Summer activities to enjoy without the hangover!

The summer months are an ideal time to make memories in the sunshine with friends and family.   The days are warmer and longer and there are more opportunities to get together socially for walks, meals out and days in the countryside.

It does seem like alcohol is ingrained in summer entertaining and when the good weather is here it can be tempting to stay longer in the pub beer garden or have just one more drink over lunch.  However there are so many activities to enjoy that don’t involve alcohol and going alcohol-free opens up more space for clarity, energy and connection with others.  Here are a few ideas:

Walks in the park or the countryside

Enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and take a picnic to enjoy with friends.

Get out on the water

Paddleboarding and kayaking are great ways to be on the water, either on a lake or at the seaside. 

Visit a historic house

Use your imagination to turn the clock back and marvel at the beautiful architecture and wonderful gardens.  Treat yourself to tea and cake in the café.

Volunteering days

Spend some time giving back to your local area - join a beach clean-up event or help at a community garden. 

Bike adventure

Ride along quiet country roads or coastal paths and enjoy the scenery whilst keeping fit.

Mocktail masterclass

Host a mocktail party and create a variety of delicious and refreshing alcohol free drinks. 

Go to the cinema

Support your local cinema and enjoy a film on the big screen.

Games night

Invite friends round for card games, video games or board games.

Cook dinner at home

Surprise your family with their favourite dishes or spend time preparing a special meal with your partner.

The benefits of being alcohol free

Without alcohol you wake up fresh with no hangover, ready to enjoy the following day.  It’s easier to tune into the moment and engage more deeply with others – no more blurred conversations that you can’t remember!

Why cut down on alcohol?

The NHS recommends that men and women should not drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week on a regular basis to keep health risks at low levels. It is recommended that these 14 units should be spread over 3 or more days with several drink-free days.

However, many of us are drinking much more than these recommendations on a regular basis.  Stopping or drinking less alcohol can make a positive difference to our health and wellbeing, boosting energy and helping with weight loss as well as saving money.

If you are worried about your drinking and you are finding it hard to cut back, you’re not alone. At CADAS we support anyone who feels their addiction is problematic.  We don’t require people to give up alcohol altogether if that’s not what they want to do, but we do focus on the reduction of harm to themselves or others.  We also support the ‘affected others’ – those people affected by or worried about someone else’s addictive behaviours.  

If you need help, please check out our website www.cadas.co.uk or give us a call on our freephone helpline 0800 2 54 56 58 and we can have a chat about the support we can offer.