Pain has many solutions. Alcohol is the easiest, least effective, and most socially acceptable. It numbs. It disconnects. It creates the illusion of relief while compounding the problem. But what if there was something that addressed both physical pain and the underlying patterns that drive us toward self-medication?
Click any timestamp to jump to that point in the video.
k k s k s k s k s s s k get sweaty with lety a wellness k get sweaty with lety a wellness k get sweaty with lety a wellness program about pain management hello and welcome to this management hello and welcome to this week episode of get sweaty with Ley it week episode of get sweaty with Ley it week episode of get sweaty with Ley it is 14° out feels like 4 sun is shining is 14° out feels like 4 sun is shining is 14° out feels like 4 sun is shining and we had our first significant and we had our first significant and we had our first significant snowfall in about 2 years fantastic day snowfall in about 2 years fantastic day snowfall in about 2 years fantastic day for a SAA and a cold plunge and today's for a SAA and a cold plunge and today's for a SAA and a cold plunge and today's guest we have Jen veral and I actually guest we have Jen veral and I actually guest we have Jen veral and I actually met Jen after reading an article she met Jen after reading an article she met Jen after reading an article she wrote in the newspaper she is an NA wrote in the newspaper she is an NA wrote in the newspaper she is an NA Advocate a tedex speaker and co-founder Advocate a tedex speaker and co-founder Advocate a tedex speaker and co-founder of zero proof Collective and SAA and of zero proof Collective and SAA and of zero proof Collective and SAA and sobriety and I'm excited to talk to her sobriety and I'm excited to talk to her sobriety and I'm excited to talk to her today about the relationship between
today about the relationship between today about the relationship between alcohol and pain let's go alcohol and pain let's go alcohol and pain let's go sweat all right now that we're inside sweat all right now that we're inside sweat all right now that we're inside this lovely exceler SAA I'm happy to be this lovely exceler SAA I'm happy to be this lovely exceler SAA I'm happy to be sitting on the bench with my guest Jen sitting on the bench with my guest Jen sitting on the bench with my guest Jen veral it's good to have you awesome to veral it's good to have you awesome to veral it's good to have you awesome to be here thanks for the invite yeah no be here thanks for the invite yeah no be here thanks for the invite yeah no doubt no doubt now I know about my own doubt no doubt now I know about my own doubt no doubt now I know about my own relationship with with alcohol in pain relationship with with alcohol in pain relationship with with alcohol in pain and we can get into that as we go but and we can get into that as we go but and we can get into that as we go but let me ask you Jen what brings you into let me ask you Jen what brings you into let me ask you Jen what brings you into pain oh such a good question when we pain oh such a good question when we pain oh such a good question when we first talked about this I was thinking first talked about this I was thinking first talked about this I was thinking about pain in terms of a physical pain
about pain in terms of a physical pain about pain in terms of a physical pain and as I've been thinking about it more and as I've been thinking about it more and as I've been thinking about it more it is like a suffering like my pain was it is like a suffering like my pain was it is like a suffering like my pain was more like suffering of being in Social more like suffering of being in Social more like suffering of being in Social spaces that didn't accept the fact that spaces that didn't accept the fact that spaces that didn't accept the fact that I was trying not to drink and I really I was trying not to drink and I really I was trying not to drink and I really align those pain points as more like align those pain points as more like align those pain points as more like mental challenges and we can talk about mental challenges and we can talk about mental challenges and we can talk about how sauna was a solution to that but for how sauna was a solution to that but for how sauna was a solution to that but for our conversation today for sure want to our conversation today for sure want to our conversation today for sure want to talk about all the ways that pain shows talk about all the ways that pain shows talk about all the ways that pain shows up I love that because yeah I mean pain up I love that because yeah I mean pain up I love that because yeah I mean pain is such a funny thing you know your is such a funny thing you know your is such a funny thing you know your first instinct of when you hear pain first instinct of when you hear pain first instinct of when you hear pain you're thinking injury right but the you're thinking injury right but the you're thinking injury right but the pain that can come from the brain oh pain that can come from the brain oh pain that can come from the brain oh just a mental standpoint can be just as just a mental standpoint can be just as just a mental standpoint can be just as debilitating as physical pain and for me debilitating as physical pain and for me debilitating as physical pain and for me you know when I ever whenever I set you know when I ever whenever I set you know when I ever whenever I set goals the first thing to go is alcohol goals the first thing to go is alcohol goals the first thing to go is alcohol because I need to be concentrating I because I need to be concentrating I because I need to be concentrating I need to sleep well everything needs to need to sleep well everything needs to need to sleep well everything needs to be functioning and if it's a constant in
be functioning and if it's a constant in be functioning and if it's a constant in your life you're never able to take a your life you're never able to take a your life you're never able to take a break from it and and and the pipes break from it and and and the pipes break from it and and and the pipes aren't functioning clean right aren't functioning clean right aren't functioning clean right absolutely got dirty pipes yep I would absolutely got dirty pipes yep I would absolutely got dirty pipes yep I would say in active addiction it was you know say in active addiction it was you know say in active addiction it was you know waiting till whatever time during the waiting till whatever time during the waiting till whatever time during the day when I could actually have alcohol day when I could actually have alcohol day when I could actually have alcohol cuz I was a I would say high functioning cuz I was a I would say high functioning cuz I was a I would say high functioning alcoholic and my pain was kind of alcoholic and my pain was kind of alcoholic and my pain was kind of suffering through the day knowing that I suffering through the day knowing that I suffering through the day knowing that I wasn't living in my purpose alcohol kept wasn't living in my purpose alcohol kept wasn't living in my purpose alcohol kept me out of my purpose and I always say to me out of my purpose and I always say to me out of my purpose and I always say to anyone any of my can do that you don't anyone any of my can do that you don't anyone any of my can do that you don't have to Define yourself as an alcoholic have to Define yourself as an alcoholic have to Define yourself as an alcoholic you can just say alcohol doesn't serve you can just say alcohol doesn't serve you can just say alcohol doesn't serve me so I was in this Insanity cycle of me so I was in this Insanity cycle of me so I was in this Insanity cycle of pain and what do we do when we have pain pain and what do we do when we have pain pain and what do we do when we have pain we're uncomfortable and we immediately we're uncomfortable and we immediately we're uncomfortable and we immediately look to solve it and for me it was look to solve it and for me it was look to solve it and for me it was alcohol it was like that I knew would do alcohol it was like that I knew would do alcohol it was like that I knew would do the trick obviously not long term but the trick obviously not long term but the trick obviously not long term but right in terms of an immediate fix did right in terms of an immediate fix did right in terms of an immediate fix did it for me I was like okay now I can it for me I was like okay now I can it for me I was like okay now I can relax I can reduce my anxiety about relax I can reduce my anxiety about relax I can reduce my anxiety about being in the workplace or like sort of
being in the workplace or like sort of being in the workplace or like sort of covering up my alcohol use yeah wow I covering up my alcohol use yeah wow I covering up my alcohol use yeah wow I know I know what that struggle is like know I know what that struggle is like know I know what that struggle is like um I never had I I never really saw um I never had I I never really saw um I never had I I never really saw myself as someone with a drinking myself as someone with a drinking myself as someone with a drinking problem I had a couple incidents where I problem I had a couple incidents where I problem I had a couple incidents where I got a DUI you know that was that was a got a DUI you know that was that was a got a DUI you know that was that was a bummer there's that that's that's that's bummer there's that that's that's that's bummer there's that that's that's that's adolescent uh not knowing how to how to adolescent uh not knowing how to how to adolescent uh not knowing how to how to operate properly in life but you know operate properly in life but you know operate properly in life but you know beyond that I was I was fortunate that I beyond that I was I was fortunate that I beyond that I was I was fortunate that I was able to turn off the alcohol for me was able to turn off the alcohol for me was able to turn off the alcohol for me that the problem you know was actually that the problem you know was actually that the problem you know was actually binge eating in a sense that's where I I binge eating in a sense that's where I I binge eating in a sense that's where I I but so I can relate from a from a that but so I can relate from a from a that but so I can relate from a from a that binge eating standpoint when you're binge eating standpoint when you're binge eating standpoint when you're waiting through the day and you're just waiting through the day and you're just waiting through the day and you're just like I'm doing well I'm doing well I'm like I'm doing well I'm doing well I'm like I'm doing well I'm doing well I'm doing well but there's just something in doing well but there's just something in doing well but there's just something in the back of your mind that's like I know the back of your mind that's like I know the back of your mind that's like I know you're doing well but just wait you're you're doing well but just wait you're you're doing well but just wait you're going to go there yeah no in your book I going to go there yeah no in your book I going to go there yeah no in your book I totally resonated with that because it totally resonated with that because it totally resonated with that because it was like okay getting through the day was like okay getting through the day was like okay getting through the day just kind of getting through life is how just kind of getting through life is how just kind of getting through life is how I operated and then it was like work out I operated and then it was like work out I operated and then it was like work out work out hard I always say you know work out hard I always say you know work out hard I always say you know toxins in toxins out out and I would get
toxins in toxins out out and I would get toxins in toxins out out and I would get a reset but in the back of my mind in a reset but in the back of my mind in a reset but in the back of my mind in the morning I might say you know I'm so the morning I might say you know I'm so the morning I might say you know I'm so hung over I'm not drinking again I'm not hung over I'm not drinking again I'm not hung over I'm not drinking again I'm not going to do it tonight by 5 6 o' I could going to do it tonight by 5 6 o' I could going to do it tonight by 5 6 o' I could just feel that anxiety coming up that just feel that anxiety coming up that just feel that anxiety coming up that that suffering of like how am I going to that suffering of like how am I going to that suffering of like how am I going to escape this how am I going to spend just escape this how am I going to spend just escape this how am I going to spend just time with myself and my own body and not time with myself and my own body and not time with myself and my own body and not be so uncomfortable right yeah it's uh be so uncomfortable right yeah it's uh be so uncomfortable right yeah it's uh those can def those are challenging those can def those are challenging those can def those are challenging times um and I know when I was trying to times um and I know when I was trying to times um and I know when I was trying to break through of my depression and when break through of my depression and when break through of my depression and when I was going and hanging out with my I was going and hanging out with my I was going and hanging out with my friends again you know that was tough friends again you know that was tough friends again you know that was tough everybody's everybody's drinking and everybody's everybody's drinking and everybody's everybody's drinking and fortunately I had I had cannabis as uh a fortunately I had I had cannabis as uh a fortunately I had I had cannabis as uh a good thing in my life so you know I good thing in my life so you know I good thing in my life so you know I would have friends that I could hang out would have friends that I could hang out would have friends that I could hang out with and we would enjoy and enjoy with and we would enjoy and enjoy with and we would enjoy and enjoy smoking weed together but you know they smoking weed together but you know they smoking weed together but you know they were far and few yeah and there was a were far and few yeah and there was a were far and few yeah and there was a stigma to that at the time oh for sure stigma to that at the time oh for sure stigma to that at the time oh for sure still de de with now even with the
still de de with now even with the still de de with now even with the legalization of it but yeah I mean gosh legalization of it but yeah I mean gosh legalization of it but yeah I mean gosh you know like do I just have one beard you know like do I just have one beard you know like do I just have one beard do I have one drink and I I would start do I have one drink and I I would start do I have one drink and I I would start to get to this mental point where when I to get to this mental point where when I to get to this mental point where when I would even have one it was almost like a would even have one it was almost like a would even have one it was almost like a day ruined yeah you know yeah where if day ruined yeah you know yeah where if day ruined yeah you know yeah where if I'm trying to achieve goals physically I'm trying to achieve goals physically I'm trying to achieve goals physically or or professionally or just or or professionally or just or or professionally or just socially totally I want to have I like socially totally I want to have I like socially totally I want to have I like sober days you know that that's that's sober days you know that that's that's sober days you know that that's that's where I ended up finding that that where I ended up finding that that where I ended up finding that that balance is it's seeking out sober days balance is it's seeking out sober days balance is it's seeking out sober days yeah no and I think it's really yeah no and I think it's really yeah no and I think it's really interesting cuz I view it when you say interesting cuz I view it when you say interesting cuz I view it when you say like an off switch right like I know like an off switch right like I know like an off switch right like I know that I never had that I consider myself that I never had that I consider myself that I never had that I consider myself in recovery I use different terms now to in recovery I use different terms now to in recovery I use different terms now to describe my relationship with alcohol describe my relationship with alcohol describe my relationship with alcohol which is I need to be sober like sober which is I need to be sober like sober which is I need to be sober like sober necessary is what I say but I never had necessary is what I say but I never had necessary is what I say but I never had an off switch so there's there's an off switch so there's there's an off switch so there's there's defining that relationship with alcohol defining that relationship with alcohol defining that relationship with alcohol but I almost in 10 years of sobriety now but I almost in 10 years of sobriety now but I almost in 10 years of sobriety now and like I actually feel kind of blessed
and like I actually feel kind of blessed and like I actually feel kind of blessed that I just it's not an option for me that I just it's not an option for me that I just it's not an option for me that's it takes it off the table that's it takes it off the table that's it takes it off the table completely and I look at others who want completely and I look at others who want completely and I look at others who want to be alcohol-free but they can take or to be alcohol-free but they can take or to be alcohol-free but they can take or leave it and so they are in this Middle leave it and so they are in this Middle leave it and so they are in this Middle Ground of like how much is too much and Ground of like how much is too much and Ground of like how much is too much and like where do I assess my relationship like where do I assess my relationship like where do I assess my relationship and um yeah I guess it's one of the and um yeah I guess it's one of the and um yeah I guess it's one of the beautiful things of long-term sobriety beautiful things of long-term sobriety beautiful things of long-term sobriety is you just don't even have to think is you just don't even have to think is you just don't even have to think about that yeah that that's pretty great about that yeah that that's pretty great about that yeah that that's pretty great yeah when I started you know this time yeah when I started you know this time yeah when I started you know this time last last year I was really into the last last year I was really into the last last year I was really into the process of writing my book and I was process of writing my book and I was process of writing my book and I was looking at my month and at the beginning looking at my month and at the beginning looking at my month and at the beginning of all this I was looking at him like of all this I was looking at him like of all this I was looking at him like man I don't even know if there's a day man I don't even know if there's a day man I don't even know if there's a day in there where I don't want to have a in there where I don't want to have a in there where I don't want to have a have a beer or do something like that so have a beer or do something like that so have a beer or do something like that so I had to get over that mental thought I had to get over that mental thought I had to get over that mental thought where I need to have a beer and you know where I need to have a beer and you know where I need to have a beer and you know fortunately like being a brewery owner fortunately like being a brewery owner fortunately like being a brewery owner that can be kind of interesting right oh that can be kind of interesting right oh that can be kind of interesting right oh yeah we got talk about that more yeah yeah we got talk about that more yeah yeah we got talk about that more yeah but we're able to sell THC and for me but we're able to sell THC and for me but we're able to sell THC and for me you know I see THC sell
you know I see THC sell you know I see THC sell as a as a non-alcoholic option but I as a as a non-alcoholic option but I as a as a non-alcoholic option but I understand how it's not non-alcoholic understand how it's not non-alcoholic understand how it's not non-alcoholic for everybody right and it has different for everybody right and it has different for everybody right and it has different meaning but for me being able to be an meaning but for me being able to be an meaning but for me being able to be an advocate for not consuming alcohol and advocate for not consuming alcohol and advocate for not consuming alcohol and also uh how cannabis can benefit from also uh how cannabis can benefit from also uh how cannabis can benefit from you that has really helped me move on you that has really helped me move on you that has really helped me move on from the daily desire to have just one from the daily desire to have just one from the daily desire to have just one beer yeah and I I that's huge I can just beer yeah and I I that's huge I can just beer yeah and I I that's huge I can just go back behind the bar and pour whatever go back behind the bar and pour whatever go back behind the bar and pour whatever I want whenever I want right that was I want whenever I want right that was I want whenever I want right that was tricky for a few years but I've been tricky for a few years but I've been tricky for a few years but I've been able to find that balance and it's so able to find that balance and it's so able to find that balance and it's so key and like trust yourself like I key and like trust yourself like I key and like trust yourself like I reading your book all about the crispy reading your book all about the crispy reading your book all about the crispy creams right I worked at a bakery for creams right I worked at a bakery for creams right I worked at a bakery for three Summers and like just you know the three Summers and like just you know the three Summers and like just you know the Temptations are always there and it's Temptations are always there and it's Temptations are always there and it's part of your work environment so I love part of your work environment so I love part of your work environment so I love that you bring that up because I when I that you bring that up because I when I that you bring that up because I when I came to back Channel first and when we came to back Channel first and when we came to back Channel first and when we met I was like this really does feel met I was like this really does feel met I was like this really does feel like a community and a social space like a community and a social space like a community and a social space which to me is all about the the na
which to me is all about the the na which to me is all about the the na movement is making it more of a social movement is making it more of a social movement is making it more of a social movement to say we aren't necessarily movement to say we aren't necessarily movement to say we aren't necessarily gathering in order to just drink we you gathering in order to just drink we you gathering in order to just drink we you have the space but you've provided have the space but you've provided have the space but you've provided options and that's all I have ever options and that's all I have ever options and that's all I have ever personally wanted and been advocating personally wanted and been advocating personally wanted and been advocating for so tot thank you that absolutely and for so tot thank you that absolutely and for so tot thank you that absolutely and thank you for seeing like what we're thank you for seeing like what we're thank you for seeing like what we're trying to do you know we are called back trying to do you know we are called back trying to do you know we are called back Channel Brewing but I view us as an Channel Brewing but I view us as an Channel Brewing but I view us as an entity as a gathering space an event entity as a gathering space an event entity as a gathering space an event space where all walks of life can come space where all walks of life can come space where all walks of life can come together you know we had a SAA and together you know we had a SAA and together you know we had a SAA and sobriety event a couple months ago and sobriety event a couple months ago and sobriety event a couple months ago and it was fun talking to people about hey it was fun talking to people about hey it was fun talking to people about hey you know let's let's let's break down you know let's let's let's break down you know let's let's let's break down this invisible wall of you have to drink this invisible wall of you have to drink this invisible wall of you have to drink if you're coming to a brewery cuz you if you're coming to a brewery cuz you if you're coming to a brewery cuz you don't right we have more na options than don't right we have more na options than don't right we have more na options than than beer than regular beer options I than beer than regular beer options I than beer than regular beer options I couldn't believe the selection you couldn't believe the selection you couldn't believe the selection you brought out today I was like that's brought out today I was like that's brought out today I was like that's amazing and also just to have it amazing and also just to have it amazing and also just to have it integrated so I think one of the issues integrated so I think one of the issues integrated so I think one of the issues with recovery and one of the things I
with recovery and one of the things I with recovery and one of the things I saw missing was People in AA for example saw missing was People in AA for example saw missing was People in AA for example would go to fellowship and do things would go to fellowship and do things would go to fellowship and do things just with their non-drinking friends and just with their non-drinking friends and just with their non-drinking friends and I always thought well that's great that I always thought well that's great that I always thought well that's great that helped me for the first three years helped me for the first three years helped me for the first three years that's all I did because I didn't trust that's all I did because I didn't trust that's all I did because I didn't trust myself in different social spaces but myself in different social spaces but myself in different social spaces but what happened was um you know three some what happened was um you know three some what happened was um you know three some years into it I'm like there's got to be years into it I'm like there's got to be years into it I'm like there's got to be a way to integrate I have friends that a way to integrate I have friends that a way to integrate I have friends that don't drink or drink responsibly that don't drink or drink responsibly that don't drink or drink responsibly that have a couple na Beverages and maybe have a couple na Beverages and maybe have a couple na Beverages and maybe shift to alcohol or vice versa but the shift to alcohol or vice versa but the shift to alcohol or vice versa but the behavior and the way they show up is behavior and the way they show up is behavior and the way they show up is still authentic like you can still be in still authentic like you can still be in still authentic like you can still be in community with people that drink if you community with people that drink if you community with people that drink if you don't definitely definitely yeah and I don't definitely definitely yeah and I don't definitely definitely yeah and I like how you said responsibly uh in your like how you said responsibly uh in your like how you said responsibly uh in your article the word that really struck me article the word that really struck me article the word that really struck me was mindful drinking and mindful was mindful drinking and mindful was mindful drinking and mindful consumption and that's how I view myself consumption and that's how I view myself consumption and that's how I view myself as a mindful Drinker because I I like to as a mindful Drinker because I I like to as a mindful Drinker because I I like to stay in shape uh my whole being is stay in shape uh my whole being is stay in shape uh my whole being is fighting pain and I've recognized that fighting pain and I've recognized that fighting pain and I've recognized that too much alcohol will lead to pain so
too much alcohol will lead to pain so too much alcohol will lead to pain so there has to be a balance you know I there has to be a balance you know I there has to be a balance you know I want to I like to celebrate with friends want to I like to celebrate with friends want to I like to celebrate with friends but I'm not going to get blasted anymore but I'm not going to get blasted anymore but I'm not going to get blasted anymore I can I can have I can have a few beers I can I can have I can have a few beers I can I can have I can have a few beers and you know that's good uh it's I liken and you know that's good uh it's I liken and you know that's good uh it's I liken it to to my desire to have sweets to it to to my desire to have sweets to it to to my desire to have sweets to Donuts as well totally Crispy Cream is Donuts as well totally Crispy Cream is Donuts as well totally Crispy Cream is coming back to the Twin Cities and I'm coming back to the Twin Cities and I'm coming back to the Twin Cities and I'm going to have one of those damn Donuts going to have one of those damn Donuts going to have one of those damn Donuts am I going to have a dozen a celebrated am I going to have a dozen a celebrated am I going to have a dozen a celebrated moment where you will have come to that moment where you will have come to that moment where you will have come to that with just a different perspective and with just a different perspective and with just a different perspective and your journey looks different yeah your journey looks different yeah your journey looks different yeah exactly exactly but like when it comes exactly exactly but like when it comes exactly exactly but like when it comes to stay in shape I look at a week and to stay in shape I look at a week and to stay in shape I look at a week and I'm like I'm going to I'm going to work I'm like I'm going to I'm going to work I'm like I'm going to I'm going to work out there I'm not going to have a beer out there I'm not going to have a beer out there I'm not going to have a beer or alcohol later on that is not good for or alcohol later on that is not good for or alcohol later on that is not good for protein synthesis alcohol is going to protein synthesis alcohol is going to protein synthesis alcohol is going to kill that process and I love that you kill that process and I love that you kill that process and I love that you know all the science behind everything know all the science behind everything know all the science behind everything cuz that's actually a new driver that cuz that's actually a new driver that cuz that's actually a new driver that people have come to it like even in the people have come to it like even in the people have come to it like even in the sauna where we're at and cold plunge sauna where we're at and cold plunge sauna where we're at and cold plunge there's huge you know health benefits there's huge you know health benefits there's huge you know health benefits and if you are someone who works out and and if you are someone who works out and and if you are someone who works out and takes care of your body ultimately you
takes care of your body ultimately you takes care of your body ultimately you have to say alcohol doesn't align have to say alcohol doesn't align have to say alcohol doesn't align correct I mean I was doing these crazy correct I mean I was doing these crazy correct I mean I was doing these crazy like step classes and killing myself you like step classes and killing myself you like step classes and killing myself you know half hour hour workouts daily when know half hour hour workouts daily when know half hour hour workouts daily when I was in active addiction just to be I was in active addiction just to be I was in active addiction just to be able to say I've got my you know act able to say I've got my you know act able to say I've got my you know act together I'm totally fine but that together I'm totally fine but that together I'm totally fine but that hardcore mentality of working out and hardcore mentality of working out and hardcore mentality of working out and then when you look at like how you want then when you look at like how you want then when you look at like how you want to perform it's like how did alcohol fit to perform it's like how did alcohol fit to perform it's like how did alcohol fit and that of course I was in my 20s and and that of course I was in my 20s and and that of course I was in my 20s and 30s when I was doing that but that would 30s when I was doing that but that would 30s when I was doing that but that would never fly now it would take me out for never fly now it would take me out for never fly now it would take me out for days yeah it's crazy I used to you know days yeah it's crazy I used to you know days yeah it's crazy I used to you know we chatted we had a similar story where we chatted we had a similar story where we chatted we had a similar story where you'd go out you'd drink and when you're you'd go out you'd drink and when you're you'd go out you'd drink and when you're young and you'd stay up super late young and you'd stay up super late young and you'd stay up super late probably wouldn't have any food when you probably wouldn't have any food when you probably wouldn't have any food when you get home at night you get up in the get home at night you get up in the get home at night you get up in the morning you feel shame and you go and morning you feel shame and you go and morning you feel shame and you go and pound away for an hour or two sweating pound away for an hour or two sweating pound away for an hour or two sweating not necessarily replenishing and then not necessarily replenishing and then not necessarily replenishing and then when you do replenish It's never enough when you do replenish It's never enough when you do replenish It's never enough so there's just constant state of so there's just constant state of so there's just constant state of depletion when you're you're fighting depletion when you're you're fighting depletion when you're you're fighting the the alcohol workout routine yeah oh the the alcohol workout routine yeah oh the the alcohol workout routine yeah oh my gosh I never and I didn't know about my gosh I never and I didn't know about my gosh I never and I didn't know about water honestly now people like actually
water honestly now people like actually water honestly now people like actually know to drink water this was you know know to drink water this was you know know to drink water this was you know two decades ago where I would get up and two decades ago where I would get up and two decades ago where I would get up and maybe have some caffeine and then go to maybe have some caffeine and then go to maybe have some caffeine and then go to a spin class yeah and just like what how a spin class yeah and just like what how a spin class yeah and just like what how did I how did that even happen I don't did I how did that even happen I don't did I how did that even happen I don't know wild yeah well water is life water know wild yeah well water is life water know wild yeah well water is life water is life and we're going to get in some is life and we're going to get in some is life and we're going to get in some very cold water soon I can't I can't very cold water soon I can't I can't very cold water soon I can't I can't wait for that speaking of which I'm wait for that speaking of which I'm wait for that speaking of which I'm going to I'm going to step down here and going to I'm going to step down here and going to I'm going to step down here and Stoke our fire a little bit yeah we Stoke our fire a little bit yeah we Stoke our fire a little bit yeah we could use some heat oh it's nice to say nice to see the the oh it's nice to say nice to see the the oh it's nice to say nice to see the the Mercury Rising in here with that uh with Mercury Rising in here with that uh with Mercury Rising in here with that uh with those additional logs just put on we're those additional logs just put on we're those additional logs just put on we're get we're getting sweaty yes I'm excited get we're getting sweaty yes I'm excited get we're getting sweaty yes I'm excited to get cold thinking cold plunge to get cold thinking cold plunge to get cold thinking cold plunge remedies there how are you remedying remedies there how are you remedying remedies there how are you remedying others that are getting into sober others that are getting into sober others that are getting into sober necessary necessary necessary or understanding how to or understanding how to or understanding how to engage socially when they feel maybe
engage socially when they feel maybe engage socially when they feel maybe just trapped in that that lifestyle yeah just trapped in that that lifestyle yeah just trapped in that that lifestyle yeah well I can talk a little bit about how I well I can talk a little bit about how I well I can talk a little bit about how I came to sauna and cold plunge which was came to sauna and cold plunge which was came to sauna and cold plunge which was 3 years into sobriety and I really 3 years into sobriety and I really 3 years into sobriety and I really didn't have any adult social experiences didn't have any adult social experiences didn't have any adult social experiences that I didn't have to work at to like that I didn't have to work at to like that I didn't have to work at to like create and be like you know reach out to create and be like you know reach out to create and be like you know reach out to friends and like go out so what I loved friends and like go out so what I loved friends and like go out so what I loved about when I discovered SAA and cold about when I discovered SAA and cold about when I discovered SAA and cold plunge like as I know it now um was that plunge like as I know it now um was that plunge like as I know it now um was that the Hing hotel and it was 3our guided the Hing hotel and it was 3our guided the Hing hotel and it was 3our guided experiences but the cool thing is you experiences but the cool thing is you experiences but the cool thing is you could just go on your own I didn't have could just go on your own I didn't have could just go on your own I didn't have to like you know reach out to my friend to like you know reach out to my friend to like you know reach out to my friend group I could just show up and something group I could just show up and something group I could just show up and something about being in conversation like you can about being in conversation like you can about being in conversation like you can join in if you want but you can also join in if you want but you can also join in if you want but you can also just sit back and listen and it provided just sit back and listen and it provided just sit back and listen and it provided this like intimate Community belonging this like intimate Community belonging this like intimate Community belonging experience that I think a lot of people experience that I think a lot of people experience that I think a lot of people there's a lot of isolation right and there's a lot of isolation right and there's a lot of isolation right and especially in winter in Minnesota we go especially in winter in Minnesota we go especially in winter in Minnesota we go deep and that that to me was like very
deep and that that to me was like very deep and that that to me was like very isolating to not be able to drink and go isolating to not be able to drink and go isolating to not be able to drink and go out so when I found this I was like I out so when I found this I was like I out so when I found this I was like I bet other sober people are people just bet other sober people are people just bet other sober people are people just you know looking for a different you know looking for a different you know looking for a different experience would love this totally so I experience would love this totally so I experience would love this totally so I just the correlation there to me was just the correlation there to me was just the correlation there to me was just like a light bulb and that's also just like a light bulb and that's also just like a light bulb and that's also why you know co-founding son and why you know co-founding son and why you know co-founding son and sobriety was a direct invitation to say sobriety was a direct invitation to say sobriety was a direct invitation to say come here and don't be pressured to come here and don't be pressured to come here and don't be pressured to drink right right and and you you offer drink right right and and you you offer drink right right and and you you offer all of these different na options for all of these different na options for all of these different na options for people too so it's not just a gathering people too so it's not just a gathering people too so it's not just a gathering where you're with like-minded where you're with like-minded where you're with like-minded individuals you get a nice little spread individuals you get a nice little spread individuals you get a nice little spread of delicious offerings that really ease of delicious offerings that really ease of delicious offerings that really ease the burden of of not being able to drink the burden of of not being able to drink the burden of of not being able to drink right sometimes when people are smoking right sometimes when people are smoking right sometimes when people are smoking they just want that sensation of putting they just want that sensation of putting they just want that sensation of putting something into their into their mouth something into their into their mouth something into their into their mouth same when it comes to just casual same when it comes to just casual same when it comes to just casual conversation where beverages are conversation where beverages are conversation where beverages are involved I mean I I used to you know involved I mean I I used to you know involved I mean I I used to you know really look at what everybody was really look at what everybody was really look at what everybody was drinking back in the day and now I just
drinking back in the day and now I just drinking back in the day and now I just I just hope somebody's got something in I just hope somebody's got something in I just hope somebody's got something in their their their hands sparkly beverage in hand and hands sparkly beverage in hand and hands sparkly beverage in hand and that's what I fully like embraced early that's what I fully like embraced early that's what I fully like embraced early in sobriety is like if you have in sobriety is like if you have in sobriety is like if you have something elevated something special in something elevated something special in something elevated something special in your hand people aren't really asking your hand people aren't really asking your hand people aren't really asking the question right and I used to get the question right and I used to get the question right and I used to get very angry when I didn't have anything very angry when I didn't have anything very angry when I didn't have anything and people constantly would try to buy and people constantly would try to buy and people constantly would try to buy me drinks I would be like well you're no me drinks I would be like well you're no me drinks I would be like well you're no fun cuz you're not drinking i' be like I fun cuz you're not drinking i' be like I fun cuz you're not drinking i' be like I challenge that because yeah we know challenge that because yeah we know challenge that because yeah we know we're fun we're fun we're fun alcoh you're damn right but and you alcoh you're damn right but and you alcoh you're damn right but and you bring up a point yeah it's just you know bring up a point yeah it's just you know bring up a point yeah it's just you know it's just another example of that that P it's just another example of that that P it's just another example of that that P that little bit of mental pain that can that little bit of mental pain that can that little bit of mental pain that can be inflicted when someone asks you what be inflicted when someone asks you what be inflicted when someone asks you what you want to drink or what can I get you you want to drink or what can I get you you want to drink or what can I get you and and there's maybe just like a and and there's maybe just like a and and there's maybe just like a hesitation afterwards if you don't say hesitation afterwards if you don't say hesitation afterwards if you don't say alcohol right it's just they don't know alcohol right it's just they don't know alcohol right it's just they don't know what to do with you they don't know what what to do with you they don't know what what to do with you they don't know what to do yeah that's what I always say like to do yeah that's what I always say like to do yeah that's what I always say like I felt very Uninvited to all social I felt very Uninvited to all social I felt very Uninvited to all social experiences when I stopped drinking and experiences when I stopped drinking and experiences when I stopped drinking and this was 12 years ago and now with na
this was 12 years ago and now with na this was 12 years ago and now with na products available I would say and I products available I would say and I products available I would say and I would put you in the category of a a would put you in the category of a a would put you in the category of a a social curator of experiences which can social curator of experiences which can social curator of experiences which can be bar restaurant could be corporate but be bar restaurant could be corporate but be bar restaurant could be corporate but just to say that if you are doing that just to say that if you are doing that just to say that if you are doing that then there's no reason you can't have then there's no reason you can't have then there's no reason you can't have any options and you fully embraced that any options and you fully embraced that any options and you fully embraced that so I'd love to see that appreciate it so I'd love to see that appreciate it so I'd love to see that appreciate it appreciated it and you know I just had a appreciated it and you know I just had a appreciated it and you know I just had a I had a conversation with somebody 3 I had a conversation with somebody 3 I had a conversation with somebody 3 days ago uh and I do what I do naturally days ago uh and I do what I do naturally days ago uh and I do what I do naturally I I I can I get you a beer right right cuz I can I get you a beer right right cuz I can I get you a beer right right cuz I know they enjoy beer yeah but this time know they enjoy beer yeah but this time know they enjoy beer yeah but this time they they were like you know I I'm I'm they they were like you know I I'm I'm they they were like you know I I'm I'm I'm not drinking anymore wow and you I'm not drinking anymore wow and you I'm not drinking anymore wow and you know I could sense the like shame behind know I could sense the like shame behind know I could sense the like shame behind it but I I met that with encouragement it but I I met that with encouragement it but I I met that with encouragement you know and it's like I was like that's you know and it's like I was like that's you know and it's like I was like that's awesome you know let's get together and awesome you know let's get together and awesome you know let's get together and like I want to talk to you about that like I want to talk to you about that like I want to talk to you about that yeah I wish someone would have said that yeah I wish someone would have said that yeah I wish someone would have said that to me in early sobriety but it was to me in early sobriety but it was to me in early sobriety but it was always like you get like the resistance
always like you get like the resistance always like you get like the resistance or the unknown of what does that mean or the unknown of what does that mean or the unknown of what does that mean and people back away from it but you and people back away from it but you and people back away from it but you being able just to step in and like see being able just to step in and like see being able just to step in and like see that because it is hard to say when you that because it is hard to say when you that because it is hard to say when you start even the first year where I had to start even the first year where I had to start even the first year where I had to say that it was like oh my gosh I hate say that it was like oh my gosh I hate say that it was like oh my gosh I hate this I'll just avoid any social this I'll just avoid any social this I'll just avoid any social experience because I just can't deal experience because I just can't deal experience because I just can't deal yeah and I mean that's exactly I I when yeah and I mean that's exactly I I when yeah and I mean that's exactly I I when I asked how how's it going the the I asked how how's it going the the I asked how how's it going the the comment was I I just I really miss the comment was I I just I really miss the comment was I I just I really miss the the social the conversation when we're the social the conversation when we're the social the conversation when we're hanging out and I said that can still be hanging out and I said that can still be hanging out and I said that can still be there you know it's it's just going to there you know it's it's just going to there you know it's it's just going to be different and you you just need be different and you you just need be different and you you just need to focus your mind on other things and to focus your mind on other things and to focus your mind on other things and and that's where Wellness comes into and that's where Wellness comes into and that's where Wellness comes into play cuz when you're starting to feel play cuz when you're starting to feel play cuz when you're starting to feel better it's easier to avoid something better it's easier to avoid something better it's easier to avoid something that will that will that will ultimately shed what it's trying to do ultimately shed what it's trying to do ultimately shed what it's trying to do and it's and it's hurting you you know and it's and it's hurting you you know and it's and it's hurting you you know and it's hurting you yeah that's what I and it's hurting you yeah that's what I and it's hurting you yeah that's what I never wanted to look at I always like never wanted to look at I always like never wanted to look at I always like you know the idea that alcohol is just
you know the idea that alcohol is just you know the idea that alcohol is just you know that's tied to my identity it's you know that's tied to my identity it's you know that's tied to my identity it's what I do part of my life how how could what I do part of my life how how could what I do part of my life how how could I exist without it you know and you're I exist without it you know and you're I exist without it you know and you're at the bar trying to answer that at the bar trying to answer that at the bar trying to answer that question differently and it just leads question differently and it just leads question differently and it just leads back into the cycle of you know back into the cycle of you know back into the cycle of you know belonging and that's what we do in belonging and that's what we do in belonging and that's what we do in Social spaces typically so totally Social spaces typically so totally Social spaces typically so totally totally good to see that changing yeah totally good to see that changing yeah totally good to see that changing yeah and and it's my goal to I want to make and and it's my goal to I want to make and and it's my goal to I want to make everybody feel comfortable and you know everybody feel comfortable and you know everybody feel comfortable and you know the more events that we we do out here the more events that we we do out here the more events that we we do out here are the more opportunities where we can are the more opportunities where we can are the more opportunities where we can make people feel at home getting you out make people feel at home getting you out make people feel at home getting you out here maybe they're somewhere in the here maybe they're somewhere in the here maybe they're somewhere in the middle of us right maybe they're maybe middle of us right maybe they're maybe middle of us right maybe they're maybe they're more towards you maybe they're they're more towards you maybe they're they're more towards you maybe they're more towards me but what they've more towards me but what they've more towards me but what they've recognized is that the recognized is that the recognized is that the traditional behaviors can't persist yeah traditional behaviors can't persist yeah traditional behaviors can't persist yeah and that's where this na push right now and that's where this na push right now and that's where this na push right now is so well and you're modeling that so I is so well and you're modeling that so I is so well and you're modeling that so I always say where are the social spaces always say where are the social spaces always say where are the social spaces that are going to model what it looks that are going to model what it looks that are going to model what it looks like a lot of people are afraid to step
like a lot of people are afraid to step like a lot of people are afraid to step into that their bar and restaurants are into that their bar and restaurants are into that their bar and restaurants are built around the idea that they are a built around the idea that they are a built around the idea that they are a Haven where you can go in Day drink like Haven where you can go in Day drink like Haven where you can go in Day drink like I think of all the sporting things you I think of all the sporting things you I think of all the sporting things you do here um it's kind of like Unwritten do here um it's kind of like Unwritten do here um it's kind of like Unwritten if you walk in the door to some of those if you walk in the door to some of those if you walk in the door to some of those places that you're going to have several places that you're going to have several places that you're going to have several you know drinks and you're going to be you know drinks and you're going to be you know drinks and you're going to be sitting at the bar Maybe by yourself you sitting at the bar Maybe by yourself you sitting at the bar Maybe by yourself you know so this is setting the tone for know so this is setting the tone for know so this is setting the tone for people kind of getting into that like people kind of getting into that like people kind of getting into that like what does that actually look like and what does that actually look like and what does that actually look like and maybe it's the first time they've ever maybe it's the first time they've ever maybe it's the first time they've ever said I'm not drinking today maybe said I'm not drinking today maybe said I'm not drinking today maybe they're doing dry January and we're like they're doing dry January and we're like they're doing dry January and we're like we have some THC or you know whatever we have some THC or you know whatever we have some THC or you know whatever that is it's pretty cool to see that that is it's pretty cool to see that that is it's pretty cool to see that happen yeah and you know you bring up happen yeah and you know you bring up happen yeah and you know you bring up dry January and I used to just despise dry January and I used to just despise dry January and I used to just despise dry January but yeah yeah um but now dry January but yeah yeah um but now dry January but yeah yeah um but now like we're we are fully embracing it we like we're we are fully embracing it we like we're we are fully embracing it we we're launching a bunch of new na we're launching a bunch of new na we're launching a bunch of new na beverages as I mentioned before we have beverages as I mentioned before we have beverages as I mentioned before we have more na available than we do actual beer more na available than we do actual beer more na available than we do actual beer amazing oh my gosh the times have
amazing oh my gosh the times have amazing oh my gosh the times have changed from like two years ago for sure changed from like two years ago for sure changed from like two years ago for sure I went from I went from I went from despise to all right let's make this despise to all right let's make this despise to all right let's make this happen Embrace yeah Embrace Embrace happen Embrace yeah Embrace Embrace happen Embrace yeah Embrace Embrace thank you yeah thank you and that's come thank you yeah thank you and that's come thank you yeah thank you and that's come along with my own personal Journey along with my own personal Journey along with my own personal Journey though too I don't drink as much as I though too I don't drink as much as I though too I don't drink as much as I used to yeah that's the whole story used to yeah that's the whole story used to yeah that's the whole story about and you're creating this for about and you're creating this for about and you're creating this for yourself like you don't want to work yourself like you don't want to work yourself like you don't want to work your business just to serve you know and your business just to serve you know and your business just to serve you know and have that be the only means but you are have that be the only means but you are have that be the only means but you are pairing your journey with it which is so pairing your journey with it which is so pairing your journey with it which is so cool to see yeah thank you so much yeah cool to see yeah thank you so much yeah cool to see yeah thank you so much yeah and and this is just the tip of the and and this is just the tip of the and and this is just the tip of the iceberg for fun things that you and I iceberg for fun things that you and I iceberg for fun things that you and I get to do together you were not a part get to do together you were not a part get to do together you were not a part of Spring Park Awakening last year but of Spring Park Awakening last year but of Spring Park Awakening last year but you will be this year and I think you will be this year and I think you will be this year and I think there's going to be you know a cool there's going to be you know a cool there's going to be you know a cool speaking engagement component that we speaking engagement component that we speaking engagement component that we can have uh just spreading Wellness in can have uh just spreading Wellness in can have uh just spreading Wellness in in this space and and bringing worlds in this space and and bringing worlds in this space and and bringing worlds together yeah and I think it causes together yeah and I think it causes together yeah and I think it causes people to pause when they're like wait a people to pause when they're like wait a people to pause when they're like wait a minute a brewery is hosting something minute a brewery is hosting something minute a brewery is hosting something that you know has an A and leads with that you know has an A and leads with that you know has an A and leads with that and I've been looking like the that and I've been looking like the that and I've been looking like the article on the rib that you saw and
article on the rib that you saw and article on the rib that you saw and mentioned um 25,000 Impressions on my mentioned um 25,000 Impressions on my mentioned um 25,000 Impressions on my LinkedIn page when I shared it so I I LinkedIn page when I shared it so I I LinkedIn page when I shared it so I I knew I struck a cord because it's like knew I struck a cord because it's like knew I struck a cord because it's like the mindful drinking is growing but the mindful drinking is growing but the mindful drinking is growing but those individuals aren't necessarily those individuals aren't necessarily those individuals aren't necessarily feeling comfortable asking for na in feeling comfortable asking for na in feeling comfortable asking for na in different spaces so you've made that different spaces so you've made that different spaces so you've made that like you're living proof it's like look like you're living proof it's like look like you're living proof it's like look at your sales end of dry January where at your sales end of dry January where at your sales end of dry January where are you and if you're seeing an uptick are you and if you're seeing an uptick are you and if you're seeing an uptick in that there's a lot of Brewers who are in that there's a lot of Brewers who are in that there's a lot of Brewers who are watching very carefully what you're watching very carefully what you're watching very carefully what you're doing but like to prove that concept out doing but like to prove that concept out doing but like to prove that concept out that there's actually revenue and well that there's actually revenue and well that there's actually revenue and well in just the idea of social good and in just the idea of social good and in just the idea of social good and Community yeah like if you can Embrace Community yeah like if you can Embrace Community yeah like if you can Embrace that it really makes sense I mean that it really makes sense I mean that it really makes sense I mean families come to breweries like on a families come to breweries like on a families come to breweries like on a Saturday right yep mhm yeah yeah that's Saturday right yep mhm yeah yeah that's Saturday right yep mhm yeah yeah that's right yeah we PR we we pride ourselves right yeah we PR we we pride ourselves right yeah we PR we we pride ourselves on being familyfriendly uh Bru used to on being familyfriendly uh Bru used to on being familyfriendly uh Bru used to get stigma oh my God there's kids there get stigma oh my God there's kids there get stigma oh my God there's kids there right no there should like we're right no there should like we're right no there should like we're Gathering space not for one to just come Gathering space not for one to just come Gathering space not for one to just come and get drunk feel that Vibe I felt that and get drunk feel that Vibe I felt that and get drunk feel that Vibe I felt that when I come came here the first time I
when I come came here the first time I when I come came here the first time I was like there's something different so was like there's something different so was like there's something different so awesome yeah I'm glad I'm glad that you awesome yeah I'm glad I'm glad that you awesome yeah I'm glad I'm glad that you can feel that I'm glad that you can help can feel that I'm glad that you can help can feel that I'm glad that you can help break down the these bar these invisible break down the these bar these invisible break down the these bar these invisible barriers that exist uh it's it's going barriers that exist uh it's it's going barriers that exist uh it's it's going to just benefit all I know I can't wait to just benefit all I know I can't wait to just benefit all I know I can't wait yeah you know what else I can't wait for yeah you know what else I can't wait for yeah you know what else I can't wait for are we going oh yeah well we're hot are we going oh yeah well we're hot are we going oh yeah well we're hot we're hot enough in here I think that we're hot enough in here I think that we're hot enough in here I think that yeah okay all right are we ready let's yeah okay all right are we ready let's yeah okay all right are we ready let's do this J all right our bodies have do this J all right our bodies have do this J all right our bodies have reached the point of a cold return let's reached the point of a cold return let's reached the point of a cold return let's go let's hop in and go yeah
all right all all right all all right all right right right perfect oh yeah it's nice it's nice not as bad as you it's nice it's nice not as bad as you it's nice it's nice not as bad as you thought right not as bad thought right not as bad thought right not as bad wow the gloves are the gloves are xact wow the gloves are the gloves are xact wow the gloves are the gloves are xact here got to have the gloves yeah
trying to get ahead of it yeah no you're trying to get ahead of it yeah no you're doing great you push your body and you doing great you push your body and you doing great you push your body and you know that I didn't know that like you know that I didn't know that like you know that I didn't know that like you could use coal for Recovery yeah so good oh yeah good oh yeah good oh yeah a a
all right shall we yeah all right all right shall we yeah all right amazing love it that was great amazing love it that was great amazing love it that was great
oh man oh my gosh that was nice but this oh man oh my gosh that was nice but this oh man oh my gosh that was nice but this is pretty glorious so is that your first is pretty glorious so is that your first is pretty glorious so is that your first time in a in a hole like that no no a time in a in a hole like that no no a time in a in a hole like that no no a Lake Harriet okay Lake haret okay yeah Lake Harriet okay Lake haret okay yeah Lake Harriet okay Lake haret okay yeah and that we had like shoes on and I and that we had like shoes on and I and that we had like shoes on and I don't think I had gloves for that so I don't think I had gloves for that so I don't think I had gloves for that so I think that made a huge difference it's a think that made a huge difference it's a think that made a huge difference it's a key yeah the gloves are a key component key yeah the gloves are a key component key yeah the gloves are a key component the hat is as well yep the Hat Works M the hat is as well yep the Hat Works M the hat is as well yep the Hat Works M SAA hats are extra bonus points uhhuh SAA hats are extra bonus points uhhuh SAA hats are extra bonus points uhhuh but uh no I mean that was that was yeah but uh no I mean that was that was yeah but uh no I mean that was that was yeah everything that I was hoping for it was everything that I was hoping for it was everything that I was hoping for it was great and the little walk down like the great and the little walk down like the great and the little walk down like the little transition before getting in was little transition before getting in was little transition before getting in was so good yeah and and and so is our
so good yeah and and and so is our so good yeah and and and so is our conversation yeah Jen I can't thank you conversation yeah Jen I can't thank you conversation yeah Jen I can't thank you enough for being a guest on get sweaty enough for being a guest on get sweaty enough for being a guest on get sweaty with Ley I love it I love the name thank with Ley I love it I love the name thank with Ley I love it I love the name thank you thank you um but yeah we we're going you thank you um but yeah we we're going you thank you um but yeah we we're going to have so many great get togethers and to have so many great get togethers and to have so many great get togethers and impactful gatherings in the future uh I impactful gatherings in the future uh I impactful gatherings in the future uh I look forward to that and in the look forward to that and in the look forward to that and in the meantime and cheers and oh and cheers meantime and cheers and oh and cheers meantime and cheers and oh and cheers yes how about we just pound this year yes how about we just pound this year yes how about we just pound this year Well cheers uh our plethora of Na Well cheers uh our plethora of Na Well cheers uh our plethora of Na options after options after options after this and with that thank you for joining this and with that thank you for joining this and with that thank you for joining us on this episode until next time
Transcript auto-generated by YouTube. Verbatim — duplicates intentionally preserved.
Jen Veralle co-founded sauna and Sobriety and Zero Proof Collective. Her work sits at the intersection of two movements: the resurgence of heat therapy and the normalization of alcohol-free living. Both require challenging cultural defaults. Both offer something deeper than temporary relief.
Chronic pain and alcohol use share a feedback loop. Pain creates stress. Stress triggers drinking. Alcohol disrupts sleep, increases inflammation, and lowers pain tolerance. The temporary relief becomes the long-term cause.
Heat therapy interrupts this cycle. Sauna use reduces inflammation, improves circulation, and triggers endorphin release—the body's natural pain management system. Unlike alcohol, the benefits compound. Sleep improves. Stress resilience increases. Pain decreases.
Sobriety struggles aren't just physiological—they're social. Drinking is woven into connection, celebration, decompression. Removing alcohol without replacing the ritual leaves a void.
I actually feel kind of blessed that it's not an option for me. That takes it off the table completely.
Sauna creates community without substances. You sit together. You sweat together. You plunge into cold water together. The vulnerability builds connection. The shared discomfort creates bonds. This isn't about replacing one addiction with another—it's about building practices that serve rather than deplete.
Cold exposure after sauna isn't just physical contrast—it's nervous system training. The initial shock activates the same stress response that triggers cravings. But instead of numbing, you breathe through it. You stay present. You prove to yourself that discomfort doesn't require escape.
This is DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) in practice. Cold water becomes a tool for emotional regulation. The same skill that helps you tolerate 60 seconds of cold helps you tolerate a craving without acting on it.
The nonalcoholic beverage industry is growing because people want options beyond water and soda. But more than drinks, they want spaces. Places to gather that don't center around alcohol. Sauna studios are becoming those spaces.
You don't need alcohol to relax when you've just spent 20 minutes sweating. You don't need a drink to feel connected when you've shared a plunge pool. The ritual itself becomes the experience—not a precursor to it.
Sauna as pain management. 15-20 minutes at 160-180°F. Focus on breath. Let the heat work. Pain reduction is cumulative, not immediate.
Cold plunge for regulation. 60-90 seconds in cold water post-sauna. Breathe through the shock. Notice the calm that follows. This is emotional regulation training.
Community over consumption. Find or create alcohol-free social rituals. Sauna sessions. Group plunges. Connection without depletion.
