Millions of adults cutting out booze to save money and be healthy
MILLIONS of Brits are cutting out booze to save money and be healthy, new research has found.
The health conscious amongst us are practising 'mindful drinking' with a quarter of people wanting to avoid waking up with a hangover.
A study of 2,000 Brits, found that 15 per cent wanted to prevent waking up with gaps in their memory.
A quarter of people have consciously cut down on booze in the last year, data from Harrogate Spring Water found.
Richard Hall, the brand’s managing director, said: “Our survey clearly shows how adults really are being more mindful about their alcohol intake post-lockdown as they now focus on creating memories from their experiences.”
The study also found 22 per cent have attended an event sober and enjoyed it.
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These occasions include a work do, holiday and the races.
A sixth of those polled via OnePoll said not being fully present at an event in the past from drinking too much influenced them to be more mindful about their intake.
As a result of not drinking, 26 per cent have noticed they have a better memory, 18 per cent saw increased motivation and more productivity.
It also emerged that when attending social events this year, making memories is the top priority for four in10, while 37 per cent look forward to the socialising side.
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Dr Alex's key tips for drinking more mindfully
- Drink a glass of water between each drink. By consciously taking a break between each alcoholic drink it makes it easier to stop yourself mindlessly drinking. Alcohol is a diuretic, so it causes you to urinate much more than you take in. This means it’s important to pause, have some water and rehydrate yourself. And how about with Harrogate Spring Water!
- Opt for alcohol free or reduced alcohol drinks. In social situations it can feel easier to have your usual drink of choice in either an alcohol-free or a reduced alcohol version. This is a great way to reduce your consumption while continuing to ‘drink life in’. And don’t forget, although alcohol is sometimes thought to reduce social anxiety, drinking too much can have a negative impact on your health and mental well-being3, so it’s always worth being mindful of how it can affect you.
- Savour your drink. Stop and think about what you are drinking, appreciate the flavours and enjoy the moment. Instead of hindering your social life, mindful drinking can give you more energy to explore new activities, means you’ll sleep better and you’ll find it much easier to wake up the next day.
- Know when to stop. It’s important to recognise your limits and know when it’s time to stop. Sometimes drinking can feel socially expected, but we all need to remember to ask ourselves whether we really want another drink. The habit of ordering one after another is what leads to increased health risks.
Dr Alex George said: “Adopting a mindful approach with drinking is such a key way for us to look after ourselves and also make the most of our experiences.
“I find it so interesting that a sixth of those polled said not being fully present at an event in the past from drinking too much alcohol had influenced them to now be more mindful with their intake.
“With 26 per cent of people noticing that by cutting down they have a better memory of their experiences - you don’t need much more of an incentive to give it a try.
“I can’t wait for racegoers to come try out Merlin’s delicious non-alcoholic cocktail and have the opportunity to drink mindfully throughout their day.”
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Merlin Griffiths said the brand wanted to design a non-alcoholic cocktail that was flavourful, alive with lavender, lemon and a good dose of sparkling water, it was an exciting opportunity to partner with Harrogate on launching Royal Ascot’s first ever Mindful Drinking bar.
“Whatever your reason I truly believe that a mindful approach to drinking is a brilliant way to continue making your memories whilst drinking life in," he said.
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