Is your holiday toast actually… stress in disguise?
In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook unpacks why so many people reach for “just one drink” during the holidays — not to celebrate, but to cope. We dive into the hidden stressors behind festive drinking, including:
- Why holiday pressure makes alcohol feel like instant relief
- How cortisol, exhaustion, and social expectations push you toward a glass
- The emotional and biological reasons your first sip feels so calming
- Signs your drinking is actually stress-driven — not joy-driven
- Healthier ways to unwind that don’t leave you anxious the next day
- How ingredients like Ashwagandha and L-Theanine (found in Daily Restore) support stress, mood, and nervous system balance during high-pressure seasons
🎧 Tap play to explore why your holiday toast might be covering stress — and how to support yourself with healthier, more intentional rituals.
What is The Alcohol Reset by Cloud9?
The Alcohol Reset is a science-backed podcast designed to help you reset your habits, health, and relationship with alcohol. Hosted by best-selling author Mike Hardenbrook, each bite-sized episode explores neuroscience, nutrition, and habit formation, delivering practical strategies to help you drink less, sleep better, reduce cravings, and optimize your well-being—without judgment or extremes. It’s time for a reset.