6 Safer Alternatives to Common Vices
We all have our vices. And in times of stress, we tend to turn to those vices more and more. On one hand, the vices may comfort us and be exactly what we need in the moment. On the other hand, sometimes the vices can make our feelings of stress, anxiety, overwhelm, depression, etc. even worse. Therefore, we need to balance out our stress responses. One way to do so is through harm reduction. In other words, choose safer alternatives to common vices. Here are six great examples:
Nicotine Pouches Instead of Cigarettes
Are cigarettes your go-to vice? If so, then you probably already know how difficult it is to quit them altogether. Nicotine pouches offer a safer alternative that you might want to try. In this alternative, you put the nicotine in your mouth – similar to yet very different from chewing tobacco. Try it out here.
Mocktails Instead of Cocktails or Beer and Wine Instead of Booze
If drinking is your biggest vice then what can help you get the same relief without so much alcohol content? If you love cocktails, try mocktails first. Although high in sugar, they leave out the booze. You’ll get the same enjoyment from sipping these with your friends. On the other hand, you might try wine or beer instead of a cocktail. The lower alcohol content is a safer alternative.
Remember Movies? Skip the TV Binge
Are you one of the many people whose vice is zoning out to hours and hours of television? If so, then try quitting TV and going back to movies. Many people find that if they limit themselves to movies, rather than TV series, they watch a lot less. Additionally, you may find that your focused interest on a single movie is much more motivating than staring at a whole series as it passes you by.
Collections Instead of Impulse Shopping
Do you reach for your wallet the moment you feel stressed? If so, then you need to find a safer alternative to vices like online shopping and retail therapy. One option is to develop a collection. Try for something that’s obscure enough that you’ll have to look for it. (For example, don’t collect all coffee mugs. Instead, collect extra large coffee mugs or one coffee mug from each state.) By giving yourself a focus for shopping, you’ll still enjoy the outlet without having to hit up the outlet stores.
Herbal Alternatives to Drugs and Supplements
Many people take over-the-counter and/or prescription drugs, vitamins, and supplements. If you’re doing it to get energy or induce sleep, then you might find that herbal alternatives provide a healthier, safer alternative to this common vice.
Higher Quality Snacks in Smaller Quantities
Do you tend to grab straight for the snacks whenever you get stressed out? If so, then you might want to focus on refining your tastes a little bit more. Become a connoisseur of healthier snack alternatives. You can have chocolate; however, try to get the most unique, high-quality chocolate that you can. Then savor it.
You don’t have to give up all of your vices in one day. In fact, you don’t have to give up any of them. Instead, switch to safer alternatives that help reduce the harm while still serving your needs.
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