Friday night. It’s the best time of the week. Work done and a chance to kick back and relax for a couple of days. For many of us that means heading to the pub and ordering a pint or glass of wine. Or two. Or three…
Naturally, it’s not the healthiest way to start the weekend, and often can even lead to a bit of a write off come Saturday morning.
Binge drinking culture has even become more popular, far beyond students to the point where 7.8 million adults recently admitted to partaking in binge drinking.
This has led to an increase of problem drinkers across the country, with private alcohol rehab centres UK wide seeing more and more patients walk through their doors.
Of course, that isn’t directly a result of going to the pub on a Friday night, but it poses food for thought and maybe we could consider healthier alternatives to Friday night at the pub. So, what’re the options?
Join a Fitness Class or Group Activity
Destressing is important for us on Fridays, so seeking a way to do that without alcohol can be a good place to start. For many, exercise is the perfect way to do that.
Heading to a fitness class or enjoying a group activity on Friday evenings is a good option, boosting those endorphins and keeping fit.
There are so many options from the likes of yoga and Pilates to spin classes or even just heading out for a swim, run or any other form of exercise. What you’ll find is that it really sets you up with a positive mindset for the rest of the weekend too, compared to the hangover!
Host a Dinner Party at Home
Perhaps it’s the social aspect of the pub that you most enjoy on Friday nights, but there’s no reason you can’t enjoy an evening of socialising without alcohol too.
Hosting a dinner party can be a nice alternative, with you fully in control of the menu. You can play around with mocktails or even get some 0% wines or beers in.
When it comes to the cooking element, you might also want to go delicious and nutritious, opting for vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains.
Take a Night-Time Walk or Hike
It might not be for everyone, but exploring the outdoors after work, during those summer evenings can be a brilliant way to blow off the cobwebs from a week of working and make yourself ready to welcome in the weekend.
In fact, you may even want to go for a walk after dark. Nature can be just as thrilling at this time of day, enjoying the night’s sky and the creatures that appear as the light goes down. You’ll find many local wildlife centres and community groups set up for night walking, providing exercise and a new way to look at an area.
Attend a Cultural Event
Friday night’s are always awash with things going on, whether you’re a lover of film, music, art or theatre. Look at the listings each week and choose something you like.
Cultural events provide the opportunity to expand your horizons as well as stimulating your mind. What’s more, it could provide the chance to meet new, like minded people, as well as supporting the local arts scene.
Try a Relaxing Hobby
If you’re looking for a quieter, more introspective way to spend your Friday night, diving into a relaxing hobby might be the perfect solution. Whether it’s painting, knitting, reading, or gardening, engaging in an activity that requires focus and creativity can be incredibly therapeutic.
Hobbies like these help you unwind, reduce stress, and allow you to express yourself in a different way. Additionally, many hobbies can be enjoyed with others, so you can still share your Friday evening with friends, albeit in a more relaxed and health-conscious setting. By investing time in a hobby, you’re not only giving your body a break from the usual Friday night antics but also nurturing your mental well-being