If you’ve ever said, “I need a drink to unwind,” this episode is for you.

Whether it's after a long day at work, a chaotic evening with the kids, or a moment of emotional overwhelm, many of us turn to alcohol as a quick fix for stress. But while drinking might feel like it helps in the moment, the long-term impact on your nervous system, sleep, and overall stress levels tells a different story.

In this episode, I break down:

• why alcohol mimics relaxation but actually adds to your stress and increases anxiety over time;
• what’s really happening in your brain and body when you reach for a drink to de-stress;
• how to use simple nervous system regulation tools to calm down in the moment;
• why “true relaxation” requires tuning in—not checking out;
• how to build emotional resilience and start creating rest that actually restores you.

If you’ve ever wondered how to relax without pouring a drink, this episode will give you the science, the mindset shifts, and the practical steps to start building a new default—one that doesn’t rely on alcohol.

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