DRINKS DOWN
‘Mindful’ Brits cutting down on booze this summer as they try to drink more water & save money
Drinkers reveal why they're giving the booze a break
NEARLY a third of Brits have reduced their alcohol intake in a bid to embrace mindful drinking and live 'in the moment'.
Research polling 2,000 adults found 28 per cent have lowered their consumption in the last year, while three in 10 want to drink less during the summer.
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Of those who have reduced how much alcohol they drink, wanting to save money (42 per cent) and being more ‘in the moment’ (14 per cent) are the reasons for this change.
While 25 per cent have swapped out booze as they’ve wanted to increase how much water they have.
The research also found 45 per cent plan to ‘double up’ this summer by drinking more water, with 28 per cent engaging with sobriety and mindful drinking content on social media.
Among the ways adults have managed to lessen their intake are opting for a glass of water over booze (30 per cent), swapping for low and no-alcoholic drinks (25 per cent) and having a glass of water with or after every alcoholic drink.
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It also found 23 per cent want to make the most of this summer by prioritising their hydration, as 61 per cent agreed you don’t need to get boozy to have fun.
The research was commissioned by Harrogate Spring Water, which is attending Royal Ascot this year to encourage the nation to embrace mindful drinking.
Richard Hall, managing director for the water brand, said: “Over the past few years, we’ve noticed people taking control of their wellbeing, with upping their hydration being one of the key trends.
“We know that adults of today are becoming more mindful of their drinking habits, with many committed to drinking more water and embracing mindful drinking.”
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The study also found one in 10 who have cut down their alcohol intake have been inspired to do so by social media, while 16 per cent have taken to reducing consumption after being inspired by a friend.
It found three in 10 have noticed a more mindful drinking movement, as 44 per cent said it’s trendier now to reduce what you drink compared to five years ago.
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A further 44 per cent of these respondents want to prioritise their hydration.
And 36 per cent are doing so to try and take better care of their overall wellbeing and 29 per cent are using water to help ‘pace’ themselves when having a drink during summer social occasions.
Nearly a fifth (18 per cent) wished they drank more water than they currently do, as 22 per cent know they don’t drink enough when socialising during the summer in warmer weather.
But 33 per cent of those who plan to drink alcohol this summer will make a more concerted effort to up their water intake too.
The research, conducted via OnePoll, also found 42 per cent feel pressure to drink alcohol when at a gig or a party (20 per cent) or from their friends (18 per cent).
And a further 14 per cent feel modern society and what’s expected of them at social gatherings puts a strain on them to drink.
But 43 per cent aren’t letting the pressure get to them, typically opting for low-alcohol beverages and soft drinks over booze when socialising.
Richard Hall for Harrogate Spring Water, which will be serving a range of zero and reduced alcohol cocktails at The Mindful Drinking Bar, added: “Societal norms around alcohol consumption can make us feel pressured, but we believe it's about finding balance.
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“When having an alcoholic drink, you can always alternate with non-alcoholic options or ‘double up’ by drinking some water with every drink you have to help you stay hydrated.
“It feels obvious but it can be so easy to get sucked up into a moment and forget entirely to drink water alongside an alcoholic drink.”
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