These are 2025's wine trends
Times are changing – and the world of wine is no different. Falstaff Switzerland has identified...
World alcohol-free day: focus on mindful drinking
World Alcohol-Free Day is a reminder of the negative effects of alcohol. However, the modern, cosmopolitan public is no longer interested in living to excess. Rather, it seeks a fine balance. It is therefore important to find the middle ground between the extremes, between overconsumption and abstinence – whether when travelling, eating or drinking alcoholic beverages.
Everyone knows: alcohol is harmful to your health, disrupts your sleep and makes you age faster. The WHO even says: "The only thing we can say with certainty is that the more you drink, the more harmful the effect – or to put it another way: the less you drink, the safer you are." In recent years, more and more non-alcoholic options such as mocktails and juices have appeared on restaurant and bar menus, while non-alcoholic beer and non-alcoholic sparkling wine have been added to store shelves. The first alcohol-free Späti even opened in Berlin in 2019 – it's called sober; a trend that was initially ridiculed.
However, the Swiss government launched an alcohol prevention campaign almost ten years ago. "It aims to encourage everyone to question their alcohol consumption," said the FOPH at the time. And that's exactly what mindful drinking is all about. To be and stay healthy, instead of giving up alcohol completely, you can also more mindfully, more consciously, drink less and drink better quality. Sip and Savour.
The benefits of consciously abstaining from excessive alcohol consumption are immense: a radiant complexion, more energy, increased mental clarity. Drinking mindfully signals control and self-confidence. Those who drink mindfully enjoy consciously.
How mindful drinking works
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Recognise triggers
Is it already a habit to have a glass of wine or a beer from the fridge after work? This can be a signal that you should replace the alcohol that helps you switch off with another activity after work. How about going for a walk, tidying up or looking for a recipe for dinner?
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Asking yourself why you drink
Before you reach for an alcoholic drink or order one, you should ask yourself what the purpose is. Why am I drinking now? Because I want to enjoy delicious wine with friends or try new cocktails? Or because I am awkward in company or need to relieve stress?
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Set a goal
If you have goals, you should write them down. You may want to drink on fewer days a week, or if you do, then a maximum of three drinks or glasses. Alcohol-free days can help to break the regularity and the cycle of thoughtless alcohol consumption.
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Check progress
Science shows that habits improve when they are tracked. If you write down what and how much you drink, you gain an awareness of your own drinking habits. This works best with a cell phone app or a diary.
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Search for activities without alcohol
There are many activities that can relieve stress without alcohol: enjoying a delicious meal, taking a bath, listening to a podcast, going to the movies with friends or watching your favourite TV show.
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Look for alcohol-free alternatives
There are many non-alcoholic alternatives or drinks with a lower alcohol content. Mocktails and non-alcoholic beer or wine are a good choice.
Mindful drinking is a way of life that leaves room for reflection, enjoyment and well-being. World Alcohol-Free Day invites us to reflect on our relationship with alcohol – not to cut it out completely, but to become aware of how we want to integrate it into our lives.
Cheers!
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