Trade-offs

Trade-offs are something we all make when we believe the pain is worth the gain, and this holds true for alcohol and many other habitual behaviors. Think about it, our actions consistently produce results. We all take actions that serve as ‘trade-offs’ for an intended outcome. We endure the discomfort of lifting weights to build muscle, or we reduce sugar to improve our health. These trade-offs are clear because we can easily connect the actions to the benefits.

However, the trade-offs with alcohol and other destructive habits are not as readily visible, partly due to the way society portrays them. Alcohol, in particular, is unique because it acts as both a stimulant and a depressant. It offers an initial, fleeting sense of euphoria but quickly follows with hours of dysphoria. Despite this, society hasn’t educated us much about how rising and falling B.A.C. (blood alcohol concentration) levels affect our well-being over time.

Try this exercise:

Think about how you feel immediately after having a drink, then an hour later, a few hours later, and finally the next day. What’s your experience mentally, emotionally, and physically? Does it drain your energy? Impact your mood or productivity? How does it affect your relationships and overall vitality?

Once you start paying attention, you might be surprised at what you discover. And this isn’t limited to alcohol, every habit has a trade-off. When we become aware of these patterns, we can choose how we engage with them.

I encourage you to capture your thoughts and insights in writing, as it can help clarify these connections and reinforce your awareness. Once you do, think about what action or practice could help keep this awareness alive. This could be anything from journaling your experiences to experimenting with new habits that better serve your goals.

The more you explore these trade-offs in your life, the more empowered you become to make choices that align with your well-being and desired outcomes.