Benefits of Wine and Beer
I truly believe that having a glass or two of wine and beer can be beneficial to relieving stress. That's not to say one should abuse alcohol by any means, but there is much to say about the happiness and relaxing qualities a fine adult beverage can foster. There are also inherent health benefits, such as the French paradox and antioxidant qualities associated with red wines and dark beers specifically. Any thoughts on that?
Kae, So true. Sometimes listening to the stress other people experience (in controlled doses) can totally put our lives into perspective. Sometimes we find that we have it pretty good. Other times, we identify people who are going through the same kinds of challenges and who have important insights to share.
Dr. Melissa Read
Having a beer with friends, playing a game and putting aside your stressors for an hour or two helps me feel like a real person again. Then I will have a fresh approach to whatever the day ahead will bring me. It can also change your prespective. Other people have stressors too. We are not alone! That helps.
That's an excellent point - sometimes it is the act of sitting, relaxing, and enjoying that seems like the indulgence and not the act of taking in alcohol. Just having time to unwind makes the beverage itself almost seem irrelevant.
I have heard and experienced the relaxing properties of red wine but cannot attest to the relaxing properties of beers. However if you have no control of other bad habits then you might not want to start with alcohol since taking it in excess will eventually defeat the aim of relaxation. When taken in moderation, the full effects of relaxation can be realized.
This is a good point Laura. Some people simply aren't good at moderation. You really have to know yourself to know if wine or beer is going to help or hurt.
I understand what studies show, but I don't feel that alcohol is a good coping strategy, atleast for me. I don't drink and I want to be in control of myself and others to as well. I've seen too many people in my line of work where moderation leads to other things. I know that's a worst case scenario, but some people abuse it or use it as a crutch.
a glass of wine to unwine, hey there's a add line to sell wine. drink wisely
Especially while sharing a delicious meal with someone special in your life. Great mitigator of stress.
This is true Byron. Wine and beer - in moderation - can definitely help us open up with our thoughts and feelings.
I agree, we associate my adult beverage with relaxing... even if it is just mental.
But I also fee it allows us to open up to our peers and loved ones if we are stressed and talk about certian cituations.
Indeed. In moderation, wine and dark chocolate are both great stress relievers.
I agree that a glass or even 2 can help to relieve stress. Some times the memory association that comes with driking specific bevergae can help me to get in a mind frame that is much more calm and relaxed. Even a small piece of dark chocolate can help to bring a stressful situation back into focus and give me the chance to breathe so I can figure out the best course of action to deal with the stress in all areas of my life.
There are indeed individual differences Farley. If beer -in moderation- works for you, then go with that.
I think that beyond even what it is that you are drinking or eating, just finding that stress reliever that works for you is important. For you it might be that home brew that you spent quite a bit of time perfecting and helps you unwind. I can completely understand that enjoyment as a stress reliever. Besides... I've had your beer and it's good. Stress reliever or not! :)
I agree that an adult beverage is calming. In addition to the actual alcohol there is also association of beer/wine with free time, vacation, celebration and it has 0 association to work! I think it works on the same level that aromatherapy works; a sense memory.
I also agree that a glass of wine is a relaxing way to relieve stress. Moderation is the key.
I have seen some scientific evidence on the health benefits of red wine as well. As long as one does not over consume, some research supports the idea that a glass or two of wine can be beneficial.
