Hey everyone, I'm a 31-year-old entrepreneur with my first baby on the way in less than 3 weeks. I've had a history of on and off drinking, from heavy binge sessions in my teens and college, to taking a whole year off in my 20s, and nowadays just occasionally drinking. But when I do drink, it often leads to feeling terrible for 3-5 days after.

So, my question is: How do you relax, unwind, and destress from work and family life without turning to alcohol? I already work out at least 3-4 mornings a week and walk my dog frequently, but I'm looking for a way to really let go and blow off steam. Thanks for your help.


25 comments

  3. 450 days sober. Weightlifting solves damn near every problem I enter the gym with

  4. Meditation and yoga most days and if it’s really bad I run or lift heavy things till exhausted.

  6. Personally, Video games, vinyl records, and small amounts of weed on occasion. Are you ok?

  9. Something competitive whether that be sport or video games.

    I find that absorbs my mind more in a way that just working out doesn’t. When I run or go to the gym my mind is still think about work or solving some problem but when I compete it doesn’t.

  11. Child of an alcoholic, so I don’t allow it to be part of a coping mechanism for me

    I engage in enjoying sci-fi books/TV, workout, and edibles (only after kids are in bed). I end up doing a lot more revenge bedtime procrastination than I would like but I treasure my me time too much

  13. I walk for exercise in my neighborhood, about 2.5 miles almost every day after work. Then I drink.

  15. Got into photography recently, so I’ll go out for an hour or so and just take photos, helps me unwind.

    If I can’t go out for whatever reason then playing games works. Driving, shooting (Halo or alike) or guitar hero work well for me.

  16. I play soccer. A LOT. I literally will have a stressful workday where I think I will be fired for something out of my control and then play. During and after the game, you realize that you were exaggerating. Then I lift some weights on 2-3 days/week. Socializing helps too.

  18. I had a 14 year history of alcohol abuse including some very dark days while I lived in NYC, and today is day 223 without it. Really excited for you that you’re realizing it’s not something you want to ruin your days. Not to mention wanting to do this for yourself and your kid. You should be proud of yourself for just taking this first step man.

    Walking my dog, picking up and putting down iron at the gym, boxing, CrossFit type workouts and sports oriented calisthenics, and letting Hidetaka Miyazaki terrorize my dumb ass in any Dark Souls game. Oh and weed.

    Also NA beers have gotten REALLY good lately and I’ve really been enjoying them. You get all the flavor and none of the boozy taste so it’s been a super cool ride trying all the NA beer available in Seattle.

    My last piece of advice is to check this book out. I’m not a self help book guy in any way but somehow this helped me tremendously and empowered me to stay away from booze. I don’t personally go to AA and I quit cold turkey with this and support from my fiancée. https://thisnakedmind.com/this-naked-mind-book/

    Best of luck on your journey my friend. Be kind and be patient to yourself, and allow yourself grace. It’s a tough decision but you’ll be so happy you made it when you look back.

    Edit: forgot the book link cause I’m a dingus

  21. > So, my question is: How do you relax, unwind, and destress from work and family life without turning to alcohol?

    My question to you is: does drinking alcohol actually relax, unwind, and destress you, or does it simply ***distract*** you?

  24. Outdoor exercise would be my sober vice of choice.

    Otherwise it’s edibles at home, which are much easier to manage compared to smoking or drinking.

  25. Two hours of pickup basketball does the trick. It’s hard to drink booze when all you want is a Gatorade.

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