Is Alcohol Helping You Regulate Your Nervous System?

One of the top wellness trends for 2024 is nervous system regulation. The wellness space is shifting away from intense health transformations and moving towards gentler, more supportive approaches to well-being. In other words, high-intensity workouts are OUT, and yoga is IN.

But have you ever considered how alcohol impacts your nervous system? While it may seem that alcohol lowers stress, chronic consumption can actually disrupt nervous system health.

What Is the Nervous System?

The nervous system comprises the brain, spinal cord, and nerves that extend throughout the body. Nervous system regulation refers to how our bodies respond to stressors and transition between different states of rest and arousal. For instance, that anxious feeling you experience indicates your nervous system is going into overdrive.

The Dangers of Chronic Stress

When our bodies frequently operate in a state of stress or hyper-arousal, it can lead to numerous health issues. Stress drives inflammation, contributes to hormone imbalances, disrupts sleep, and negatively affects gut health. In a world where we are constantly "ON," stress often feels unavoidable.

So, could it be that alcohol cravings are merely a longing for a regulated nervous system?

Picture This Scenario:

You’ve had a long day. It begins the moment you wake up, overwhelmed by a flood of stress from your looming to-do list. You jump out of bed, brew a pot of coffee, and rush out the door.

Throughout the day, you're stressed about your tasks, yet by the end, it feels like you’ve made little progress. You realize you skipped breakfast and hurried out without lunch, settling for a quick sandwich at your desk.

Then your boss sends a message about a new project due tomorrow. You watch the clock tick until 5 PM, then head home for dinner, chores, family time, and laundry.

By the time you arrive home, you’ve mentally prepared yourself for a drink, and the bottle on the counter seems irresistible. Research shows that even thinking about alcohol can heighten cravings.

After a chaotic day, it’s natural to seek relief.

Finding Alternatives to Alcohol for Stress Relief

Instead of reaching for alcohol, what if we focused on strategies to effectively regulate our nervous systems? While alcohol might feel like a stress reliever, studies show it can actually exacerbate stress levels. Chronic alcohol consumption increases cortisol levels, potentially influencing future drinking behavior and trapping us in the alcohol-stress cycle.

By recognizing these patterns, we can break the cycle and explore healthier alternatives for managing stress. See the graphic below.

When we’re caught in the cycle it can be hard to escape, but trust me that once you pull yourself out with other tools for regulating the nervous system, its easier to stay in a healthier pattern.

Here’s a list of effective methods to regulate your nervous system without reaching for a drink:

• Exercise or Movement: Engage in physical activities you enjoy.
• Take a Walk: Walking can help clear your mind and reduce stress.
• Get Sunshine: Especially morning sunlight, which can enhance your mood.
• Practice Meditation: This can ground you and help calm your mind.
• Try EFT (Tapping): A technique for emotional relief and stress reduction.
• Spend Time Outdoors: Connecting with nature can be rejuvenating.
• Prioritize Self-Care: Invest time in activities that nourish you.
• Snack Wisely: High-protein snacks can help stabilize your mood.
• Consider Supplements: Try magnesium, GABA/L-theanine, or adaptogenic herbs like Ashwagandha and Rhodiola.

By incorporating these practices into your routine, you can foster a healthier relationship with your nervous system and move away from the alcohol-stress cycle.

If you’re interested in personalized strategies for managing your alcohol cravings and enhancing your nervous system health, consider joining the Functional Sobriety Academy for support and resources.