Unwind Without Alcohol: Relax With These Soothing Drinks
Life gets hectic. Between work, family obligations, and keeping up with routines, many people feel frazzled and tense. It's common to reach for a glass of wine or cocktail at the end of a long day to try and relax. However, alcohol often exacerbates anxiety and disrupts sleep. Fortunately, there are many alcohol-free beverages that can promote feelings of calm and help you unwind.
The Drawbacks of Drinking Alcohol to Relax
While that glass of Merlot may take the edge off in the moment, alcohol has several downsides when it comes to relaxation:
- Alcohol is a nervous system stimulant, which can worsen anxiety
- Drinking often leads to dehydration and disrupts sleep cycles
- Hangovers leave you feeling fatigued and moody the next day
- Frequent drinking can negatively impact relationships and work performance
Rather than reaching for a six pack or a bottle of wine, consider sipping on one of these soothing, alcohol-free beverages instead.
Warm Herbal Teas
Nothing evokes relaxation quite like a warm cup of herbal tea. The aromas and flavors are comforting while the warmth is soothing. Certain herbs like chamomile, lavender, passionflower and valerian have natural sedative qualities that can promote better sleep and feelings of tranquility.
Try wrapping both hands around a steaming mug of sleepytime or chamomile tea. Close your eyes and deeply inhale the floral, slightly sweet aroma before taking a sip. Feel the warmth slide down your throat and envision tension melting away.
CBD-Infused Drinks
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a compound extracted from hemp plants. It produces relaxing effects without causing a cerebral high. With flavors like lemon ginger, blood orange and elderberry, many find CBD drinks to be comforting and tasty.
Keep in mind dosing can vary quite a bit between CBD products. Start with a low dose drink, like one with 15 to 25 milligrams of CBD. Wait at least two hours before consuming more to gauge how your body responds.
Golden Milk
Golden milk is a trendy wellness beverage inspired by the ancient Ayurvedic brew. Traditional recipes combine warm milk, turmeric, ginger and black pepper. The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric mixed with creamy nut milk makes for a soothing nightcap. For extra relaxation, add compounds like ashwagandha, cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg.
Whip up a batch by simmering 2 cups of unsweetened almond milk with 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp ginger powder, 1/4 tsp each of cinnamon and cardamom and a pinch of black pepper and nutmeg. Allow it to steep for 10 minutes before straining into your favorite mug and savoring.
Flavored Sparkling Waters
Drinking enough water is crucial but it can get boring always sipping plain H20. Luckily, the beverage aisle offers endless options when it comes to flavored sparkling waters. Brands like LaCroix, Spindrift, Bubly and Waterloo offer fizzy waters infused with citrus, berries, coconut, cucumber and herbs. The bubbles provide sensory stimulation while the flavors keep your palate interested.
Experiment with different flavor combos to discover your favorites. For example, Spindrift makes a Sparkling Water with Raspberry-Lime that offers a bright, fruity flavor profile perfect for relaxing. Just avoid heavy syrups or artificial sweeteners, which can disrupt sleep.
Decaf Coffee Alternatives
Many people develop a strong attachment to their evening cup of joe. However, conventional coffee is high in caffeine, which is a stimulant. As an alternative, try one of these delicious decaf coffee options to unwind without disrupting your sleep.
Decaffeinated coffee - This starts as regular coffee beans that go through a chemical process to remove 97% of the caffeine while maintaining flavor.
Herbal coffee blends - Roasted herbs like chicory root, dandelion and beetroot are blended to mimic the taste of coffee without any actual caffeine.
Mushroom coffee - Contains Arabica coffee beans infused with chaga and Lion's Mane medicinal mushrooms to purportedly boost relaxation and focus without jitteriness.
Sip your favorite decaf drink out of your best mug and take time to savor the nuanced flavors. Integrate deep breathing or journaling for extra stress relief.
Other Stress-Relieving Drinks to Sip On
Drinks infused with compounds like magnesium, L-theanine and melatonin can also help pave the way for better sleep and relaxation. Keep an eye out for these ingredients as you browse the wellness drink aisle:
- Magnesium - Mineral that alleviates muscle tension and anxiety
- L-theanine - Amino acid found in green tea that boosts alpha waves to create a relaxed-yet-focused state
- Melatonin - Hormone that regulates sleep/wake cycles - small doses promote better sleep
- Glycine - Amino acid with calming effects that also improves sleep quality
It's best to avoid heavily sweetened drinks, caffeine or alcohol close to bedtime. Instead, turn to herbal teas, golden milk and mineral-infused waters to relax before sleep. Embrace the rituals - find your favorite mug, put on comfy pajamas, take time to deeply inhale aromas. The combination of cozy beverages, routines and zonked-out ingredients will have you blissfully relaxed.
FAQs
What's the best relaxing tea to drink before bed?
Chamomile and lavender teas tend to be the most effective for relaxation and sleep based on their natural sedative properties. Passionflower and valerian teas also have calming effects. Avoid caffeinated green or black teas close to bedtime.
Can CBD drinks really help me relax?
Many people find CBD from hemp soothing due to its anti-anxiety properties. Flavored CBD drinks can promote relaxation without causing impairment. However, dosing varies widely between products so start low.
What ingredients make golden milk relaxing?
Traditional golden milk contains turmeric along with ginger, black pepper and nutmeg. Turmeric has natural anti-inflammatory compounds that enhance feelings of calm and contentment. Nutmeg and black pepper also have mild sedative benefits.
Are decaf coffee alternatives really caffeine-free?
Decaffeinated coffee retains a very tiny amount of caffeine. Herbal blends touting ingredients like chicory root and dandelion contain no actual coffee or caffeine. Some mushroom coffee blends do contain a small amount of caffeine from coffee beans.
What's the best sleep drink I can buy?
Look for nighttime teas with sleep-promoting herbs added, especially chamomile, passionflower and valerian root. There are also some relaxing bedtime drinks on the market containing magnesium, glycine, L-theanine and melatonin.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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