Lifestyle /
Be Mindful With Your Booze: Powerful Facts You Need To Read Before You Pour Your Next Drink!
Be Mindful With Your Booze: Powerful Facts You Need To Read Before You Pour Your Next Drink!
Lifestyle Nov 14, 2018
As the holiday season is officially underway (with many excuses to have a party from festival celebrations to winter wedding season and more,) there are many occasions where raising a toast will be expected. There are plenty of options including beers and spirits which are known to help us “let loose” while wine is perfect for when you just want to “wind-down”. Which had us thinking, is there anything we should fear in all the alcohol “fun”? It’s time to think mindfully when it comes to imbibing. We’ve got some powerful facts you need to read before you pour your next drink!
*If you or someone you love is at risk for or dealing with alcohol addiction, help is available here.*
With over 2.3 billion people identified as drinkers worldwide, alcohol has a massive market with what some could argue is minimal education. Knowledge is power and when it come’s to alcohol, there’s a lot to learn. Rest assured we are not here to scare anyone off alcohol but instead to help you stay informed with some of our findings:
Drinking is causing death; in 2016, excessive drinking killed more than 3 million people and considering how often it happens, it’s not something we talk about nearly enough, especially in the South Asian culture.
Drinking is on the rise among South Asians. Not traditionally part of the ancient Indian cultural, there’s been a cultural shift with more South Asians exposed to alcohol from an early age. Alcohol problems in our communities are described as an open secret; something many are experiencing but still hesitant to talk about. In UK alone, 27% of the Sikh population reported having someone in their family with an alcohol problem. Consumed by South Asians more than ever before (it’s particularly with South Asian women), it’s also more present in Bollywood films, Hindi and Punjabi music.
The business of alcohol makes billions of dollars. A $1,439 billion US industry in 2017, the industry is making serious money moves which can lead to consumer health not being the first priority. Alcohol based companies spend massive amounts of money on clever marketing campaigns that reinforce drinking as a “cool” thing to do but its our responsibility to be mindful on looking beyond commercials and societal norms to decide if drinking is the right choice for us.
Moderate drinking does not allow for a lot of consumption. Alcohol is not a reward system; not drinking today does not earn you more drinks tomorrow; the body doesn’t process alcohol that way and that mentality may put you at risk for binge drinking. For men, drinking in moderation involves up to two drinks per day, for women one (one drink can be 12 fluid ounces of beer, 1-1.5 ounces of distilled spirits such as vodka or 5 fluid ounces of wine).
Excessive alcohol drinking can have severe health consequences: Short-term risks include alcohol poisoning, suicide, sexual assault (to name a few) while long-term health risks can include depression, anxiety, social problems, cancers, liver disease and more. Alcohol can also worsen some of the conditions that South Asians are already at risk for including high blood pressure and diabetes. Reading even a fraction of the health impacts may shock you but it’s important to stay informed.
You don’t need to have an addiction to act: If you’re wondering if your pouring is or could become a problem, a great program that can help increase your awareness on the impact of alcohol in your life is called Moderation Management. A behavioural change program, Moderation Management involves making a commitment to refrain from alcohol for 30 days while taking strategic actions (e.g. journaling) that will help increase your awareness of drinking habits, patterns and behaviours.
If you or someone you love is at risk for or dealing with alcohol addiction, help is available here.
Main Image Photo Credit: www.urbanasian.files.wordpress.com
Rachna Sethi
Author
Rachna (@thesassyspiritual) is a graduate of the Applied Mindfulness Meditation program from the University of Toronto, a certified Educator with two bachelor degrees and a diploma in Art Therapy. She's dedicated to living with a compassionate approach. Committed to helping people integrate Mindfuln...
COMMENTS
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
-
How To Host The Perfect South Asian Holiday Dinner
-
ANOKHI's Holiday Gift Guide For Thoughtful Desi Presents For The Home & Beyond
-
Not Into Flu Shots? Try These Centuries-Old Desi Home Remedies Instead!
-
Diwali Gift Guide: Barbie® Diwali Doll & 8 More Unique South Asian Gift Ideas
-
From Turkey To Tadka: Desi-Inspired Thanksgiving Recipes
-
Mommy's Time-Out: How To Reclaim Your Zen After The Back-to-School Scramble
-
Khichdi Cups & 5 South Asian School Lunch Recipes For Busy Desi Parents
-
6 Complaints Desi Grandparents Have About Keeping Pets & How You Can Counter Them
-
Raksha Bandhan Gift Guide: Celebrate The Festival With A Modern Twist!
-
Summer Elixirs: Healthy South Asian Cooling Drink Recipes To Beat The Heat
-
Stay Cool: Build a Summer Garden Oasis At Home With Tulsi & Shade
-
Celebrating International Yoga Day: Find Your Balance Through Chakra Meditation
-
Spice Up Your Summer BBQ With These 5 Mouthwatering South Asian Recipes
-
South Asian Heritage Month: Journey Through Time With 8 Iconic South Asian Travel Destinations
-
How To Add Ancient South Asian Spiritual Cleansing Rituals To Modern Spring Cleaning Techniques
-
Toronto's Living Luxe Design Show Sets a New Standard for Luxury Exhibitions
-
Savouring South Asian Style: Elevate Your Home Decor with Cultural Flair
-
6 Ways To Create Fun Quality Time With Your Kids & Parents That Both Will Love!
-
Celebrating South Asian Literature: Must-Read Books by Female Authors
-
Flavourful Festivities: Traditional Holi Recipes To Spice Up Your Table
-
The Living Luxe Design Show Presented By JennAir Announces Powerhouse Program Of Speakers
-
7 Ways Yoga Will Save Your Mental Health
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Can I Convince My Friend That Her Threatening Boyfriend Is The Problem, Not Me?
-
10 Tips To Manage & Survive Long-Distance Relationships
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I'm Afraid My Childhood Bully Will Be Back In My Life, What Do I Do?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Create "Me Time" In My Demanding Life?
-
Hot Spot Alert: Mishree Cocktails & Cuisine Exhilarates With South Asian X Middle Eastern Cuisine
-
BioAro Founder Dr. Anmol Kapoor Wants You To Be The CEO Of Your Health
-
Savour the Holidays With This Paneer Pakora Recipe By KFI Sauces!
-
Here's How To Craft And Achieve Meaningful New Year's Resolutions
-
Snack It Up This Holiday Season with Indian-Inspired Potato Wedges by KFI Sauces
-
Butter Chicken Nachos Recipe By KFI Sauces Is Perfect For Your Holiday Spread
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Friend She's Taking My Emotional Support For Granted?
-
Anjali Pathak of Patak's Shares Her Favourite Recipes For The Holiday Season
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Why Does Our Family Get Togethers Always End With A Fight?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Sis-In-Law To Stop Intruding In My Daughter's Wedding Plans?
-
Event Alert: The Auric Living Conference Brings Holistic Healing To Toronto
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I'm On The Outs With My Friend Because I Supported Her Breakup What Do I Do?
-
Event Alert: The Desai Foundation Rings In 10th Anniversary of "Diwali On The Hudson" Gala
-
South Asians & Arthritis: Busting Myths And Sharing Facts About This Disease In Our Community
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Convince My Kids That My Granddaughter's Best Friend Is A Bully?
-
Make Your Brunch Brilliant With This French Buckwheat Crepes & Dosas Recipe!
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Sis-In-Law That Her Messy Dog Is Not Welcome At My House?
-
You Just Need A Hot Pot To Make This Amazing Masala Style Vegan Tomato Soup
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Friend To Stop Interrupting Me?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Trust My Husband After He Cheated On Me?
-
Check Out This Insane Recipe For Mini Masala Idli
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Brother That His Cottage Rules Ruins All The Fun?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: What Do I Do When My Fiancé Shares His Dog With His Ex?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Convince My Partner That Our Six-Year-Old Is To Young For Sleepovers?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Deal With My Friend Who Always Wants To Start A Fight?
-
Here's Why Paris Calls Tharshan Selvarajah The Best Baguette Baker In The City
