In my late 30s, I started noticing that alcohol just didn’t make me feel good anymore. Even one or two glasses of wine left me restless, bloated, and on-edge the next day. The cons were clearly outweighing the pros. By the time I turned 40, I decided to stop drinking regularly, except for an occasional glass of wine or champagne on vacation or a special occasion. I didn’t have a drinking problem; I just realized alcohol wasn’t serving me anymore.
That’s when I began exploring how to relax without alcohol — looking for a natural way to unwind and feel calm without the negative side effects.
A Shift in How We See Alcohol
If we’re honest, many of us who are social drinkers probably overdid it a little during COVID. We were all just surviving — stuck at home, anxious, and looking for comfort wherever we could find it. Like a lot of women my age, that season made me realize how much alcohol had quietly become part of the routine.
After COVID (which, for me, was in my late 30s), I started dialing it back — and that’s when I noticed just how differently my body responded. The same glass of wine that once helped me “relax” was suddenly leaving me wired, inflamed, and foggy.
As a millennial, I can say our generation had its fun in our 20s. But now, as a mom, I’m grateful that younger generations seem to view alcohol more skeptically — almost the way we grew up understanding the dangers of cigarettes.
Research backs this shift: Gen Z is drinking 20% less than millennials did at the same age, and U.S. data shows that alcohol consumption is at one of its lowest points in decades. It’s hopeful to think the next generation may not need alcohol to have fun — and the science supports that choice. Recent findings show alcohol increases inflammation, disrupts hormones, and raises the risk of certain cancers.²
While I didn’t stop drinking because of one major moment, this scientific data made me pay closer attention to what alcohol was really doing to my body.
Why I Cut Back on Alcohol (Especially as a Woman in My 40s)
What really confirmed my decision was seeing the data from my Oura Ring. Even after just one drink, my heart rate stayed elevated all night, my deep sleep dropped to almost nothing, and my recovery score tanked. I wasn’t just “a little tired” — alcohol was directly disrupting my sleep, hormones, and recovery. It simply wasn’t worth it for a short-lived buzz.
As I started learning more about how alcohol affects women in perimenopause and menopause, it all made sense.
Alcohol can:
- Disrupt deep, restorative sleep
- Spike cortisol and worsen anxiety
- Trigger hot flashes and night sweats
- Slow metabolism and stall fat loss
- Shut down fat burning: when alcohol is in your system, your body prioritizes metabolizing it first — meaning fat oxidation (your body’s ability to burn stored fat for fuel) stops until the alcohol is cleared.
- Increase risk of breast cancer and heart disease
- Leave you tired, puffy, and moody
For years, I thought wine helped me relax — but it was actually doing the opposite. My sleep, recovery, energy, and overall health are simply too important to compromise.
I’m not saying I’ll never have alcohol again. I might have a glass of wine or champagne on a special occasion or vacation, but I no longer want alcohol to be part of my weekly routine. My body feels better without it.
That’s when I started looking for something that could help me unwind — without the side effects.
Why I Chose Joy Organics
When I decided to make CBD part of my wellness routine, I wanted a clean, trustworthy, and transparent brand. After researching extensively, I found Joy Organics — and it checked every box. Joy Organics is the #1 USDA-certified organic CBD company, with a line of fully organic tinctures, gummies, and salves.
- USDA-certified organic hemp
- Third-party testing with QR codes on every product
- Family-owned, sustainable, and carbon-neutral
- Free of solvents, pesticides, and artificial ingredients
- Clearly labeled full-spectrum (trace THC) and THC-free options
Joy Organics was founded by Joy Smith, who created the company after struggling to find a clean, consistent CBD product that actually worked. She was shocked that this one simple and natural compound could have such a profound effect on her mobility, sleep, energy, and overall health. Joy Organic’s quality and transparency are unmatched — which is why they’ve become my go-to brand.
The Products I Personally Use (and Love)
(Use code POISED20 for 20% off any Joy Organics products.)
Joy Organics CBD Tincture (Full Spectrum)
This is my favorite way to unwind — especially in the evening while I’m cooking or relaxing after work. It’s a full-spectrum formula, meaning it includes all of hemp’s natural compounds, with a trace 2.5 mg of THC per serving. This has a citrus flavor. I throw it in a sparkling water with lemon or lime or my grapefruit spindrifts. If the citrus flavor doesn’t pair with whatever drink I’m having, I’ll put this directly under my tongue for 30 seconds and swallow – it takes effect even quicker.
- One dropper feels similar to one glass of wine — calm and clear-headed.
- Two droppers feel like two glasses — relaxed, yet fully present.
It takes effect in about 20 minutes, and unlike alcohol, it enhances sleep instead of disrupting it.
Joy Organics Sleep Gummies (Full Spectrum)
These are my nightly essential. I take one before bed, and my sleep quality has dramatically improved. The blend of CBN, melatonin and a micro-dose of THC helps me fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Ryan and I both are obsessed with these and our oura rings reflect the effects!
If you prefer no THC at all, try the Sleep Softgels (Broad Spectrum). They deliver the same calming benefits without THC.
Joy Organics CBD Gummies (Full Spectrum)
These regular full-spectrum CBD gummies contain a slightly higher THC content than the sleep version. They’re a little too strong for me personally, but my husband — who’s larger and has a higher tolerance — enjoys these occasionally on a weekend.
CBD Sports Cream
This one gets used often in our house. I apply it after workouts for sore muscles, my teenager uses it for sports recovery, and my husband loves it for general aches. It absorbs quickly and smells clean.
CBD Oil for Pets
Our five-year-old golden retriever gets anxious during storms and our one year old golden gets anxious when it’s time for a bath. Ha! However this THC-free CBD oil calms them down completely. It’s gentle, effective, and one of my favorite Joy Organics products.
Why CBD Works Better for Me Than Alcohol
CBD works by gently calming the nervous system and supporting the body’s endocannabinoid system — the internal network that helps regulate stress, mood, sleep, and recovery.
For me, the difference has been night and day:
- I feel relaxed but clear-headed
- I sleep deeply and wake up refreshed
- My anxiety and irritability are lower
- My hormones and metabolism feel more balanced
- No cravings, hangovers, or “wine guilt”
Full-spectrum CBD (which includes trace, legal amounts of THC) creates a synergistic “entourage effect” that enhances calm and relaxation. Joy Organics also offers THC-free options that provide the same sense of ease and balance. Their website is clearly labeled so you can browse and see which products contain THC and which ones do not. Browse Here
CBD gives me the same calm, content feeling I used to associate with a glass of wine — but without any of the negative trade-offs.
How to Relax Without Alcohol (and Feel Even Better)
If you’ve been thinking about cutting back on alcohol but still want that relaxed, end-of-day ritual, CBD might be the perfect solution. Learning how to relax without alcohol doesn’t mean giving up joy — it’s about finding a healthier way to achieve it.
Start with a clean, third-party-tested brand, go slow with dosing, and listen to your body. Whether you choose a THC-free formula or a full-spectrum blend, you can experience the same relaxed feeling without sacrificing your sleep, metabolism, or hormones.
For me, Joy Organics has become a staple in my wellness routine — and I can’t imagine going back. If you have any questions at all feel free to email me at charity@apoisedperspective.com (subject line: CBD questions) and I’m happy to answer any questions you have.
Shop Joy Organics
Use code POISED20 for 20% off your order.
Disclaimer
This post reflects my personal experience and contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my links. CBD and hemp-derived THC products (containing less than 0.3% THC) are federally legal in the U.S., but state laws vary. Broad spectrum CBD products are not expected to result in a positive test for THC, as they are formulated without detectable levels of THC. However, because drug tests can vary and individual results may differ, Joy Organics cannot guarantee that CBD use will not affect a drug screening. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.
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