Who says you always need booze to have a buzz-worthy time? Gone are the days when going out for drinks meant returning home with a foggy head and questionable memories. Enter the sober curious movement – a refreshing move that’s got Gen Z and millennials raising glasses of kombucha, sparkling water, and mocktails with pride. After all, it is not about downing alcohol till you cannot take it any longer; it’s also about having fun. So, here’s us educating you more about the sober curious movement!
Sober Curious: The New Trend You Need To Know About
What Does Being Sober Curious Mean?
When we are curious about something, we often have a strong desire to learn more about it. Similarly, sober individuals are curious about being sober! It’s important to note that those who choose to adopt a “sober curious” lifestyle do so voluntarily, not because of health issues or alcohol abuse. Instead, they are simply interested in exploring their relationship with alcohol consumption.
Instead of completely going sober, people who are sober curious cut back on alcohol. It’s not about keeping alcohol at bay – it’s about mindful drinking. Sober curious people are not complete alcoholics nor are they teetotalers – they are somewhere in the middle, curating a well-balanced drinking lifestyle.
Benefits Of Going Sober Curious
Sobriety might not be everyone’s cup of tea, especially if you are habitually drinking. However, going sober curious is the first step towards a more mindful lifestyle. Here are the benefits of the same:
- Increased energy productivity
- Improved blood circulation
- Improved digestion
- Longer life expectancy
- Better skin health
- Better weight management
- Reduced cardiovascular risks
- Meaningful social interactions
Difference Between Being Sober And Sober Curious
Many people assume that being sober and sober curious is the same – in fact, many use it interchangeably. However, both the terms are significantly different from each other.
Being sober is being completely off alcohol – it means not consuming it in any form. On the other hand, when someone is sober curious, they explore their relationship with alcohol. They might or might not resume drinking, however, they are in a phase where they consciously make their drinking choices.
It is not easy for many to completely shed their dependency on alcohol voluntarily. It can take weeks, months, and even years for someone to completely get rid of their alcohol dependency. So, many people, instead of quitting alcohol in one go, let go off alcohol slowly and gradually. For those who don’t struggle with managing their alcohol intake, cutting back or abstaining from alcohol can even result in better health benefits, increased productivity, as well as improved relationships.
Also Read: 5 Things To Never Have With Wine: Sushi, Soy Sauce, And More!
Why The Gen Z And Millennials Are Going Sober Curious
As a part of the Gen Z club, I can say that our generation is taking mindful drinking seriously. Gen Z is becoming more and more aware of the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle, and one of the ways to do so is to control one’s alcohol intake. Gen Z (and many millennials) are prioritizing healthy drinks over alcoholic drinks – be it kombucha, fruit juices, mocktails, or other such drinks. Many people of this generation have also realized that to have a great time, you do not always have alcohol by your side. All you need is good company and delicious food!
Moreover, inflation and rising commodity prices are also deterring many people from consuming alcohol. Hanging out at bars, buying each other drinks, and the overall experience of a vibrant nightlife has become more expensive today. In fact, a single hangout or party with your friends can easily burn a hole in your wallet. Moreover, with minimum wages and job insecurities, it is difficult for the Gen Z and millennials to save enough money to splurge on something like a lavish nightlife.
Also Read: White Wine And Cheese: 7 Classic Combos That Always Work
Summing Up
Sober curious is not just a trend – it’s a movement towards leading a healthier lifestyle and exploring our relation with our drinking habits. It’s not about saying a permanent goodbye to drinking but about taking a pause, examining our habits, and knowing what best suits your body. With more and more Gen Z and millennial population embracing this movement, it’ll be interesting to see how our drinking habits shape in the coming years.
