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As always, don’t borrow from tomorrow.

-Billy & Connor

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Today’s menu:

• No Booze News 📈: American drinking trends are shifting

• They’re one of us 🤝: Bradley Cooper says not drinking is “unbelievable”

• Wait, but why? 🤔: Why do you get a warm ‘Drunk Blanket’ when drinking?

• Healthy Habit 🌱: Why social connection is the real buzz

• Proofer Products 🛒: Get Grüvi

• Event Spotlight🏓: Socialize? Play Pickleball.

No Booze News 📈:

American drinking trends are shifting

Times are a-changin’ !! Today let’s dig into a Gallup poll diving in on the shifting trends in American alcohol consumption 👀

TL;DR - The poll suggests that young adults (aged 18-34) are increasingly choosing to abstain from alcohol or consume it less frequently compared to previous decades. This trend stands in contrast to older adults (aged 55 and over) who are exhibiting a rise in alcohol consumption rates.

The Gallup analysis indicates a steady decline in alcohol consumption among young adults over the past two decades. This demographic is not only less likely to drink at all but also reports lower instances of binge drinking.

Experts attribute this shift to a multitude of factors, including evolving demographics and a growing awareness of the health detriments associated with alcohol consumption.

• The younger generation is more ethnically diverse than older generations, and certain ethnicities are known to have historically lower rates of alcohol consumption.

• Additionally, young adults today are bombarded with information regarding the negative health consequences of alcohol use, which may be influencing their decisions.

On the other hand, the poll found that drinking rates are actually on the rise among older adults (aged 55 and over). The reasons behind this trend are less clear, but may be linked to factors such as social changes surrounding retirement and empty nesting.

Conclusion: Younger adults are steering clear of alcohol, while older adults are indulging more.

Have you noticed this shift in drinking trends?? 🤔

Looks like the 55+ crowd need a little more Zero Proof in their lives!

They’re one of us 🤝:

Bradley Cooper says not drinking is “unbelievable”

Bradley Cooper's a big deal Hollywood actor. He's hilarious in movies like "The Hangover" but can also bring the drama, like in "Silver Linings Playbook." On top of acting, he's directed and produced films, and even won awards for music. He has also been sober for 19 years.

In an interview with Barbara Walters, Bradley talked about how not drinking is “unbelievable.” Barbara then asked him if not drinking is “better.” He said the following:

Bradley’s reflection is a powerful realization of what he wouldn’t have been able to do in his life if he continued to drink.

We ask you to consider this: if you made the decision to drink less today and moving forward, what will you be saying to yourself in 20 years time? What will you be saying to yourself in 20 years time if you didn’t make any changes? Would they be similar to what Bradley is saying above?

@thehopeshot

Bradley cooper on what sbroety gave him. #recoverytiktok #sobercurious #recoveryjourney #sobertok

Wait, but why? 🤔:

Why do you get a warm ‘Drunk Blanket’ when drinking?

Ever felt a pleasant flush after a drink and mistaken it for warmth?

You're not alone. Alcohol creates a sensation many call the "drunk blanket," but it's actually an illusion. Here's why:

• Blood Vessel Boogie: Alcohol acts like a vasodilator, widening blood vessels near the skin's surface. This increased flow makes your skin feel warm.

• Core Confusion: However, this warmth is superficial. The dilated vessels divert blood away from your core, where vital organs regulate body temperature. This decrease can lead to a drop in your internal temperature.

So, while you might feel toasty on the outside, you're actually getting colder on the inside 🥶

Healthy Habit 🌱:

Beyond the bar: why social connection is the real buzz

We've all been there. A long day, stress building, and the fridge seems to whisper the siren song of a cold beer. But what if there was a way to unwind, connect, and have fun without the downsides of alcohol?

The good news is, there absolutely is! Social connection offers a powerful and healthy alternative to that post-work drink.

Why Social Beats Booze

Let's face it, alcohol might seem like a social lubricant at first. But in reality, it can cloud your judgment, leave you feeling foggy, and even contribute to anxiety.

Social connection, on the other hand, delivers a whole host of long-term benefits:

• Stress Relief on Tap: Spending time with others releases feel-good hormones like oxytocin, nature's built-in stress buster.

• Happiness High: Strong social bonds give us a sense of belonging and purpose, leading to a more positive outlook on life.

• Sharper Mind: Engaging conversations and shared experiences can keep your cognitive function firing on all cylinders.

• Immunity Boost: Studies show that social support can actually strengthen your immune system, helping you fight off illness.

Swap Happy Hour for Connection Hour

Ready to ditch the drink and embrace the power of connection? Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Plan Social Adventures: Grab coffee with a friend, host a game night with family, or join a club that sparks your interest.

• Give Back, Get Connected: Volunteering in your community is a fantastic way to meet new people and feel good doing it.

• Learn and Connect: Take a class in something that excites you, from a new language to dance or pottery. It's a great way to meet like-minded folks and bond over shared passions.

• Reconnect with the Crew: Dust off those old phone numbers and reach out! Reconnecting with loved ones can be incredibly rewarding.

• Hit the Field (or Court): Join a sports team or find a buddy for a game of tennis, basketball, or anything that gets your heart pumping. Physical activity is a mood booster, and doing it with others adds a layer of social connection.

The Bottom Line

Social connection is a key ingredient to happiness, well-being, and overall health. So next time you're feeling the urge to unwind, ditch the bar and seek out genuine connection. You'll have a blast, feel fantastic, and wake up the next day with a clear head and a smile.

Proofer Products 🛒:

Get Grüvi

Gearing up for Memorial Day Weekend? This week’s Proofer Product is what you should be stocking your coolers with, the absolutely delightful Get Grüvi

From sparkling wines to juicy IPAs, Get Gruvi has your fun in the sun covered with a full suite of award winning bevvies ☀️

See what Get Grüvi is all about!

Event Spotlight 🏓:

Why Pickleball is your new social sport

Tennis may have its charm, but there's a new game in town sweeping the nation, and it's not just about lobs and volleys. Pickleball is the perfect blend of fun, fitness, and – you guessed it – social connection.

Why Pickleball is the Social Butterfly of Sports

Pickleball might seem like a funny name for a serious game, but don't let that fool you. Here's what makes it a social butterfly:

• Easy to Learn, Fun to Master: Unlike tennis with its intricate rules and powerful serves, pickleball offers a gentle learning curve. The smaller court and underhand serve make it accessible for all ages and fitness levels. This means you can be laughing and rallying with friends in no time, fostering instant camaraderie.

• Doubles Trouble (in a Good Way!): Pickleball is primarily played in doubles, which is fantastic for socializing. You'll be strategizing with your partner, high-fiving after great plays, and sharing the fun (and maybe a few groans) of missed shots.

• The Perfect Conversation Starter: Pickleball courts are naturally social spaces. Whether you're waiting your turn or chatting between points, there's ample opportunity to connect with fellow players. You might find yourself striking up conversations about the game, sharing tips, or simply enjoying each other's company.

• A Community on the Rise: Pickleball is exploding in popularity, with communities popping up everywhere. Local courts, clubs, and tournaments offer a fantastic platform to meet new people who share your passion for the game. You might even find yourself bonding over shared victories (or commiserating over missed volleys) with friendly rivals.

Call up some friends and get out there on the court this weekend!

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