Shaping Healthy Habits: Men’s Health and a Balanced Relationship with Alcohol

Let’s face it - life gets busy, stress piles up, and sometimes, having a drink can feel like a quick way to unwind. For many men, alcohol is tied to catching up with mates, celebrating milestones, or winding down after a long day. But when that habit starts affecting your health or headspace, it might be time to take a closer look.

This Men’s Health Week, we’re taking a moment to talk about something that doesn’t always get the airtime it deserves: men’s wellbeing and the role alcohol can play in it.

The pressure to keep it together

We get it - there’s often an unspoken expectation for men to be strong, steady, and self-reliant. That can make it harder to open up when something’s not right. But here’s the thing: struggling with alcohol or mental health doesn’t make you weak, and ignoring it doesn’t make it go away.

Whether it’s using alcohol to deal with stress or relying on drinks at every get-together, it’s easy for small habits to become something more. And while it can feel tough to talk about, checking in with yourself is one of the most powerful things you can do.

Ready to make a change? Start here:

1. Take stock of your drinking habits
Start by getting honest about when, why and how much you’re drinking. Tools like My Drink Check can help you get a clearer picture, and give you personalised, confidential feedback to guide your next steps.

2. Find your crew
You don’t have to do this alone. Whether it’s chatting with a mate, a GP, or connecting with others on the Daybreak app, support is out there - and it can make all the difference. Real change happens when we feel understood, not judged.

3. Try alcohol-free ways to reset
Feeling like you need to blow off steam? There are plenty of options that don’t involve a drink. Whether it’s heading out for a run, picking up a hobby, or just taking time out, finding new ways to unwind can help shift your relationship with alcohol.

4. Don’t skip the check-up
Your mental and physical health go hand in hand. Regular health checks can catch things early and help you stay on top of your wellbeing. Think of it as a tune-up for your mind and your body.

Small steps, real change

Change doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Sometimes, it’s just about noticing what’s working - and what’s not - and being open to doing things differently.

If you’re thinking of changing your relationship with alcohol or wanting to take better care of your health, you’re not alone. And there’s no better time to start than now.

Need support?
 Check out our Daybreak app for community support, or try Hello Change, our self-paced online program based in CBT. No pressure, no judgment - just practical tools to help you build healthier habits, your way.