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As always, don’t borrow from tomorrow.

-Billy & Connor

Also, don’t forget to fill out our usual poll at the bottom of the newsletter if you have feedback on the content of this specific issue.

Here’s what’s on today’s menu:

• No Booze News 📈: GLP-1 could make people want to drink less

• They’re one of us 🤝:  John Mayer realizes hit potential is no credential

• Wait, but why? 🤔: What’s a Teetotaler?

• Healthy Habit 🌱: Why should I practice gratitude?

• Product Spotlight 🛒: The Five Minute Journal

• Events 💆🏽‍♀️: Trade the buzz for bliss: at-home massage with Soothe

No Booze News 📈:

Popular GLP-1 weight loss drugs could affect alcohol as well

Potentially the hottest invention since sliced bread, people are going crazy for new weight loss drugs Wegovy and Ozempic lead by Danish Pharma company Novo Nordisk.

How do they work? Simple, they make you want to eat less (very overly simple). Turns out, they might also make you want to drink less as well…

In potentially the most modern day meta analysis we’ve ever seen, a Virginia Tech study analyzed posts on Reddit from users taking GLP-1 agonists, a new class of weight loss medications. Interestingly, many users reported a decreased desire to drink alcohol after starting the drugs.

GLP-1 agonists mimic a naturally occurring gut hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone has several effects, including:

• Slowing stomach emptying: This keeps you feeling fuller for longer, reducing your desire to eat.

• Increasing insulin production: This helps regulate blood sugar levels, further contributing to satiety.

• Impacting brain regions that control appetite and reward: This may explain why GLP-1 agonists might also reduce cravings for alcohol, which can be similarly rewarding.

The small human study backed up the online trends, showing those on GLP-1 agonists drank less alcohol than those not taking them.

While these drugs aren't currently FDA-approved for alcoholism, the initial findings are super interesting.

More research is definitley needed, but GLP-1 agonists could potentially offer a new avenue for helping individuals manage alcohol use disorder - not a bad side effect 👀

They’re one of us 🤝:

John Mayer recognizes alcohol was holding him from his potential

Whether he is singing about how "your body is a wonderland," playing the guitar center stage alongside Alicia Keys at the Grammys, or leading the iconic Dead & Co... John Mayer has become a well-known figure due to his incredible musical talents.

What you may not have known is that John Mayer has been sober for over 2 years now. In the video below, John talks about the day he made the decision to quit drinking. On that day, he woke up from a 6-day hangover and had a moment of self-reflection.

That conversation went like this:

It was in this moment that John made the decision to stop drinking and he has never looked back.

John’s reasoning for not drinking anymore ties back to his realization that if he stays drinking, he won’t reach his potential. The thought of this was enough to kick him into gear and remove the booze from his life.

What is interesting, though, is what he says later in the video. John goes on to talk about how it gets worse before it gets better.

He asks the question we are all thinking, “So what happens when you stop drinking?”

In other words, John is saying that the juice is in fact worth the squeeze.

John’s ability to not only recognize that his potential is no credential and that drinking was the main thing stopping him, but to also follow through on his commitment to himself is what makes him one of us… a fellow Proofer!

Wait, but why? 🤔:

What in the world is a Teetotaller?

Now we hear a lot of "sober curious," but there was a time when the term for someone who ditched the drinks was way more…well, fun to say! Buckle up, because we're taking a trip back to the 1820s and 30s, a wild west era for American booze consumption.

Back then, explains historian Jon Grinspan, it was all or nothing – you either didn’t drink or went full throttle on the bottle.

Enter the "Teetotaller," a term bursting onto the scene just like a temperance rally marching band. The "tee" likely refers to these activists' total opposition to alcohol, with a capital "T" for emphasis (think "totally over booze"). Just like folks wore their political affiliation on their sleeve (capital-R Republican, anyone?), being a "T-Totaler" was a badge of honor, a clear line in the sand against the excessive drinking culture.

Fast forward to today, and "teetotaller" sounds a bit dusty, replaced by the more neutral "abstainer" or "non-drinker." But the spirit of the term lives on!

Just like teetotallers pushed for a shift from excessive drinking to moderation, the "sober curious" movement is shaking things up again.

Now, the focus is on questioning normalized moderate drinking, exploring a life with low or no alcohol, and prioritizing well-being over societal expectations.

So, raise a glass (of La Croix, perhaps?) to the teetotallers, the OG no-booze crew who paved the way for today's mindful drinkers! (but not really)

Healthy Habit 🌱:

Why gratitude is your secret weapon against alcohol dependence

As Proofers we all know the importance of a healthy lifestyle, and that often includes cutting back on alcohol.

But what if the key wasn't just about willpower, but about cultivating a simple yet powerful habit: gratitude?

Studies have shown that a consistent gratitude practice can significantly reduce cravings and negative emotions, both of which can be major triggers for alcohol dependence.

Here's why:

When you focus on appreciating the good things in your life, big or small, it shifts your brain chemistry. Gratitude activates the reward centers, flooding you with dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter you read all about last week.

This natural mood boost can replace the temporary high often sought through alcohol.

Additionally, gratitude fosters a sense of contentment and optimism, making challenges and stressors seem less daunting. These positive emotions can significantly reduce the desire to numb yourself with alcohol.

So, how do you get started?

Check out some simple and easy things you can do to start a daily gratitude practice:

1. Self-appreciation: Daily, practice saying five good things about yourself. It may be awkward or difficult at first, but over time it will become easier.

2. Journaling: You don't need a diary with a lock to begin a journaling practice. Use a notebook, your daily planner, or even sticky notes and write down a few things you are grateful for each day.

3. Make someone feel special: If you have a person in your life that you feel you "owe" some happiness or success to, visit them in person and tell them how much they mean to you. Or, if you have a friend or coworker that has influenced your life, make them feel special by thanking them and telling them how much you appreciate them.

4. Find a gratitude buddy: Find someone to share your daily practice with—your spouse, your child, or a friend. Set aside a few minutes a few times a week to share what you are grateful for.

Proofer Products 🛒:

Practice gratitude with The Five Minute Journal

This week we wanted to give you a product that is going to directly tie to our healthy habit: gratitude.

Transform your life with the Five Minute Journal - one of your fellow readers in Nashville swears by it.

Even on the busiest days, spend only five minutes practicing gratitude to boost positivity, reduce anxiety, and improve well-being. It's the simplest, science-backed way to a happier you.

How it works:

→ This science-backed journal harnesses the healing power of gratitude to help you refocus on the good.

→ Consider it your mental insurance policy against negative thought loops, rejuvenating your mind and fortifying it against discontent.

→ The Five Minute Journal’s guided and structured exercises will lead you down a path toward an enhanced version of the person you already are.

Event Spotlight💆🏽‍♀️:

Trade the buzz for bliss: Reset your evening with an at-home massage from Soothe

Let's face it, the end of the workday can be a struggle. Between deadlines, commutes, and the general busyness of life, unwinding can feel like an impossible feat. Often, the solution seems as simple as reaching for a glass of wine or your favorite beverage. But what if there was a more effective, and way healthier, way to de-stress and recharge?

Enter Soothe, the on-demand massage service that brings the spa right to your doorstep.

Why massage is the perfect reset button

A massage does more than just feel good (although, let's be honest, that's a pretty big perk). Here's why a massage is the perfect way to hit the reset button after a long day:

• Melts away tension: Massages help loosen tight muscles, improving flexibility and reducing aches and pains. This can leave you feeling more energized and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.

• Reduces stress and anxiety: The soothing strokes of a massage can trigger the release of endorphins, your body's natural feel-good chemicals. This can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, leaving you feeling calmer and more centered.

• Boosts sleep quality: Feeling tense and wound up can make it difficult to fall asleep. A massage can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, leaving you feeling more rested and refreshed.

So next time you're feeling the urge to unwind with a drink, consider a massage instead. It's a healthier, more sustainable way to manage stress and improve your overall well-being.

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