Revisiting: Peaceful Holidays Start with a Plan

Revisiting: Peaceful Holidays Start with a Plan

From Alcohol Minimalist: Mindful Drinking & Behavior Change by Molly Watts, Mindful Drinking & Behavior Change Coach

May 18, 2026 · 19 min · Episode 280

About this episode

Molly Watts discusses how to approach summer drinking with awareness and a plan to create conscious choices around alcohol.

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and for many of us, summer brings familiar alcohol cues: barbecues, beach trips, camping weekends, and backyard gatherings. In this episode, Molly shares how to head into holiday weekends and summer events with more clarity, confidence, and peace. You’ll learn how the habit loop of cue, behavior, and reward can show up around seasonal drinking, why cravings are not a sign that you’re powerless, and how to make a simple plan that supports the version of you who wants to drink less. Whether you plan to drink or not, this episode will help you stay curious, avoid shame, and create more conscious choices around alcohol all summer long. Resources Mentioned: Unwinding Anxiety by Dr. Jud Brewer The Craving Mind by Dr. Jud Brewer Dopamine Nation by Dr. Anna Lembke Sunnyside Med The Alcohol Minimalists: Change Your Drinking Habits Facebook group Key takeaway: You don’t need rigid rules to change your summer drinking habits. You need awareness, curiosity, and a peaceful plan. Choose peace. Low risk drinking guidelines from the NIAAA: Healthy men under 65: No more than 4 drinks in one day and no more than 14 drinks per week. Healthy…

People in this episode

Host: Molly Watts

Topics covered

  • mindful drinking
  • summer events
  • alcohol cues
  • behavior change
  • cravings
  • planning

Keywords

  • mindful drinking
  • summer
  • alcohol habits
  • cravings
  • behavior change
  • holiday planning

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: NIAAA, The Alcohol Minimalists

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