While there’s nothing wrong with having the occasional glass of wine (in fact, there aresome pretty impressive health benefits), drinking more than the recommended amount (one, 5-ounce glass for women, two for men) isn’t great for your health. Lisa Valente,EatingWell’snutrition editor and registered dietitian says, “Drinking too much isn’t great for you. Alcohol is technically a toxin and it can mess with your sleep, immune system, mood, skin and more.”
Like many people, when the pandemic began and working from home became my reality, an evening cocktail or glass of wine became an important part of my routine. Without much else to differentiate between work and downtime, my evening drink was an important demarcation point. Then came another glass with dinner, and suddenly I was half a bottle of wine deep before 9 p.m. In an effort to cut back on the alcohol, I tried giving up my 5 p.m. drink, but it was harder than I thought. The key, I realized, was to replace that ritual with something else that helped me transition into a more relaxed state of mind.
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Getty /Alexander Spatari
5 Healthy Habits to Try Instead of Drinking Wine
Have a cup of tea.
During the colder months, a steaming mug of herbal tea is more appealing in the evening than it was during the summer. Bonus points if you buy a special, slightly fancier tea and make a ritual out of brewing it and drinking it while reading a book or catching up on a fun podcast. My favorite is Harney & Sons peppermint tea.
Take a Shower (Or a Bath)
There’s something about washing away the day in a super-hot shower that helps me transition into a more relaxed state for the evening. It helps that I can’t be on my phone in the shower, which helps me actually step away from checking email and remember that the evening is mine. If you’re lucky enough to have a bathtub, I assume that would be even more relaxing.
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Go for a Walk
In the early days of the pandemic, we were all going for a lot of walks. What happened to that? Taking even just a 5 or 10 minute jaunt around my block helps me clear my mind and set to rest any stressful or anxiety-inducing moments of my day. (Read more aboutwhy walking is so good for your health.)
Change Clothes
This one might feel a little silly, especially if you’re transitioning from one set of sweatpants to another, but I find that actually getting dressed for my day really helps me get going in the morning, which then leaves space for an evening transition into my coziest sweatpants.
Light a Candle
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