Unwinding after a fast-paced day doesn’t have to mean pouring a glass of wine—it can be a non alc ritual that soothes the soul, sans hangover. From starry nights to slow sips, we’re all about finding calm in the little things.
Whether it’s a warm, comforting beverage, mindful movement, or simply taking a moment to breathe deeply, relaxation doesn’t have to come in a bottle. With the right atmosphere and intention, your evening routine can become a source of genuine rest and renewal.
Here are eight non alc relaxing rituals to replace that glass of wine and invite true relaxation into your evenings.
Sip a Natural Cacao Drink
Rich in magnesium and theobromine, natural cacao is a great wine alternative that’s a hug in a mug. This ancient, plant-based elixir helps release tension, boost mood, and promote a gentle sense of euphoria. Seek out blends with ingredients like ashwagandha and passionflower. Mix it with warm water or plant-based milk, add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg, and take a few moments to savour each sip as you unwind.
Embrace Herbal Teas and Natural Sleep Aids
If you’re looking for a calming, sleep-supportive alternative, herbal teas infused with chamomile, valerian root, or passionflower are excellent choices. These non alc sleep aids help signal to your body that it’s time to relax, preparing you for restful slumber. Crafting a nightly tea ritual—where you steep, inhale, and sip mindfully—can become a deeply soothing practice that grounds you in the present moment. (At Dales Run on the NSW South Coast, the ritual extends to sipping their custom tea blend.)
Journal and Reflect to Unwind the Mind
Journaling is an underrated but powerful way to process emotions and create closure for the day. Rather than numbing stress with alcohol, writing down your thoughts, gratitude lists, or reflections allows you to acknowledge your emotions with clarity. Light a candle, sip your natural cacao drink, and let your pen flow freely. Slowing your thoughts can feel like a mental exhale.
Engage in Gentle Movement or Restorative Yoga
Instead of pouring a glass of wine, roll out a yoga mat and move intuitively. Slow, restorative yoga or light stretching can ease muscle tension, release stagnant energy, and prepare your body for deep rest. Even a few minutes of mindful movement followed by a long savasana can have profound calming effects, leaving you refreshed and grounded.
Create A (Non Alc) Bath Time Escape
There’s nothing quite like a warm bath to dissolve stress and reset your body – especially if it’s in an outdoor tub, like this beauty at Honeysuckle Farm in Lauriston, Vic. A mindful soak can provide the same decompression as a glass of wine—if not more. Turn your evening bath into a non alc spa ritual. Add essential oils, light a candle, and bring along your favourite book or playlist. This is your time.
Stargaze (Yes, Really)
Step outside, even for a few minutes, and look up. The night sky has a way of putting things in perspective. Whether you’re in a quiet backyard or an open field, stargazing invites you to slow down, feel connected to the universe, and appreciate the beauty of the present moment—and it’s the ultimate reminder to slow down.
A Guided Wind Down
Pop in your headphones and find a guided meditation, a soothing sleep story or slow-living podcast. Even 10 minutes can help shift your energy to calm and ease. Set the ambiance, close your eyes, and let go of the day’s tension.
By replacing wine with non alc rituals, you’re not just removing alcohol—you’re cultivating a lifestyle that prioritises intentional rest and true nourishment. These gentle, natural practices offer relaxation without the side effects, ending your day in a way that deeply serves you. Savour the ritual, one sip, stretch, and breath at a time.
