Hi there! — let’s get real for a second.
If you’ve ever found yourself stressed to the bone thinking that if I had just a glass of wine would make me feel better!… you are not alone. We all have been there. And honestly it was not even about the wine. It was about that tiny ritual that marked the end of the madness and the beginning of me-time.
But here’s what I realized — that habit wasn’t doing me any favors. Sure, it numbed the stress for a minute. But it left me foggy, cranky, and somehow even more drained the next day. Moreover, it awakens anxiety later on which is even worse.
And since it’s Stress Awareness Month, I figured it’s the perfect time to open up about the swaps and rituals that actually helped me feel better, not worse.
Why Alcohol Isn’t the Stress Cure We Think It Is
We grow up in a society that thinks an evening drink it’s a reward. A way to unwind, celebrate small wins, or just get through a rough day. But the truth is, alcohol is a sneaky little thing when it comes to stress.
Alcohol may make you feel relaxed in the moment, but it spikes cortisol (yup — the stress hormone) and disrupts your sleep. It messes with your blood sugar and can leave you more anxious, emotionally raw, and on edge the next day. The science backs it up, but honestly? I didn’t need a study to tell me that waking up at 3 AM with a racing heart wasn’t a vibe.
And yet — when you’re stressed, overwhelmed, and exhausted, it’s hard to not reach for the quick fix. That’s where I had to get honest with myself. What was I really craving? (Spoiler alert: it wasn't alcohol.)
The Ritual, Not the Drink
Turns out, it was the pause. The exhale. The moment of transition from chaos to calm. I wanted something that said, “Okay babe, you made it through another one. Now it’s your time.”
And when I started to rethink that evening ritual, everything changed.
My Go-To Alcohol-Free Alternatives That Actually Help
I started experimenting with different herbal teas, sparkling adaptogen drinks, and yes — functional mushroom tinctures. Some were meh, some were magical. Here are a few favorites that made it into my rotation:
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Mindfeel (obviously!)
This is the one I designed for exactly this reason. Reishi to help your nervous system chill out, Lion’s Mane to clear that brain fog, Gotu Kola for focus, and mood-boosting terpenes. It’s light, floral, and honestly makes me feel like my best self in a glass. Mix it with your favorite drink or check some of our recipes here.
2. Chamomile + Lavender Tea
A classic for a reason. The ritual of making a hot cup, breathing in those calming herbs, and feeling the warmth in my hands slows me down before I even take a sip.
3. Sparkling Water with Bitters + Citrus
If you like the ritual of a fancy glass, this is it. I splash some orange bitters in sparkling water, add a squeeze of grapefruit, and top it with a sprig of rosemary. It feels indulgent, tastes amazing, and zero next-day regret.
The Stress-Less Benefits of Swapping Your Evening Drink
I won’t pretend it was an overnight switch. But within a few weeks of trading wine for these stress-supportive drinks, I noticed:
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Better sleep (I mean, real sleep, not wine-induced crash-and-burn sleep.)
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Less anxiety the next day, and that is huge!
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Fewer sugar cravings at night (turns out alcohol = blood sugar rollercoaster)
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Clearer mornings where I actually wanted to wake up and move my body
The biggest thing though? I felt good with myself. Like I was finally honoring what my body had been begging for.
Stress Awareness Month Challenge: Try the Swap
Since we’re in Stress Awareness Month, I want to invite you to try a little challenge with me:
For one week, swap your evening drink for a stress-supporting alternative.
It could be Mindfeel, herbal tea, or whatever non-alcoholic drink feels like a treat to you. Make it a whole ritual — the glass, the playlist, the candles. Pay attention to how you feel that night and the next day.
You might be surprised.
And hey — if you need ideas, I’ll be sharing recipes, tips, and rituals all month long. We can do this together.
Final Thought: Choose Calm, Not Numb
At the end of the day, we all need ways to unwind. The world isn’t getting any quieter, that is for sure, and our stress isn’t going to magically vanish. But we can choose habits that support us instead of drag us down.
For me, that looks like ditching the wine-down and sipping on something that helps my nervous system reset. It’s a tiny choice that makes a massive difference.
If you’re ready to feel more clear, calm, and connected to yourself — I see you. And I’ve got a glass with Mindfeel waiting for you.
Here’s to better nights and brighter mornings, my friend.
XO,
Stephanie