CALL IT “DAMP” January. (Or not?) Call it “Dry-Ish” January, “sober curious,” or just plain cutting back on alcohol. All those terms really mean one thing: mindful drinking.

Like mindful eating, mindful drinking is all about where mindfulness meets moderation. Mindful drinking is the antidote to mindless drinking and everything that comes with it: the “hangxiety” that follows, the unintended weight gain, the setbacks suffered in your sleep, nutrition, and fitness.

Mindful drinking isn’t about quitting. It’s about choosing. Choosing to be present in every toast, every celebration, and every reason why you drink. Mindful drinking is about where health and pleasure coexist seamlessly.

And, yes, it’s possible.

What Is Mindful Drinking?

Mindful drinking is the skill of consuming alcohol with awareness and intent—a skill that strikes a balance between enjoyment and well-being. It’s about understanding your limits and respecting your body, which can help transform drinking into a mindful experience.

And mindful drinking is not just a fad. It’s a sustainable lifestyle choice rooted in mindfulness. It’s about enjoying life’s pleasures without compromising your health and well-being. By embracing mindful drinking, you’re not just raising a glass—you’re raising your standards, making every moment and every sip count.

How to Drink Mindfully

In my early Tumblr blog days (what up 2010), I explored mindful drinking, advocating for simple strategies like alternating a glass of water with each beer—things like that. But that was only a foundation.

Years later, I discovered Sunnyside, an app promoting mindful drinking, with impressive 2023 results: Of 25,000 participants, fully dry participants cut alcohol by 61 percent, and dry-ish participants by 22 percent. This app and its tracking, reminder tools, coaching, and community have been a game-changer for me and my clients, enhancing nutrition, fitness, and sleep.

Sunnyside became a great refresher on the mindfulness tools I’ve used across different performance occasions (work, fitness, socializing, etc), choosing drinks mindfully, focusing on quality, savoring each sip, and understanding the “why” behind my drinking choices.

That said, you don’t need an app to be successful with mindful drinking.

If diving into tech isn’t your thing, or if you prefer to navigate your journey solo, that’s totally fine. The real magic lies in being aware. Your actions are typically triggered by a cue and motivated by a reward.

Let’s say you’re used to unwinding with a drink after work. I challenge you to swap that habit for a walk or a workout. It’s about recognizing that tired and stressed feeling and choosing a healthier way to relax.

Start simple—track your habits with just a pen and paper. Notice how replacing drinks with more energizing activities can uplift your energy levels and mental well-being. It’s the act of tracking that hones your awareness and starts revealing those positive shifts you’re making.

The Benefits of Mindful Drinking

Mindful drinking can lead to substantial benefits:

• improved health
• sharper mental clarity
• money savings
• better sleep quality
• less hunger
• more motivation
• enhanced social connection

I mean, think about it: What kind of person are you when you’re hungover the next day from a night of drinking?

So think of mindful drinking as a commitment to healthier living, balancing enjoyment with self-awareness, and being present where you understand why you are taking that second drink, and then choosing stop at that third because tomorrow “is a big day.” (Regardless of whether that’s true or not—because everyday is a big day.)