Can NA Beverages Help Avoid The Monday Blues?

We’ve all been there. The all-too-familiar Monday morning feeling. Your alarm clock is blaring. You groggily reach out to silence it, already feeling the weight of the week ahead. “Why can’t weekends be longer?” you ask yourself as the previous one feels like a distant memory and you’re back to the weekday hustle.

Welcome to the dreaded “Monday Blues,”  a phenomenon that many of us know all too well.

Research shows that Monday is the most stressful day of the week, with 18% of people stating that they experience the most stress on this particular day. But here’s the silver lining: The same research also indicates that 54% of people agree that if they manage stress well on Monday, it helps them alleviate stress for the rest of the week. Moreover, a whopping 78% of people say that starting with a positive mindset on Monday helps them get through the week.

Now, what if we tell you there’s a way to avoid the Monday Blues, and it doesn’t necessarily involve guzzling down that extra cup of coffee or super unhealthy energy drink? Intrigued?

Buckle up, because we’re about to dive into a world of alcohol-free beverages and other Monday-saving hacks that can completely turn the start of your week around!

Why Weekend Alcohol Makes Mondays Worse

Before we dive into alcohol-free beverages to get you through the Monday Blues, let’s talk about why that glass of wine or beer over the weekend could be a major contributor to those Monday Blues.

While it might seem like a fun way to unwind on the weekends (or after work on Monday), alcohol can actually set you up for a tougher start to the week.

Alcohol can mess with your sleep patterns and leave you like a zombie the next day (yikes!). Moreover, according to many studies, regular alcohol consumption could be welcoming uninvited guests: Hello, anxiety disorders.

So, that “just one drink” weekend adventure that somehow turned into a night you barely remember could be setting you up for a more stressful Monday. But fear not, we have some refreshing and relaxing alternatives to alcohol for you to try.

DIY Alcohol-Free Beverages to Overcome the Monday Blues

Now, let’s get to the fun part: mocktails! These alcohol-free cocktails are a fantastic way to unwind after a long Monday without any of the negative effects of alcohol.

Here are five of our favorite recipes:

1. Blackberry Virgin Mojito

You can never go wrong with this edgy take on the classic mojito. It’s alcohol-free with added blackberries and perfect for sipping while gently catching up on those pending emails.

What You’ll Need:

• Fresh mint
• Sugar
• Water
• Blackberries
• Lime juice
• Ice
• Soda water

Steps:

Boil crushed mint with sugar, then strain. Mash blackberries with sugar. Divide blackberries among glasses, add mint syrup and lime juice, top with ice and soda water. Garnish with mint, and enjoy!

2. Alcohol-Free Sangria

To avoid a grueling day at work, this fruity drink is a refreshing and perfect pick-me-up.

What You’ll Need:

• Fresh oranges
• Apples
• Grapes
• Cinnamon
• Orange juice

Steps: 

Slice the fruits and place them in a pitcher. Add cinnamon and orange juice. Stir and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

3. Cucumber Cooler

Who said cucumbers are just for salads? They’re also a great Monday Blues remedy. This soothing drink is a refreshing spa treatment for your taste buds.

What You’ll Need:

• Cucumber
• Lime juice
• Soda water

Steps: 

Mix cucumber and lime juice in a blender. Strain the mixture and pour into a glass. Top with soda water and stir.

4. Berry Lemonade

Sweet, tangy, and berry-refreshing! This drink is like summer in a glass, no matter what day.

What You’ll Need:

• Fresh berries
• Lemon juice
• Honey

Steps: 

Blend the berries, lemon juice, and honey in a blender. Strain the mixture and pour into a glass. Add ice, and enjoy!

5. Whipped Lemonade

This may not be for the faint of heart, but TikTok users vouch that it tastes better than it looks. No wonder it trended! This easy-to-make, creamy, and citrusy drink is the perfect way to kickstart your week.

It’s a must-try for every social media whizz.

@everything_delish CREAMY WHIPPED LEMONADE 🍋 IB: @mtlajeunesse #whippedlemonade #creamylemonade #lemonade #recipe #foodontiktok ♬ You Shook Me All Night Long – AC/DC

What You’ll Need:

• Lemons
• Heavy cream
• Condensed milk
• Ice cubes
• Optional: whipped cream and lemon slices for garnish

Steps:

Juice the lemons into a blender. Add heavy cream, condensed milk, and ice cubes. Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses, optionally top with whipped cream, and garnish with a lemon slice. 

Ready-Made Alcohol-Free Beverages to Avoid the Monday Blues

If you’re not in the mood for making some DIY drinks after a long workday, don’t worry! There are plenty of ready-to-sip alternatives to alcohol you can purchase to help you relax. These drinks don’t just taste good; they also offer calming effects that can help soothe your Monday stress.

Here are the top five on our list:

1. Curious Elixir No. 1

Curious Elixir No. 1 is a ready-to-drink blend of pomegranate, ginger, and citrus, inspired by the classic Negroni. But with a twist! 

It is made with superfoods and adaptogens like gentian and rhodiola. The drink is a great anti-inflammatory and combats stress, fatigue and anxiety. It’s perfect to unwind after a long Monday. Sophisticated, fun, and best served on the rocks.

2. Brooklyn Brewery

Brooklyn Brewery is making a splash with their new line of non-alcoholic beers. With options ranging from hoppy amber to citrusy IPA and classic lager, there’s something for every beer lover. And the best part? They’re all about sustainability and quality, using locally sourced ingredients and minimizing waste. 

So, you can kick back with a cold one, guilt-free, and without the alcohol. Oh, and did we mention that it’s gluten-free?

3. Ariel

Oenophiles, rejoice! Ariel adds a dash of sophistication to your non-alcoholic wine collection. And, no, this isn’t your average grape juice masquerading as wine.

Ariel crafts their wines with love in California’s renowned Napa Valley using traditional winemaking techniques like cold fermentation and aging in small oak barrels. The result? Non-alcoholic wines that boast the same complexity and depth of flavor as their alcoholic counterparts. 

Whether you’re a Chardonnay lover or a Cabernet Sauvignon fan, Ariel has you covered. Plus, it’s paleo-friendly and vegan. You can savor the sunset with a glass of wine without worrying about the effects of alcohol.

4. De Soi

De Soi takes the concept of a sparkling “apéritif” and adds a healthy twist. This unique, booze-free beverage is infused with top adaptogens like reishi mushroom and ashwagandha, known for their stress-reducing and sleep-promoting properties.

It’s not just a refreshing drink. De Soi offers a variety of flavors including Golden Hour, Purple Lune, and Champignon Dreams, catering to every mood.

So pop a bottle to relax and recharge without the alcohol, and we swear Mondays will never be the same again.

Read our full De Soi review.

5. Ghia

Get ready to meet your new Monday BFF: Ghia! This non-alcoholic aperitif will tickle your palate with its irresistible blend of yuzu, elderflower, and rosemary. Ghia is more than just a refreshing beverage; it’s a powerhouse of natural extracts and botanicals.

Speaking of health benefits, Ghia brings the immune-boosting power of vitamin C from yuzu. Need a digestion ally? Fig’s got you covered with its dietary fiber goodness. And that’s not all! Gentian root, rosemary, and ginger aid digestion, enhance memory, and relieve stress.

So, grab a glass, savor the refreshing Ghia experience, and bid those Monday blues goodbye.

Other Ways to Make the Most of Mondays

In addition to enjoying alcohol-free beverages and alternatives, there are other ways to make your Mondays more manageable.

Remember, Mondays are just like any other day of the week, and with the right mindset (and the right bevy in hand), they can become your favorite day of the week.

1. Journaling 

What’s that old saying? The pen is mightier than the… Monday Blues? Okay, we may have tweaked that one a bit. But writing down your goals and intentions to kickstart your week is like having a personal cheerleader on paper!

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology found that expressive writing can help to squash those intrusive and negative thoughts, giving your emotional well-being a major boost. So, grab your favorite pen and a journal that inspires you, and let’s turn those blank pages into your roadmap of positivity for the week.

Check out these journaling exercises for those who want to drink less or stop altogether.

2. Exercise

Start your Monday on the move! Regular exercise is like a natural happy pill. It releases endorphins, these super cool brain chemicals that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators

Need more convincing? The Mayo Clinic reveals that a good sweat sesh can help ease anxiety symptoms and improve your overall mental health.

How about a stress-busting yoga routine or an energizing dance workout right in your living room (if you’re working from home?) Put on those trainers, blast some feel-good tunes, and let’s beat those Monday Blues one burpee at a time!

3. Mindful Meditation 

Ever thought of inviting tranquility into your Mondays? Incorporating a mindfulness practice into your Monday routine can be like taking your mind on a mini vacation. Just ask Sam Harris, who believes that the purpose of meditation is not to remove yourself from the world, but to connect more fully with it. 

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine confirms that mindfulness meditation can help ease a host of psychological stresses like anxiety, depression, and pain. Find a quiet, cozy corner, light a soothing lavender candle or sage, and let’s tune into the power of now. The path to Monday Zen starts here!

4. Healthy Eating

Start your Monday with a nutritious breakfast. How about some avocado toast, a protein-packed smoothie, or even a hearty bowl of oatmeal? According to a study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, a high-quality breakfast can improve cognitive function and boost mood, setting a positive tone for the rest of your day.

5. Connect with Nature

Breathe in the fresh air. Start your Monday by embracing the healing touch of the great outdoors! According to a whole wealth of research, immersing yourself in “green” and “blue” spaces improves your mood and focus, lowers blood pressure, and gives your cognitive abilities a boost.

So, take a walk to your nearest park or just take a moment to appreciate the view outside your window. Let nature work its Monday magic, serving as your mental health spa and infusing your week with a positive, refreshing vibe. 

By incorporating these strategies into your Monday routine, you can improve your mental health and productivity, making the start of your week less stressful and definitely more zestful!

Cheers to Better Mondays

Mondays don’t have to be blue. With these alcohol-free beverages and healthy strategies, you can start your week on a high note. So, next time Monday rolls around, skip the alcohol and reach for a mocktail, paired with a pen or yoga mat instead. Your mind and body will thank you.