It’s a common scenario – you’ve had a long day at work, you’re emotionally and physically exhausted.

One thing so many of us hear ourselves saying is “I need a drink!”, and when we get that first drink into us, there is this feeling of “aahhhhhh”. A chance to breathe, relax and let go of the day’s stressors. That sigh – that deep breathing – is something we clearly don’t need alcohol for – it’s just often we go until the end of the day without ever taking a deep breath and allowing ourselves a moment to be still.

Breathing via different channels in the body, physiologically counteracts our stress response and begins processes to ease the nervous system. As simple as it may sound, conscious, slow, steady breathing is an incredibly useful coping mechanism.

Of course there are elements of alcohol that do physically relax us, but there is a large attachment that many of us have made with alcohol that signifies a reward or something that will make us feel better; a coping mechanism.

While sometimes sitting down with your mates at the end of a hard week to have a drink and debrief is a really rewarding practice, looking to alcohol as a coping strategy or reward long-term will not only hinder your health, but it is unhelpful for emotional coping and psychological productivity if left unattended. Next time ask yourself:

What are my motivations around having a drink?

Can I find the relief I need in other ways?

Maybe some exercise, a long walk with the dog, a bath or Facetime with a good friend.