Inspiring Women Who Are Rethinking Drinking Volume 5

Meet Kinza

Learn about Kinza’s journey toward rethinking drinking.

Meet Kinza, a dog mom, digital marketing coordinator, and data and exercise enthusiast. Her journey toward rethinking alcohol was unexpected and started off as a New Year’s resolution, but when she did embark upon it, she realized she was able to forge meaningful connections not only with those around her, but also her environment. Now, she relishes in the present, while respecting others’ choices when it comes to alcohol. Learn more about her inspiring journey, based in respect for oneself and others, below!

Tell us a bit about yourself — what do you do for a living? What makes you happy?

I am a digital marketing coordinator. I enjoy spending time with data and analytics and looking at consumer behaviour. When I create content that is data driven I notice it resonates the most with people. I love humanizing brands and connecting people to them. 

What role has alcohol played in your life?

Alcohol has been a saviour for me in many social situations where I didn’t know a lot of people. In the past, I relied on alcohol to be my crutch at parties or work events not realizing that this was getting in my way of making genuine connections with interesting people. 

What was the moment you decided to rethink drinking?

In January 2021, it started off as a new year resolution, as most things do at time of year. I noticed a big difference in my skin and weight after a month of not drinking. This was the catalyst in my decision to slow down on my alcohol consumption. As I get older, hangovers just don’t feel the same and I got to reap the benefits of spending a wonderful evening with friends and not feeling gross the next day. 

Has the change in your relationship with alcohol been easy or difficult? What do you think contributed to this for you?

The change in my relationship with alcohol has been easy. I’d like to think that the pandemic and restrictions around going out has a lot to do with this. There is less pressure from friends to go out because... no one is going out. This simplified my transition to slow down.

“I really enjoy having the ability to be present when people speak now.”

Have you learned anything about your health in relation to alcohol that was surprising or that you wish you had known earlier? 

What I have noticed is that I am less moody. I am not sure if this is directly related to alcohol or the environment. If I had known that I’d be able to carry a conversation with people without getting upset before I stopped drinking, I would have slowed down a long time ago. I really enjoy having the ability to be present when people speak now.

Do you feel apprehensive about sharing your decision to rethink alcohol with others in your family/social group?

Nope, I just tell them I don’t want to drink but others are welcome to. 

What are some benefits you have experienced since rethinking the place alcohol holds in your life? 

There is less pressure to plan out my night. How I’ll get home, how much money I’ll need to spend. 

What were some common triggers you noticed that caused you to want to grab a glass of wine and what are you doing now to surf the urge? 

Boredom was the biggest trigger. Since I slowed down on my alcohol consumption, I have noticed that I don’t need to cure boredom with alcohol. I can take my dog for a walk, make a cup of tea, or watch my favourite TV show. 

How did removing alcohol from your life contribute to your role as caregiver and/or as a working professional?

“There is less pressure to plan out my night. How I’ll get home, how much money I’ll need to spend. ”

Since removing alcohol consumption, I have been more mentally present for those I care about and for my work.

How has your physical activity benefited from removing alcohol?

I workout daily and I have noticed much more agility in my movements. 

What is your top piece of advice that you would give to someone who might want to rethink drinking?

It’s easy to drink but difficult to slow down, so I'd ask them to tell me what is the reason they want a drink? Is it for a social reason or is it much deeper than that?

About Kinza Mughal

Kinza Mughal is a digital marketing coordinator based in Toronto, ON. She loves the sun and talking long walks with her mini Australian Shepherd Evelyn. When not working out she can be found eating loads of beyond meat.