Alcohol Minimalist: Change Your Drinking Habits! | Think Thursday: Practicing Gratitude-The Brain Science

This special Thanksgiving episode of Think Thursday explores the profound impact of gratitude on mental, emotional, and physical well-being, and how it intersects with managing alcohol habits. Here's what was covered:

• Science of Gratitude:
  • Boosts happiness by shifting focus to positives, as shown in Dr. Robert Emmons' studies.
  • Reduces stress by lowering cortisol levels, promoting heart health, better sleep, and stronger immunity.
  • Increases gray matter density in the brain, improving emotional regulation and mental resilience.
• Simple Gratitude Practices:
  1. Gratitude Journals: Write three things you're thankful for daily.
  2. Express Gratitude: Write thank-you notes and verbalize appreciation.
  3. Reframe Challenges: Find lessons in difficulties to build emotional resilience.
  4. Mindful Gratitude Moments: Set daily reminders to focus on gratitude.
• Gratitude and Alcohol Minimalism:
  • Practicing gratitude reduces reliance on alcohol for emotional relief.
  • Helps appreciate benefits like better sleep, energy, and relationships during the journey to mindful drinking.
• Call to Action:
  • Reflect on what you're thankful for and share it via email or the Alcohol Minimalist Facebook group.
  • Explore related content like the Live Happier, Longer podcast episode on gratitude (linked in show notes). https://open.spotify.com/episode/2f7uCmewRQFuvs3RlSI8Jg?si=84186241320e46f8

Gratitude is framed as a skill and a mindset, capable of transforming lives and supporting healthier habits.

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What is Alcohol Minimalist: Change Your Drinking Habits! ?

Change your relationship with alcohol without shame, guilt, or going sober. Join science-based coach Molly Watts to break habits and find peace through mindful drinking.

Hosted by author and coach Molly Watts, this show is for daily habit drinkers, adult children of alcoholics, and anyone stuck in the “gray area” of alcohol use.

Each episode blends neuroscience, behavior change psychology, and real-world strategies to help you build peace with alcohol — past, present, and future.

You’re not broken. You’re not powerless. You just need new tools.

Less alcohol. More life. Let’s do it together.
New episodes every Monday & Thursday.

Becoming an alcohol minimalist means:
Choosing how to include alcohol in our lives following low-risk guidelines.
Freedom from anxiety around alcohol use.
Less alcohol without feeling deprived.
Using the power of our own brains to overcome our past patterns and choose peace.
The Alcohol Minimalist Podcast explores the science behind alcohol and analyzes physical and mental wellness to empower choice. You have the power to change your relationship with alcohol, you are not sick, broken and it's not your genes!

This show is intended for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. If you are physically dependent on alcohol, please seek medical help to reduce your drinking.