Feb-Fast

Happy February, everyone! As we kick off this month, many of us are thinking about resolutions and ways to improve our health and well-being. That’s why we’re talking about Feb-Fast – a time to reflect on our relationship with alcohol and make positive changes.

Have you ever heard of the term ‘grey-area drinking’? It refers to those times when we drink not because we want to, but because it’s become a habit or it’s just ‘what we do’ in certain social situations. It’s important to examine these habits and question whether or not they’re serving us in a positive way.

Many of us are thinking about ways to improve our health and well-being. And for some, this may mean reevaluating their relationship with alcohol.

Alcohol can be a double-edged sword. It can be a source of relaxation and enjoyment, but it can also lead to negative consequences, such as decreased productivity, health problems, and relationship issues. So, it’s important to examine our relationship with alcohol and determine whether or not it’s serving us in a positive way.

If you’re feeling uncertain about your relationship with alcohol, here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• Are you drinking more than you intended to?
• Are you drinking alone frequently?
• Are you drinking to cope with stress or negative emotions?
• Are you drinking to the point where it’s affecting your daily life or relationships?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, it may be time to reevaluate your relationship with alcohol.

One way to do this is by taking a break from alcohol for a set amount of time, such as a month or even just a week. This can help you reset your relationship with alcohol and gain a new perspective on its role in your life. It is important to remember that alcohol is not the enemy, however, ‘needing a drink’ to overcome the stress of a hard week at work, a challenging day with children, or even just loneliness is not the healthiest of habits for you to embed in your normal routine.

During this break from alcohol, you can focus on finding new ways to relax and destress, such as exercise, meditation, yoga, or spending time with loved ones. It’s also important to be honest with yourself and acknowledge any negative consequences that may have resulted from your relationship with alcohol. This can help you make positive changes and improve your overall health and well-being.

Sometimes just holding a wine or cocktail glass in your hand is the signal your brain needs to tell it to relax and switch off. A delicious mocktail, then, is a wonderful way to enjoy some downtime. Here are a few of our favorite mocktails to help you keep things fresh and fun during Feb-Fast:

• Mango Peach Fizz: Combine freshly squeezed orange juice, mango juice, and peach syrup. Top with club soda and garnish with a slice of peach.
• Strawberry Basil Lemonade: Blend strawberries, basil leaves, lemon juice, and sugar. Pour over ice and top with sparkling water.
• Grapefruit Mint Cooler: Combine freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, mint leaves, and simple syrup. Top with club soda and garnish with a sprig of mint.

In addition to trying new drinks, it’s important to find other ways to destress and relax, rather than reaching for a glass. That’s why we’re also sharing some breathwork techniques to help recalibrate your nervous system, and help you stay calm and centered.

• Box breathing: Breath in for four counts, hold for four counts, breathe out for four counts, hold for four counts. Repeat for a few minutes.
• Alternate nostril breathing: Place your right thumb against your right nostril and gently close it. Breathe in through your left nostril, deeply and slowly. Use your index finger to close your left nostril and release your right nostril and breathe gently out. Repeat several times.

So, there you have it! A fun and approachable guide to Feb-Fast, complete with delicious mocktail recipes and breathwork techniques to help you destress. We hope you’ll join us in taking a break from alcohol this month and exploring new ways to improve our health and well-being!

If you would like to find out more about creating healthier, long-lasting habits, why not book a stay at Eden Retreat? Visit www.edenhealthretreat.com.au to experience wellness and relaxation.

N.B. If you or a loved one needs help with their relationship with alcohol visit Drinkwise for guidance.