Nourish magazine issue 76
Buy Now
Socialising is crucial to our wellbeing, but what if you don’t drink?
There is a link between the climate crisis and what’s on our plates. The hard facts are astounding, as is the difference a plant-based change...
Eco period products have risen in popularity – they’re sustainable, affordable, healthy, and convenient. Here’s what you need to know so...
Wholefoods may just save your life, and at the very least, they will deliver a host of health benefits. Here’s what you need to know to get...
There’s a serum for every skin condition, but which active ingredients do what? This is the guide to vegan and sustainably sourced serums...
If you want to get your gut in order, Dr Will Bulsiewicz is the expert to help you sort out fact from fiction. This is the gut-health cheat sheet...
Time for an eco spring clean? Here are seven simple swaps for the conscious consumer
If you haven’t quite got your cycle phases figured out, you’re not alone. But it’s time to tune in to your body’s rhythms - so that you...
Fresh, colourful, and satisfying, these smokey tacos with a kick of spice are the perfect way to enjoy tempeh during mango season.
These aromatic pancakes dripping with cranberry and apple sauce taste as delicious as they smell.
A nutritious and healthy vegetable curry with authentic Thai flavours that is sure to satisfy.
This green tempeh Buddha bowl is super easy to make and packed full of protein. The perfect fuel for your day!
Think mashed potatoes, but elevated. Our take on the traditional side dish features vegan sour cream, garlic, and a secret weapon that might...
Sweet, sticky, spicy warm puddings crowned with a rich and boozy sauce are the perfect dinner party finale.
Banana blossom offers a genuine alternative to fish and has a similar texture. The beer batter is light, crispy, and gluten-free. Served with...
Spraying sheets and pillows with calming scents can be a wonderful aid to slumber
The next time you go for a walk, discover the wonder of the everyday world around you
A skincare routine can be a way to nourish yourself inside and out
When the clouds converge, practise gratitude for the smallest of glimmers, and learn to dance in the rain.
Socialising is crucial to our wellbeing, but what if you don’t drink?
In Australia, drinking is heavily ingrained in our culture, with many social activities revolving around consuming alcohol, which can make it tricky for those trying to avoid booze to navigate.
Socialising is important for building and maintaining our positive mental wellbeing, and when you’re not drinking, this can be challenging. However, as more and more people join the sober curious movement and adopt healthier lifestyle choices, staying connected to social situations while abstaining from alcohol has become less isolating.
Here’s your guide on how to survive social gatherings when you are a non-drinker.
Being a non-drinker shouldn’t be viewed as an obstacle to a fun night. With some planning, you can have just as enjoyable a night out as everyone else!
The question of why you are not drinking is more than likely going to come up at some stage, so be prepared. Some people may abstain from drinking for health reasons or it may be a case of simply not enjoying the taste of alcohol. If you are asked about your choice, explain your reasons and move on. There is no need to justify your decision as it is a personal choice that should be respected.
If you’re feeling uncomfortable or pressured to drink, then it’s okay to leave the party. Having an exit excuse ready in the event you need to leave can be helpful. It may be that you have to get up early the next day, you’re tired or you have plans to meet up with another friend. There’s no reason to remain somewhere where you may feel uneasy.
Don’t be afraid to socialise. Just because you’re not drinking alcohol doesn’t mean you can’t talk to people and have fun. In fact, you may find that you have more engaging conversations and establish deeper connections with others. Why not take on other activities at the party such as volunteering to be the DJ, mixing up some impressive mocktails for guests or just assisting the hosts with the catering? Keeping busy by getting involved can remove anxieties often associated with social events when not drinking.
With so many alcohol-free alternatives available on the market, there’s no need to get stuck drinking tap water, juice or soft drinks at your next event.
If you’re attending a house party, offer to bring a non-alcoholic beverage such as one of Edenvale’s premium wines that can be enjoyed by drinkers and non-drinkers alike. All the taste and aromas of a traditional wine without the hangover effects. Edenvale’s Sparkling Cuvee and Aperitivo Spritz cans are the perfect option for social occasions, and can help you feel ‘sociable’ without the need to consume actual alcohol. Keeping a drink in your hand will also prevent others from offering you alcoholic beverages.
If you’re feeling creative, you can try your hand at making some delicious mocktails for a fun, fancy drink – nothing says that you’re up for a party quite like walking in with your own cocktail shaker!
Remembering why you quit drinking in the first place is a good way to eliminate caving to peer pressure or feeling awkward around others socially when you find yourself perhaps the only non-drinker at the party. Whether you just don’t feel like drinking alcohol, are pregnant, for other health reasons, or you’re giving your body a temporary break from the booze, going back to your ‘why’ reason will keep you on the path to achieving your personal health goals.
If you’re out with friends and you’re the designated driver, there’s no need to explain why you’re not drinking. Just enjoy the night and know that you’re being responsible by making sure everyone gets home safely. Additionally, you may find yourself making a few new friends for the evening as they try to persuade you to give them a lift home too!
If you’re feeling pressured to drink alcohol at a party, try to seek out a fellow non-drinking buddy. Alternatively, bring a support person who is also happy to abstain from alcohol at the event. It’s easier to stick to a commitment when you have the support of another individual.
It can be difficult to say no to alcohol, especially when everyone around you is drinking. No one wants to feel like an outsider. But it’s important to remember that you don’t need alcohol to have a good time. There are plenty of other ways to enjoy yourself and you don’t have to change your personal non-drinking plans to do so. Don’t feel obliged to drink just because everyone else is.
***
By following these practical tips, not only can you survive being the non-drinker at a party, but your social life will thrive too.
Looking for a non-alcoholic beverage for your next event? Edenvale’s extensive range of alcohol-removed wines can be purchased from your local supermarket, bottle shop or online. Almost all Edenvale alcohol-removed wines are vegan, and are labelled accordingly.
Lead image: Edenvale
There’s a serum for every skin condition, but which active ingredients do what? This is the guide to vegan and sustainably sourced serums...
There is a link between the climate crisis and what’s on our plates. The hard facts are astounding, as is the difference a plant-based change...
Mountains stretch down to coastal plains, which hug the curves of over 100 pristine beaches, all gazing out towards the stunning waters of the...
Going vegan can be a life-changing experience, and it’s not without its challenges. The good news is you’re not alone. There are identifiable...
If you haven’t quite got your cycle phases figured out, you’re not alone. But it’s time to tune in to your body’s rhythms - so that you...
Eco period products have risen in popularity – they’re sustainable, affordable, healthy, and convenient. Here’s what you need to know so...
In the fast-paced and demanding world we live in, finding moments of stillness and calm can be challenging. In an attempt to find a little peace...
The trick to this super-vibrant green curry is to add a bunch of blitzed leafy greens into the paste to ensure a lovely, bright-green colour. I...
Shifting to a wholefood plant-based diet doesn’t mean missing out on cheesecake. This recipe uses tofu instead of cream cheese and is therefore...
This salad is a take on urap sayur that instead uses crumbled tempeh and toasted almonds to top the dish. A balance of spicy, sweet, and sour...
This Indonesian fried noodle dish can be found at both high-end restaurants and street food vendors in the region – it’s a popular dish for...
Spraying sheets and pillows with calming scents can be a wonderful aid to slumber
The next time you go for a walk, discover the wonder of the everyday world around you
A skincare routine can be a way to nourish yourself inside and out
When the clouds converge, practise gratitude for the smallest of glimmers, and learn to dance in the rain.
