Such hones can be both instructive and offer assistance you keep up control.
Cook at Home
Healthy eating can support better drinking habits. At Pouring Ribbons in NYC, general manager Brooke Toscano emphasizes the importance of a team approach to diet. “Being healthy for yourself is the goal, but doing it alone is an uphill battle,” she explains. Meal prepping makes it easier to stick to a healthy lifestyle and influences better choices regarding drinking.
Rethink the Celebration Shot
Celebration shots can be reimagined to align with responsible drinking practices. Stevie Gray, an NYC barkeep, clarifies: “I tell my barkeep I’d favor an apéritif instead of a shot of cheap bourbon. This helps create space for slower imbibing while maintaining the communal spirit.”
Caitlin Castellano emphasizes fostering a bar culture where employees prioritize guest experiences over participating in celebrations. “We don’t need to take festive photos with guests, especially if they are industry professionals,” she says. Instead, consider offering creative alternatives or small indulgences that don’t revolve around heavy drinking.
Stay Hydrated
Water is the most essential beverage your body needs. It helps with digestion, supports nutrient absorption, regulates body temperature, and promotes healthy skin. However, many people don’t drink enough water throughout the day, opting for other beverages that can be less hydrating.
A simple guideline is to aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily, often referred to as the “8×8” rule. However, individual needs may vary depending on factors like activity level, climate, and overall health. To encourage yourself to drink more water, carry a water bottle with you throughout the day. If plain water feels boring, try adding a slice of lemon, cucumber, or a few mint leaves for a refreshing twist.
Limit Social Pressure
Social gatherings often revolve around alcohol. Plan to avoid overindulging:
- Offer to be the designated driver.
- Sip water or a nonalcoholic drink between alcoholic beverages.
- Practice polite ways to decline drinks you’d rather avoid.
Setting boundaries ensures you stay aligned with your goals without missing out on the fun.
Reward Progress
Celebrate milestones on your journey to healthier drinking habits. Treat yourself to a new water bottle, a refreshing fruit basket, or a spa day as a reward for sticking to your goals. Positive reinforcement keeps motivation high.
Seek Support
Changing habits is easier with encouragement. Share your goals with friends or family, or join a support group if reducing alcohol intake is your focus. Having support and accountability partners can greatly enhance your progress.
Be Kind to Yourself
Progress isn’t always linear. If you slip up and indulge in an extra soda or cocktail, don’t be too hard on yourself. Acknowledge the moment and recommit to your goals. Instead, refocus on your goals and remember that consistency matters more than perfection.
Benefits of Healthier Drinking Habits
Adopting healthier drinking habits offers numerous benefits:
- Improved Hydration: Better skin, digestion, and energy levels.
- Weight Management: Reduced calorie intake from sugary drinks and alcohol.
- Better Sleep: Cutting back on caffeine and alcohol promotes restful sleep.
- Enhanced Focus: Staying hydrated boosts cognitive function.
- Reduced Health Risks: Lower chances of diabetes, heart disease, and liver issues.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re in the booze business or simply looking to improve your overall health, developing healthier drinking habits is a journey of small, intentional changes. By staying mindful, setting achievable goals, and celebrating your progress, you’ll create a sustainable path to better health. Every sip counts, so start today and toast to a healthier you!
