Why are we ok with the normalization of the ‘Mommy Juice’ culture, drinking to escape motherhood? This is becoming a scary epidemic on social media. As we all know motherhood is often hailed as one of life’s greatest joys, but let’s face it, it’s fing hard. The reality of juggling work, family, personal well-being, and attempting to have a personal life it can be overwhelming for most of us mothers. We live in a society that glorifies the idea of ‘doing it all’, it’s no surprise that many moms are turning to a seemingly harmless coping mechanism: alcohol.
The normalization of ‘Mommy Juice’ culture has crept into our daily lives, offering a temporary escape from the stress and pressure of motherhood. Lets dive into the rise of this worrying trend, explore the societal influences that contribute to motherhood stress, discuss the dangers of normalizing alcohol as a coping mechanism, and learn about healthier alternatives for managing the challenges of being a mom. It’s time to shine a light on this insidious normalization and empower us mothers to find healthier ways to cope with the demands of motherhood.
The Rise of ‘Mommy Juice’ Culture
The rise of ‘Mommy Juice’ culture has become deeply intertwined with the everyday lives of mothers, offering a quick fix for stress and pressure. Understanding the societal influences that contribute to motherhood stress is essential in addressing this troubling trend.
Societal Influences on Motherhood Stress
Societal influences play a significant role in contributing to the stress experienced by mothers, making it easier to turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism. Pressures to be the perfect parent, societal expectations of motherhood, and limited support systems can all create a breeding ground for stress and anxiety. As us mothers navigate the demands of juggling work, family, and personal responsibilities, the normalization of using alcohol as a way to unwind can perpetuate a harmful cycle. Understanding these societal influences is crucial in recognizing the need for healthier coping mechanisms and support for mothers facing overwhelming stress.
We look at these perfectly curated mother’s on social media and think why can’t my life look like that sending you on a internal spiral. It is starting to change that women aren’t having to be the primary caregiver for the children and the household, but in so many households this change is either minimal or not there at all. I feel as mothers we have to set higher standards for our partners. Why is it that the burden both physically and mentally is all on our shoulders? When it comes to setting these new higher standards we have to take the time to sit down with our partners in a non confrontational way and talk about certain areas that are draining you.
Here’s the hard part, we have to ask for help. We have to be direct as most of our partners need a black and white direction. For example I felt so stressed in the morning trying to do all the things that I needed to do to not only get myself to work but to fill my own cup to help my mental and physical wellbeing, along with getting our daughter ready for school. I sat down with my husband and expressed to him that I really need help in the morning as I am feeling extra stressed trying to do it all and be on time, especially while he gets to just sleep.
Now my husband does the morning routines with our daughter. I am not saying that every situation will be that simple of a fix, but the point is that I was direct and straight forward. There was no blame or it’s not fair thrown in there, thus lead to no argument or putting the other down. Though internally I was thinking some of it naturally.
The Dangers of Normalizing Alcohol as a Coping Mechanism
Normalizing alcohol as a coping mechanism can have serious consequences for both individual mothers and society as a whole. From increased risk of addiction to impaired judgment and decision-making, using alcohol to escape the stresses of motherhood can compound existing issues and create new challenges.
Alcohol is a toxin that affects your entire body. It causes you to have a disrupted sleep cycle actually not allowing your body to fully rest and recharge. It can change chemicals in the brain leading you to feel depressed, angry, or anxious. Research has shown that people who misuse alcohol have a greater risk of liver disease, heart disease, lung disease, pancreatitis, depression, stroke, and stomach bleeding, as well as cancers of the oral cavity, esophagus, larynx, pharynx, liver, colon, and rectum.
Now I am not trying to be Debby Downer over here and say that you can’t have a occasional drink with friends. I just want to show the dark reality that it poses on our overall health. As a PA that works closely with patients that suffer from the above most prominently those with liver disease, I unfortunately see this dark reality too often and it is happening more and more commonly with not only younger patients, but young females.
In an article from UC Health they interviewed Dr. James Burton, Jr. a professor of medicine and gastroenterology and medical director of liver transplantation at the University of Colorado Hospital. “Alcohol use was a problem before the pandemic, but the pandemic just lit it on fire. Alcohol sales shot up. It’s a huge problem. About 80% of the transplant evaluations that we’re doing on a weekly basis are in younger and younger people with alcohol-associated hepatitis and cirrhosis from alcohol,” Burton said. “A decade ago, we would see old men who had been drinking heavily for 20 to 30 years and had developed cirrhosis. Now we’re seeing patients in their early 20s with liver and kidney failure who need both liver and kidney transplants.”
“I see some young women who have children, and they’re taking care of their kids all day. Then, they get them to bed and say, ‘I need a drink.’ One woman was having four drinks after her kids went to bed. She’d stay up watching Netflix. And I said, ‘That’s a problem,’ and she didn’t really put it together because she didn’t think she was drunk and didn’t think it was impacting her life” said Burton.
The woman told Burton, “I’m not falling down drunk. I’m able to take care of my children.”
Women just don’t process alcohol the same way men do. “Women’s bodies contain proportionately less water and more fat than men’s bodies,” Burton said. “Water dilutes alcohol, and fat retains it. Women also have less alcohol dehydrogenase, an enzyme that breaks down alcohol.”
Even if women drink less than men, they can suffer severe health problems sooner than men.
Healthy Alternatives for Coping with Motherhood Stress
As us mothers try to navigate the challenges of balancing work, family, and personal well-being, it’s essential to have healthier alternatives for coping with stress. One effective way to manage stress is through physical exercise, whether it’s going for a walk, practicing yoga, or engaging in a high-energy workout. Exercise releases endorphins, which are known to boost mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. This is personally my favorite and essential way that I deal with my stress. I can tell if I have not gone to the gym in a few days I am on edge and can feel the tightness in my body. Which goes back to me having the discussion with my husband asking for him to take over morning duty so that I could make sure that I was able to fill my own cup by going to the gym before work.
Another important aspect of managing stress is prioritizing yourself. Taking even if it’s a small amount of time to meditation, journaling, or engage in a hobby, it can help you recharge and regain a sense of balance. Seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist can also be incredibly beneficial in navigating the challenges of motherhood. Catching up with a friend can have a huge mental boost, even if it is just over the phone.
Another way to help calm your nervous system is through the use of adaptogens. Adaptogens are plants that help the body adapt to and cope with stress. Adaptogens work to regulate the body’s cortisol levels, keeping not just stress but also fatigue and restlessness at bay. I am a big advocate of using high quality adaptogens. You can find them in many forms. Check out this Chill Bundle that I have curated.
When you have the habit of drinking a glass of wine every night you need to replace it with a new action. If not you are just going to want to drink wine even that much more, as we always want what we can’t have. When I was breaking this cycle I exchanged a glass of wine for a adaptogenic drink that I pour into a wine glass. It gave the same feel of holding the glass, but with a new more health supportive drink. There are so many adaptogenic drinks on the market these days. One that I am a fan of is Hop Wtr. It is clean and refreshing tasting.
Finding healthy ways to cope with stress not only benefits us mothers but also sets a positive example for our children. By modeling healthy coping strategies, we can teach our children how to navigate stress in a productive and sustainable manner. Ultimately, prioritizing self-care and seeking out healthier alternatives to alcohol can lead to greater well-being and resilience.
It’s crucial for moms to recognize the dangers of “Mommy Juice” culture and the normalization of using alcohol as a coping mechanism for motherhood stress. By understanding societal influences, exploring healthier alternatives, and seeking support, we can take steps towards managing stress in a sustainable way.
Let’s shift the narrative and prioritize well-being over escape. Alcohol is far from helping your overall wellbeing. As we challenge the status quo, remember: “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” It’s time to fill your cup with self-care and resilience, not booze.
It is my passion to help mothers over come the stressors and burnout that is their daily lives. This is why I created the course Small Habits Big Results. In this course I help guide you through first setting the foundation to your freedom which is self awareness. We do a deep dive into our thoughts and the cycles that it keeps us in. Then we move on to talk about how to create systems that work for you and your life to help keep you free from stress and set your life up for success.
