What Can I Do Instead Of Drinking At Night? 9 Alternatives You Can ...

Have you been considering cutting back on your drinking? You’re not alone. Many people are looking for ways to reduce their alcohol intake. The problem, however, is that when drinking alcohol at night becomes a habit, it becomes automatic to reach for that drink when the sun comes down.

Maybe you are struggling with quitting alcohol and you’re looking for things to do instead when you’re tempted to grab a drink. The good news is that there are lots of ways to get through the night without drinking, and we’ve compiled a list of some of them below to help you cut back on alcohol.

Go for a walk

If you’re tempted to drink, going for a walk might be an enjoyable way to pass the time. You don’t have to push yourself too hard or go race walking. Aim for a leisurely 20-minute stroll or just go window shopping in the mall.

Getting up from your couch and engaging in light physical activity can also help you sleep better at night, which is something that you might be looking for.

Take a shower or leisurely bath

Taking a warm bath or shower can help relax your body and mind after a long day of work or school. Plus, taking a hot shower before going to bed has been shown in some studies to improve sleep quality by overtaking stress hormones with relaxation.

Explore knitting, painting, or some other craft

So many people spend their time at night drinking alcohol that they never explore any other hobbies. What can I do instead of drinking at night? Why not take up something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t had the chance yet? You might find your new hobby is more enjoyable than reaching for another drink.

Activities like knitting and painting can be a therapeutic way to calm your mind. It’s also a wonderful stress-reliever to have a hobby that gives you purpose and allows you to focus on something other than drinking.

Read an inspirational book

If you’d rather sit down and read, you could pick out one of our favorite books. There’s nothing like getting lost inside the pages of a good book. You can also look for books with inspiring stories about recovering from addiction, learning how to live without booze, and finding happiness in sobriety.

Call a friend

A lot of times, the reason why you are tempted to drink is to calm your mind from what’s bothering you. Instead of turning to a glass of wine or a bottle of beer, try calling a friend or a loved one.

Talking about what you’re going through is often therapeutic, so call up someone that you trust if it’s late at night and you want something else to do instead of drinking alcohol tonight.

Write in your journal

If you feel uncomfortable and not ready to talk to someone about what you are feeling, release those emotions by writing them in a journal. This can help you acknowledge and accept your feelings, rather than running from them. What’s more, writing in a journal can help you realize that what you are feeling is temporary and that things will get better with time.

Watch your favorite movie or TV episode

Another relaxation technique that you can do instead of drinking is to tune in to your favorite TV show or movie. Throwing on an episode of your favorite show can help take your mind off drinking and relax you into bedtime.

Practice meditation and deep breathing exercises

Meditation has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression over time. If you’re always asking yourself: What can I do instead of drinking at night? Try meditating for a few minutes to see if it helps you feel more relaxed after a long day or work or school.

Practicing meditation is not complicated. All you need is a quiet corner in your house. Relax your entire body while seated comfortably, and breathe in and out. Try to focus your mind on your breathing and the present moment.

If your mind starts to wander, just acknowledge it and then bring your attention back to the present moment. You can also put on meditation music and aromatherapy candles to make you more relaxed.

Go to sleep earlier

If nothing else works, go ahead and go to bed early! This may not sound like fun but what you might find is that going to bed early helps your body rest and stops it from craving a drink. Plus, getting a good amount of sleep every night will help improve the quality of your life.

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, help is available.

Contact Lighthouse Treatment Center today.