There are seasons in life when the world asks less of us—and we have no choice but to listen.
The British author Katherine May calls this "Wintering". It’s a quieting. A stepping away. A season that might come through illness, burnout, heartbreak, or even just that deep-down sense that you need to stop, breathe, and reset. In Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times, May explores the natural ebb and flow of life, and how vital it is to honour the cold, still places in between the high-energy seasons of productivity and performance.
We often fear these pauses. We're conditioned to believe we should push through, hustle harder, stay busy. But wintering invites a different rhythm. One of stillness. Reflection. And restoration.
And one of the most powerful ways to begin this process?
Letting go of alcohol.
Wintering as a Wellness Practice
Just as nature retreats during winter—trees shedding leaves, animals hibernating, oceans calming—the human body, too, benefits from periods of rest. These are not moments of weakness but of recalibration.
Wintering can be a conscious act: creating space to heal, to sleep, to feel. And, increasingly, many are choosing to winter not just emotionally or spiritually—but physically, by taking a break from alcohol.
When you remove alcohol from your routine, you allow your nervous system to settle. Your sleep deepens. Your mood stabilises. You begin to hear yourself more clearly, without the hum of nightly glasses of wine or weekend cocktails disrupting your internal rhythm.
This is not about abstinence for the sake of denial. It’s about clarity. It’s about honouring the season you’re in—and making choices that support your body’s natural need to rest, recover, and renew.
The Benefits of Taking a Break from Alcohol
Wintering with intention—by embracing zero alcohol living for a while—can deliver some powerful physical and emotional shifts:
1. Better Sleep, Naturally
Alcohol fragments your sleep cycle, especially REM sleep—the most restorative stage. Within just a few days of going alcohol-free, many people experience longer, deeper sleep and more energised mornings.
2. Reduced Anxiety and Improved Mood
While alcohol can temporarily relax us, over time it increases cortisol and depletes serotonin, impacting mental health. Many people report less anxiety, greater emotional resilience, and a stronger sense of self during alcohol-free periods.
3. Rebalanced Hormones and Gut Health
Alcohol is disruptive to both your hormonal system and your gut microbiome. Taking a break allows your body to reset its internal balance, supporting digestion, metabolism, and mental clarity.
4. Glowing Skin and Physical Vitality
Alcohol is a diuretic that dehydrates your skin and body. When you stop drinking, circulation improves, skin clears, and hydration levels return. The visible results can be felt in both complexion and energy levels.
5. Financial and Emotional Savings
Let’s not forget: skipping your usual drinks saves money—and often stress. Fewer hangovers, more meaningful conversations, and a deeper connection with yourself.
Mocktails and Non-Alcoholic Spirits: Your New Rituals
Just because you’re not drinking alcohol doesn’t mean you have to miss out on flavour, ritual, or celebration. This is where the rise of sophisticated non-alcoholic spirits and curated mocktails comes in.
At Seadrift Distillery, we believe every glass should feel like a moment of joy and connection—with or without alcohol. Our zero alcohol spirits are distilled with coastal botanicals and fresh ingredients to deliver complexity, aroma, and balance. Designed for mixing with soda, tonic, or as the base of a mindful cocktail, they make slowing down feel special—not sacrificial.
Here are a few ways to bring wintering into your drinks cabinet:
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Swap your evening wine for a Seadrift Marine & soda with a slice of lemon.
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Try our Seadrift Wild Hibiscus over ice with Mediterranean tonic and a rosemary sprig. Delicious, feels indulgent!
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Build a beautiful mocktail before dinner using one of our coastal expressions— Seadrift Coast makes a stunning Passionfruit Martini, Espresso Martini or a Cosmopolitan. Once you get the hang of mixing, shaking and stiring they'll be no stopping you.
Each sip is a quiet reminder that you’re choosing wellness, presence, and clarity.
How to Begin Your Alcohol-Free Wintering Season
Whether you’re going Dry this July, taking a personal 30-day break, or simply experimenting with moderation, here are a few ways to make the transition intentional and rewarding:
1. Create Rituals That Replace the Pour
Replacing alcohol isn’t just about the liquid—it’s about the moment. Set aside time for a beautifully crafted drink, that is zero proof. Light a candle. Sit outside. Use a favourite glass and garnish. You'll get your "me time" moment to relax just without the after effects.
2. Stock Your Fridge with Thoughtful Options
Curate your fridge like you would your wine shelf. Non-alcoholic spirits, botanical sodas, cold infusions, citrus slices, fresh herbs—these are your tools for mindful enjoyment.
3. Journal Your Reset
As you pause, note the shifts. Do you wake up earlier? Feel more grounded? Enjoy deeper sleep? These moments will reinforce your why.
4. Surround Yourself with Inspiration
From books like Wintering to communities embracing a more mindful lifestyle, surround yourself with messages that support your choice to slow down.
Final Thoughts: Drift, Reset, Renew
Taking a break from alcohol isn't about missing out—it's about tuning in.
It’s about wintering, in the best sense of the word. Honouring the pause. Letting your mind clear. Letting your body breathe. Letting yourself drift back to what feels real and whole and good.
So wherever you are this season—curled up on the couch, walking by the sea, or gathering with friends—know that rest is powerful. Choosing non-alcoholic spirits over your usual drink is not just a health decision. It's an act of self-respect.
It’s a gentle way to say: I’m taking care of myself now.
And that’s worth toasting to.