Limit your alcohol

Nobody wants to hear that we need to reduce or even eliminate our alcohol intake. Just having a drink of alcohol in hand can make us feel relaxed. But I recently stopped drinking alcohol to see what the effects might be on my body. After about 8 days, I noticed that my mood is more positive. I feel happy and upbeat for no apparent reason. I find myself even feeling surprised as I read the papers and listen to the news and hear that so many others feel oppressed by this pandemic. I know I should feel sad as well, but my mood remains positive.

Even if you can't eliminate alcohol entirely, see if you can reduce your intake. Even Aristotle recommended that we not drink to excess saying "...drink of food which is above or below a certain amount destroys the health, while that which is proportionate both produces and increases and preserves it..." (Nichomachean Ethics, Book 2, Ch 2, Lines 17-19). It may help to develop hobbies or drink other beverages in place of drinking alcohol.