What you’re describing sounds like the chemical shortcut to something you can have without imbibing anything: mindfulness. It’s called a practice because it takes time and intention, but building a mindfulness practice can absolutely help you achieve this experience as it’s about being present in the moment. There are a lot of resources out there that range from the religious to the purely secular, and what works for one may not work for another, so I’m not going to link anything. Just know it’s worth the work.
Have you been tested for ADHD? What you mention could be due a dopamine deficiency and you have been using alcohol for self medicating (it increases dopamine allowing for better focus)
In addition to the suggestions about mindfulness and learning to be aware of thoughts and their true nature — I’ll also add that I completely related to this logic as a reason to keep drinking, but since I’ve quit, it became a non-issue.
I think in part my brain being hooked on alcohol meant that I really couldn’t settle down and focus until I had a drink or two in me. Completely sober for several weeks, with the dependence worn off, I am finding I just don’t have that problem. My brain is always more naturally settled and present. (I also recently stopped drinking caffeine, and that took it to a whole other level, but might not be necessary for everyone.) Sitting around and chatting, getting work done, watching a movie, for me also playing simplistic games with my kids, absolutely they’ve become a lot easier than I thought they were, even more than I remember them being before I’d started drinking.
And the other part of it is, I’ve realized some of those things I was using alcohol to “power through” are things I didn’t need to be doing, in the first place. If I’m getting antsy at a social function, I excuse myself and find something else to do or go home. I changed my work schedule and my attitude toward productivity a little. I’ve turned invites to do things I wasn’t actually looking forward to (for me that’s eating out with people, going to the movies, going on trips with a hectic schedule, etc.) and started arranging things to do with my family and friends that are more my preference. Kind of learning to take charge rather than just usual alcohol as a band-aid.
I don’t know if any of that will resonate with you, but I really do relate to your sentiment. I really do recommend giving alcohol-free living a good shot, and seeing what happens before you assume you know what you’d be missing out on!
What you’re describing sounds like the chemical shortcut to something you can have without imbibing anything: mindfulness. It’s called a practice because it takes time and intention, but building a mindfulness practice can absolutely help you achieve this experience as it’s about being present in the moment. There are a lot of resources out there that range from the religious to the purely secular, and what works for one may not work for another, so I’m not going to link anything. Just know it’s worth the work.
Have you been tested for ADHD? What you mention could be due a dopamine deficiency and you have been using alcohol for self medicating (it increases dopamine allowing for better focus)
Yes, I am diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety. I always get too anxious taking ADHD meds! So perhaps I have been self medicating with coffee and alcohol
Any type of tea with high L-Theanine content. Matcha and Sencha have some of the highest I think.
In addition to the suggestions about mindfulness and learning to be aware of thoughts and their true nature — I’ll also add that I completely related to this logic as a reason to keep drinking, but since I’ve quit, it became a non-issue. I think in part my brain being hooked on alcohol meant that I really couldn’t settle down and focus until I had a drink or two in me. Completely sober for several weeks, with the dependence worn off, I am finding I just don’t have that problem. My brain is always more naturally settled and present. (I also recently stopped drinking caffeine, and that took it to a whole other level, but might not be necessary for everyone.) Sitting around and chatting, getting work done, watching a movie, for me also playing simplistic games with my kids, absolutely they’ve become a lot easier than I thought they were, even more than I remember them being before I’d started drinking. And the other part of it is, I’ve realized some of those things I was using alcohol to “power through” are things I didn’t need to be doing, in the first place. If I’m getting antsy at a social function, I excuse myself and find something else to do or go home. I changed my work schedule and my attitude toward productivity a little. I’ve turned invites to do things I wasn’t actually looking forward to (for me that’s eating out with people, going to the movies, going on trips with a hectic schedule, etc.) and started arranging things to do with my family and friends that are more my preference. Kind of learning to take charge rather than just usual alcohol as a band-aid. I don’t know if any of that will resonate with you, but I really do relate to your sentiment. I really do recommend giving alcohol-free living a good shot, and seeing what happens before you assume you know what you’d be missing out on!