Why We Should Choose Authentic Joy Over Instant Gratification in Drinking
In a fast-paced world where instant gratification is readily available, it's crucial to recognize the importance of seeking authentic joy over quick fixes. Especially when it comes to drinking. While booze may give you a quick fix and dopamine hit, opting for authentic enjoyment can have a profound impact on your overall wellbeing.
Here's the problem with instant gratification…
The ‘high’ we get from activities like drinking alcohol, gambling, drugs, or retail therapy, leaves us feeling empty afterward. We often feel regret and remorse. Authentic joy, on the other hand, leaves us feeling satiated or nourished. That’s because it’s coming from an authentic place, and isn’t trying to “fill” a hole or numb an emotion.
Why we should choose authentic joy over instant gratification in drinking…
1. Your physical health and wellbeing
Alcohol leads to many health issues, including liver damage, increased risk of cancer, cardiovascular problems, and impaired cognitive function. By choosing nourishing activities instead, like regular exercise, exploring nature, or pursuing hobbies, we prioritise our physical wellbeing and longevity. These activities not only promote better physical health but also give you a sense of accomplishment and vitality.
2. Emotional and mental balance
Alcohol may offer a temporary escape from stress or emotional turmoil, but it fails to address the root causes of your struggles. In fact, it often exacerbates them. Opting for authentic joy, like what you experience when you spend quality time with loved ones, or practice mindfulness and meditation, can provide genuine emotional nourishment and help us cultivate mental balance. These activities also promote self-reflection, personal growth, and emotional resilience, allowing us to address challenges in healthier and more sustainable ways.
3. Authentic Connections
While drinking is directly linked with socializing, relying on it as a quick social lubricant can spoil the development of genuine connections. Alcohol-induced interactions may be superficial and lack the depth and authenticity that can be cultivated through meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and genuine connections. By choosing to engage in activities that foster authentic connections, such as volunteering, and joining clubs or organizations aligned with our interests and enjoyment, we enrich our social lives and build lasting relationships based on shared values and experiences.
4. Personal growth and self-discovery
Choosing authentic joy over instant gratification allows us to embark on a journey of personal growth and self-discovery. Alcohol-induced highs can provide a temporary escape from life's challenges, but they can also become a crutch that prevents us from confronting our fears, pursuing our passions, and discovering our true potential.
By investing our time and energy in activities that align with our values and passions, such as learning new skills, pursuing creative endeavours, or setting and achieving personal goals, we unlock a sense of purpose and fulfillment that alcohol can’t give you.
How to add more authentic joy to your day…
1. Look for dopamine glimmers
These are the small moments in your day that bring joy and give you a ‘glimmer’ dopamine hit – rather than the big wallop booze gives you. They might be the way your dog greets you at the door, sunrise, your favourite coffee at your favourite café…
2. Look at the big picture
Look at how one moment of instant gratification will impact you, what it takes away from your life, and what it might lead to next. Authentic joy on the other hand, is sustainable, and won’t ultimately take anything away.
3. Write down 10 joy prompts
These are unique to you. By writing them down we are helping program ourselves to always be looking for them. They might be flowers blooming, the way your cat snuggles your neck, your partner’s singing… Whatever you find joyful, write it down and always be looking for more.
While the instant gratification of alcohol may seem appealing at the moment – especially when you are bored, stressed, or tired - it’s essential to recognize the long-term costs. By prioritizing authentic joy, your physical wellbeing, emotional and mental balance, authentic connections, personal growth, and financial freedom, you can lead a happier, healthier, and ultimately more fulfilling life.
Curious about taking a 30-day break from alcohol?
Join my next 30-Day Alcohol-Free Challenge on July, 2023. A whole month of support, education, and all the tools you need to change your relationship with alcohol for good. Check it out here. You can read some incredible success stories here. And if you’d like to work with me 1:1 to change your relationship with alcohol, book a discovery call with me here. I can’t wait to support you.