22 WAYS TO UNWIND WITHOUT HITTING THE BOTTLE

01 HAVE A SOAK

Try a different kind of liquid refreshment. When researchers at the University of Freiburg in Germany assigned people with depressive symptoms to either soak in warm water for half an hour and then wrap themselves in blankets, or do 40 to 45 minutes of aerobic exercise, those taking regular baths fared better. Add sleepinducing magnesium salts. It’ll knock you out faster than your third glass of Shiraz.

02 FIND YOUR CALM

Alcohol fuels anxious thoughts by disrupting neurotransmitters, leading to next-day paranoia. “Meditation can help you find perspective,” says Dru Jaeger, co-founder of the mindful drinking group Club Soda. We love the Calm app and its anti-stress plans, and Insight Timer for more than 100k guided meditations.

03 BECOME A SOLO CINEPHILE

Have misgivings, people are less confident engaging in fun activities alone than they are utilitarian ones. However, researchers found that when we do immerse ourselves in a film, concert or art exhibition on a solo trip, it has big benefits for mental wellbeing. You have better taste than your pals anyway.