IT’S TIME TO CHOOSE WELLNESS

Kiwi drinking habits are getting healthier. Half of all Kiwis aged over 18 are drinking at least once a week, while one in seven are drinking less than once a year, according to research from Seedlip – a distilled non-alcoholic spirit.

According to a recent survey of 500 New Zealanders over the age of 18, many Kiwi drinking habits are shifting for the better. The results from the survey found Kiwis are drinking less often, at less volume, and in fewer sessions at a potentially harmful level. Fifty-five per cent of the survey’s respondents said they are drinking less than they were 10 years ago, while 56 per cent also stated that non-drinkers are more accepted now.

The survey found that health factors were a major reason for the decline in alcohol consumption, with 45 per cent of respondents saying their health was the number-one factor for drinking less.

Claire Turnbull, a registered nutritionist in New Zealand, says it is encouraging to see Kiwis feeling less pressure socially to drink.

“With people keen to drink less for a variety of reasons – be it for their health goals, or because they have to drive, or simply because they don’t want to – it is great to see more non-alcoholic, low-sugar options available as alternatives,” she says.

Yet the stress of modern-day living does appear to be having some impact on Kiwis’ drinking habits, with 64 per cent of the overall survey participants saying they drink to relax and cope with the week – compared to 51 per cent of people 10 years ago. “As far as the stress-related drinking goes, people may want to look for other ways to manage that pressure,” suggests Turnbull.

“Find other ways to unwind – such as exercise, talking with friends, listening to music or looking at meditation.” seedlipdrinks.com