5 Reasons To Try a Sober Summer This Year

The pandemic made quite an impact on people’s lives, including their drinking habits. Another study confirms that American’s drinking habits worsened over the pandemic and turns out, women were hit especially hard. With crowds reuniting, maybe it’s time to re-evaluate our relationship with alcohol this summer. Let us explain why a sober summer is worth giving a try this year.

1. Staying Healthy and Hydrated All Summer Long

Alcohol is a known diuretic, meaning it causes your body to remove fluids at a much faster rater than other liquids. Alcohol can easily lead to dehydration especially during these hot, summer months. When the body is dehydrated, our blood vessels hold on to as much water as possible, leading to water retention and puffiness. What’s more, dehydration can cause constipation, leaving you feeling gassy and bloated.

But the good news is, many alcohol-free alternatives, like mocktails, are brimming with hydration. For example, several of the mocktails from our book, Mocktail Party, contain hydrating ingredients like coconut water.

healthy summer mocktail recipe

Coconut water is rich in electrolytes, including potassium, magnesium, and sodium, which play a crucial role in helping our body maintain proper fluid balance. When put to the test against sports beverages, coconut water restored hydration just as effectively.[1-2]

Drinking during the summer makes it easier to lose electrolytes through sweat and urine. Mocktails, on the other hand, will help to keep you healthy and hydrated.

If you’re looking for a refreshing mocktail to make this summer, then try out our Red, Wine, Blue Sans-gria. It’s perfect for any summer gathering or July 4th party.

2. Being Fully Present After a Year In Isolation

After a year and a half of isolation, it’s time to cherish our time with loved ones. But because alcohol interferes with our brain’s communication pathways, it can alter our behavior, coordination, and mood and impact our social interactions.[3] On the other hand, a sober summer allows you to be yourself and stay fully present during your time with friends and family.

3. Less Bloat and More Feeling More Confident In Your Skin

Since alcohol is an inflammatory substance, it can lead to swelling and redness in the body and face.[4] Excessive drinking can also result in inflammation of the stomach lining, known as gastritis.[5] Symptoms of gastritis include stomach discomfort, feelings of bloat, and burning pain in the upper abdomen. Although people turn to alcohol for “liquid courage,” it ultimately can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. Embracing a booze-free summer will leave you feeling both physically and mentally more confident.

4. More Time For Summer Activities

With drinking comes the dreaded hangover and poor sleep. A review of 27 studies found that alcohol can significantly affect the REM portion of our sleep cycle, resulting in a more restless night. But remove the drinking, and you’ll wake up feeling more clear-headed, refreshed, and energized.

Photo courtesy of Brittany Bays Photography

5. New, Unexpected Healthy Habits

Even just a short break from alcohol can result in a range of positive health benefits. Studies show that a 30-day hiatus can lead to weight loss, improved cholesterol, blood pressure, and an overall sense of well-being.[6-7] What’s more, people who participate in alcohol-free challenges report drinking less in the long term and have more controlled drinking behaviors.[8]

If you’re ready to try a sober summer but don’t know where to start, check out some of our favorite resources:

Read this blog about our favorite tips on how to stay alcohol-free.
Grab our book, Mocktail Party, for healthy mocktail recipes for every occasion.
Check out our Products Page to learn about our favorite alcohol-free products ranging from books to barware to brands.