Yoga & Alcohol

My relationship with alcohol has been on and off for a while now and I’m at the point in my life where I’m evaluating if continuing to drink serves me in my growth – not just as a yogi, but also as a human being. I’ll preface this post by saying – I’m not currently sober nor am I advocating that sobriety is the answer for everyone, including myself.

I feel called to be open about my ever-evolving relationship with alcohol with the hope that someone else can relate and not feel alone in inquiry. I’ll be completely vulnerable and admit that pretty much every bad decision I’ve made has been under the influence of alcohol. Dating back to high school, I have regrets. In college and into my twenties, I can’t count on one hand how many times I’ve been embarrassed from something I did while I was drunk. Or rather in recent years, how many times I’ve been hung over or sick from my indulgences the evening before – on too many occasions missing out on plans the next day and spending time with people I love.

This is not to say that I’m always a model citizen while sober – but I’ve been a better decision-maker, generally. This seems reason enough to consider eliminating alcohol from my life, right?

For me, it’s far more complicated than that. I can say from a place of integrity that I definitely don’t battle an addiction to alcohol. I often go days, a week or more, without craving a glass of wine or having a drink. I can have one or two drinks, stop at that, and feel completely in control. And the thing is, I really do enjoy drinking on occasions – weddings, vacations, celebrations, girls’ nights, pairings with food, etc. Some of my favorite memories involve champagne toasts, drinking beer fishing, and yes, even dancing on tables with my best friends.

Yet, I honestly can’t recall the last time I had more than one drink and felt 100% the next day. Perhaps my body has changed over the last couple of years – through yoga, a healthier diet, or older age?

Clearly, I’m conflicted and struggling to figure out what my ideal relationship with alcohol looks like. As most of us do on January 1, I reflected on the last 365 days and set my goals for the year ahead. And I’m asked myself: is alcohol something I need to eliminate completely to become the best version of myself, in all areas of my life, especially my yoga practice? I’m not sure what the answer is yet and I’m giving myself space to figure it out. But what I do know for certain: my relationship with alcohol will be different this year. I’m going to be mindful about what I’m drinking and intentional about whom I’m drinking with and why I’m choosing to do so.

Cheers to no more hangovers 2020!