There’s nothing wrong with a fancy cocktail or a glass of antioxidant-rich red wine to relax and unwind after a really long day at work. But regularly drinking alcohol for stress-relief may not be the best idea. (The amount and situation makes all the difference.)

RELATED: A 2-Minute Calming Meditation to Manage Any Stressful Situation

In this video from the A Little Bit Better series—which focuses on small yet meaningful habit changes—Keri explains why.

A few hints for you: Alcohol, first of all, is a depressant. So if you’re feeling depressed or are faced with a real problem, it will very likely make it worse.

Don’t freak out, though. There are of course many research-tested ways to deal with stress that are really effective. (Some are even as delicious, like eating dark chocolate.)

RELATED: 9 Stress-Fighting Foods to Eat Daily

Watch the video below to set yourself up for more calm, cool, and collected moments, without relying on alcohol for stress-relief.

Why Drinking Alcohol for Stress-Relief Isn’t the Best Strategy

About Nutritious Life Editors

The Nutritious Life Editors are a team of healthy lifestyle enthusiasts who not only subscribe to — and live! — the 8 Pillars of a Nutritious Life, but also have access to some of the savviest thought leaders in the health and wellness space — including our founder and resident dietitian, Keri Glassman. From the hottest trends in wellness to the latest medical science, we stay on top of it all in order to deliver the info YOU need to live your most nutritious life.

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