Millions of Brits becoming more mindful when it comes to drinking alcohol, study finds

Millions of consumers are now drinking more mindfully – being aware of why, and how much, alcohol they drink. A poll of 2,000 adults, who have previously consumed alcohol, found 57 percent are choosing to “do things by halves” – interspersing alcoholic drinks with alcohol-free alternatives at social occasions.

Prior to the last 12 months, 27 percent had never attended a social occasion without drinking.

But attitudes appear to be changing – with 61 percent of those polled now more inclined to drink alcohol in moderation.

Commissioned by Harrogate Spring Water, advocates of mindful drinking, the study found 20 percent are motivated to try such an approach to drinking at social events this summer.

Further to this, 44 percent see mindful drinking as a way to bring more moderation into their life, with 43 percent viewing it as a form of self-care.

And 14 percent find it helps them to make life’s moments more memorable.

Richard Hall, managing director for the bottled water brand, said: “Our survey clearly shows adults of today are becoming more mindful in their drinking habits.

“Trying to intersperse alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks is a great way to do this.”

The study also found 78 percent associate certain social occasions – such as post-work events, weddings, and birthdays – with the consumption of alcohol.

But many are turning to drinking mindfully because they believe that it gives them a more balanced lifestyle (42 percent), and better relationships (23 percent).

Some of the other reasons for this lifestyle change include health reasons (46 percent), to save money (41 percent), and becoming bored of drinking (21 percent).

It also emerged 35 percent have decreased their alcohol consumption over the last 12 months – with 34 percent noticing an improvement in their overall health and wellbeing as a result.

And 21 percent simply don’t like alcohol anymore, according to the study, carried out through OnePoll.

Birthdays (26 percent), weddings (25 percent), and meals with friends (25 percent) are some of the occasions adults think they would find more enjoyable if they were able to practice moderation.

Harrogate Spring Water is hosting a Mindful Drinking Bar at this year’s Royal Ascot – with the aim of encouraging racegoers to “do things by halves, one sip at a time.”

Richard Hall added: “Our Mindful Drinking Bar is back at Royal Ascot for the second year running.

“We are pleased to be able to support people to socialise and enjoy the moment whilst reducing their alcohol intake – which we know is often much easier said than done.

“We want to show racegoers that drinking life in, and enjoying the moment by doing things by halves, really can help make life’s moments more memorable.”