The NA/zero proof alcohol world is exploding! Definitely makes it easy to go to drinking events when you can still sip on something tasty. Lots of bars/restaurants are carrying them now too. Beer, wine, liquor, mock tails, there are so many options now!
I think in my opinion and experience I just had to stop hanging out with people who revolved hanging out around drinking. I think that has really been what has helped me. I know sometimes that isn’t an option but you can always suggest doing something else that doesn’t involve drinking or order a mock tail so you don’t feel left out. I just think that as millennials majority of our lives are based around drinking and it shouldn’t be that way. I can relate on the anxiety completely. Even if you’re completely happy your mind is sometimes working against you. I take Ashwagandha as a supplement and i feel like it’s really helped me so that’s an option if you’re looking for a more holistic approach. Or even CBD! Ashwagandha is just cheaper. I feel like you just have to do what is best for you and if your partner understands that’s all that matters. My boyfriend has friends and they are always wanting to hangout but I only go every now and then because they are not my people and that’s okay. Give yourself a break you deserve it! ♥️
I struggle a lot with physical symptoms of anxiety too. Something that my therapist taught me to do is 4x4 breathing, or box breathing. Breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 4, breathe out for 4, repeat 4x or until you feel calm. It helps take your body out of fight or flight mode! I'm sorry you've been having a hard time and I hope you feel better soon.
This may sound cliche but learning how to meditate has been a lifechanger - it was so hard to get into, hard to quiet my mind and fully relax my body. But keep with it and it is such a good natural remedy to anxiety. Also going to an infrared sauna once a week has been amazing for my anxiety and overall health!
I don’t comment a lot but your story about anxiety really resonated with me. I went to Europe this summer and felt the same and I have been stuck in this anxiety cycle for a few days. It made me feel better to know that you felt the same. I hope that over time and maybe with therapy, you’ll feel better! We got this ❤
Great video! I've been cutting back on alcohol and limiting myself to just the occasional glass on a dinner night out type of thing for January as well.
I cut back on drinking in June and then stopped fully in September. NYE was rough. My best tip is to prepare yourself!! Grab a water or a soda with lime first when you go out so you can hold something cold and icy, then once you figure out your surroundings look over the menu for something non-alcoholic. At parties, I bring my own NA stuff! You got this!
I don’t drink and all of my friends do. At home get togethers I always make myself a little mocktail. Sometimes some kombucha with some fresh cranberries thrown in and a splash of lime in a pretty glass. if I’m out I will order pineapple/orange/cranberry juice and it looks as though I am drinking a cocktail so people aren’t constantly questioning “why aren’t you drinking”. Hope this helps xo
Even though our day to day lives are quite different, I feel like I can relate to you in so many ways. You are the only RU-vidr I consistently watch, and are by far my favorite. Your authenticity is very refreshing. I always feel motivated after watching your videos! As for the vlogs, I enjoy both the one day and the multiple day vlogs. I think a mix of both would be nice to watch :)
I totally feel you about alcohol. I enjoy a drink here or there but I hate that so much of my work's social events revolve around drinking, and it can be hard to get through the event without participating. Recently I've been buying non alcoholic beers and cocktails and I've found these to be so good! Firstly, no one actually notices, and it's a more under the radar way of not drinking because you don't get 100 questions about it. Secondly, by drinking something that tastes and looks similar, I don't feel as much FOMO and can really get into the same party mood. My favourites are the non alcoholic cocktails that come in cans. They look, taste and feel just like a seltzer and I can drink them all day without anyone noticing that I haven't been having alcohol!
If there is one thing I’ve learned about anxiety and depression- they don’t give a SHIT about what is going on in your life. Anxiety was my constant companion when I was going through bad times, and now that things are “better” and more stable depression is my new companion.
I’m 29 and I don’t drink and for me it’s the best thing ever. I never been a drinker, I would try and whatever, but it’s difficult because some people just can’t seem to understand that I just don’t drink because I don’t like and it doesn’t makes me feel good. Anyway, ultimately I understood that I have to do whatever is best for me. I don’t want to down play my feelings to fit in in some social position. I think it takes time for people to understand because so many things are related to drinking and also using it to “cancel” certain feelings like “it’s Friday let me drink because it was a hard week”. About friends, I 100% understand, I wan in a relationship that I was forcing myself to hang out with his friends just to be part of his life and just be there for him - which was never good for me, now in my current relationship what it works for me and what I learnt was to say no, I do not want to go and both of us understood that it’s okay, us not being together with friends won’t make our relationship less than anything…
I’m right there with you on trimming the fat of friendships. In 2022 I embraced my introverted ways and found that I’m happier with a few good friends. I love it here and feel more at peace with my circle. Quality time is my top love language so I crave quality relationships and interactions
My birthday is January 25th too :) but to comment on what you said about social anxiety/not wanting to really drink much at gatherings - I am the exact same way. I like alcohol but I don't like the feeling the day after over drinking so a couple years ago I decided to not force myself to drink if I don't want to even if everyone else around me is. I used to feel really weird and almost like the people around me regretted inviting me since I wasn't partaking the same way they were. I finally realized that the people I surround myself with love me for me and enjoy my company regardless if I'm getting drunk with them or having 1 or 2 while they go nuts. It's a learning curve but listen to your body and if every now and then you want to drink a little more, that is great! But just try to remind yourself that the people who love you won't care if you aren't doing what they are doing. It helped that aspect of my anxiety, and to help with the rest of it I try to give myself alone/self care time before and after social events to recharge to prepare/decompress after
I have GAD, panic attacks, and recently diagnosed with social anxiety disorder. Which I didn't know was a real thing but it is...and it's even harder when you're a content creator
I don’t comment really ever but (& I know this is easier said than done) don’t worry about what people think so much & try not to over analyze a disruption just take it for what it is good bad stressful sad whatever and then let it go… love watching u Morgan 😊 have u ever thought about moving somewhere else besides LA
I’ve been sober for almost 3 years. Find a good mocktail and then maybe distance yourself from the situation…and then wait until you are completely ready.
Morgan, I feel like I relate so much to literally most every single thing you talked about in this video. Thank you for talking to us like a friend ❤ I would go more into detail but I’m short on time, just wanted to let you know you’re 1000% not alone.
Hearing your struggle with anxiety I sware it's like if you were telling my story. I went to Mexico my normal self had never struggled from anxiety something triggered it and everything went down hill from there. Like you I just wanted to come home because I felt that as soon as I got home I was going to be okay. I was also just willing to pay a ridiculous amount just to get me home, but i pushed thru. That was at least 5 years ago and here I am today still struggling. I haven't been able to travel back to Mexico because of that reason and when I travel within the United States I always have a hard time because I go thru the motions on and off. I tell myself how is someone supposed to live life like this. I want to travel and I'm so afraid, because whenever I arrive somewhere I have an anxiety attack. Like me not being home is such a struggle. Thank you for sharing because I don't feel alone.
Plans literally always revolve around drinking and I couldn’t agree more, I think maybe trying to be there and not be in your head about not drinking much or baby sit like a drink or two!
Sorry you are struggling with anxiety. It's really tough. Daily medicine (like citalopram) has been really helpful for me. Also, make sure you are sleeping enough and avoiding caffeine.
to deal with social drinking anxiety i have brought poppi probiotic sodas or sparking water so i have a drink in my hand and it avoids people asking to much about it
I love scrapbooking as a habit because I see it as a way of really spending chunks of time focusing on the good things in life which in a way feels like ~manifesting~ more of those beautiful moments and times with the people I love.
So sorry to hear about your anxiety.. I would definitely try going to yoga classes. Slowing down, focusing on your breathing has truly helped my anxiety. Wishing you peace and happiness in 2023!
I was recently introduced to the idea of half-proof drinks. If you're at a house party or place where you can mix your own drink, it's easy to just add half the amount of alcohol or pour a seltzer into a cup with some soda water or other mixer. The way you describe setting boundaries with your partner's friends also really resonated with me :)
This was so cool of you to share. Real struggles that affect so much. Thanks Morgan!! Texted two of my friends (separately) about your vlog goal bc we’ve missed it.
I love the idea of making your resolutions lifestyle habits. I started a morning routine in December and love it, so I aim to continue it. I am going to be copying the habit tracker idea. I am about to do my annual budget for the year so I love a good spreadsheet!!
Currently 32, I've had anxiety/depression since I was 11, I don't drink & it's hard to find people who for fun DONT drink, I rarely go out because I won't be drinking & I end up w/the questions about why I DONT drink but I don't ask people why they DO drink. You will know though what friends are worth the time & which aren't. Do a vision journal! Grab a bunch of journals, a sponge paint brush, mod podge and go to Michael's for a journal and you can put on the journal what you want to manifest for 2023 and use that to journal, doodle, reflect, write your fears, goals etc! Find the right the therapist, it may take awhile but once you do, WOW! I've done retreats through mine as well & the growth is phenomenal! And CRY! Don't hold it in, let it out. I'd love to connect w/you more, I think it's so amazing how much you care for your followers. One thing I'd love to see from you, if you're up for it of course... can you tell us a bit about your coming out journey? Have you lost any people because of it? How scared were you? I know you said you have a supportive family, which girl, HOLD ONTO TIGHT! Advice for someone who doesn't have that support? Thank you girl for being so real, raw and honest! Oh and can I ask why Jezzel stopped teaching? I'm going to school to teach & uhhh so many people are quitting and it's scaring me! Sending you lots of virtual hugs ❤
Morgan! Ok - two things to consider: kombucha as a non-alcoholic fun beverage! Especially nice when it's on tap at breweries. And...jigsaw puzzles. They have recently become my obsession and it's a nice lofi, analog way to spend time. I can still be watching TV or youtube, but I am doing a lot less scrolling and overall time-wasting. It's been a great hobby.
I stopped drinking a few months ago. I say go, you’ll learn it’s even better! Club soda, lime. No one knows. No one cares. If they care they are questioning their own relationship with alcohol. Get over the first time and you will realize social scenes actually become better AF. Just have an exit plan. ✅
One of my big goals this year is to cut out alcohol as well! I realized that I don’t really ever feel good while drinking, or the day after. I feel like it really affects my mental and physical health poorly. I started really working out at the beginning of 2022 and drinking is also hindering my overall goals when it comes to my fitness journey. Luckily my best friends aren’t really huge drinkers or party goers to begin with so the peer pressure factor isn’t that high for me. I just love my red wine 😂😂😂 but I’m going to replace alcohol in social settings with sparkling water or kombucha! I’m excited to see how I’ll feel in a few months making the change
I really recommend a psychiatrist and getting on some (daily, not ad hoc) medication if you have issue with anxiety (+ therapy). I was diagnosed with GAD and up to that point I didn't realize that all of my symptoms weren't normal and no, not all people constantly feel like they're carry 10kg led ball in their stomach xd I am off meds now, feeling much better ^^
Morgan I'm not sure if you've already done this, but it might be a good idea to schedule a Physical exam with your doctor and have them run some labs. There could be an underlying condition that is causing your anxiety. I have hypothyroidism (found out when I was 27 after having a physical) and I know it can sometimes cause Anxiety and Depression - not saying you have the same thing, but just that there could be something else going on that's manifesting itself as increased anxiety. I really hope you start feeling better soon. Thanks for being vulnerable and sharing, even on hard days
Love your Goals for 2023.. Sounds like you are putting you & your Job and relationship 1st .. Getting your SH*t together .. cant wait to watch your new video's ,,You got this 🧡🧡🧡💙💙💙💙💚💚💚💜💜♥♥♥♥🤍🤍
Oh Morgan 🥺 wish I could give you a big hug. I feel you on the anxiety. I know you’re a fellow meds girly (and you mentioned Xanax). Adding Buspirone to my SSRI (it’s like an add-on drug, but different than Xanax/immediate acting stuff) has helped me a lot with feelings that it sounds like you’re also dealing with. Some people like hydroxyzine but this works better for me/doesn’t make me so tired. Meds don’t fix everything, of course, but worth talking to your psych about so your brain chemistry is as supported as possible. Sending you lots of love, you’re not alone. I know you’re not feeling great about social stuff but please try not to isolate/stay home too, too much. We love you!
During COVID I realized that I had generalized anxiety disorder, and my anxiety hit an all time high when I was experiencing disassociation and depersonalization. I would look in the mirror at myself, or look at myself on Zoom during meetings, and not recognize myself. I was out of it and not connected to myself and it freaked me out and shook me to my core, and even thinking about it to this day still freaks me out. Going on medication, but also incorporating acupuncture, art therapy, and doing grounding techniques (sitting on cold tile, or stepping out onto the sidewalk in bare feet), saved my life. Things such as doing the NYT crossword puzzles or little things to pull you back into reality and get you to focus on what's happening in front of you can be extremely helpful.
I think personally using some essential oils around your house for respiratory relaxation would help you to maybe overcome some of the anxiousness you're feeling. There are also crystals that help a great deal with that. I'm not an expert but I have used them for the past three years and really feel like they make a huge difference. So find some that are for healing and anxiety. Like I keep one under my pillow and some in my purse. Also, when I know I need extra I keep one in my bra touching my skin. I never let anyone else touch my crystals(to move them or look at them). The essential oil I use almost daily I get on amazon called breathe ease(is my favorite) or there's one called Respire I like as well. Nothing ever works a hundred percent but I think you can find a few things that work together that help to make it easier to deal with. Sorry I rambled. This year my best friend and I are writing one good thing from the week every Friday on a post it and putting it in a bag with our names. Then we'll read them together in the beginning of next year. I wanna read more. I also wanna compliment three complete strangers this year at some point. I wish you all the luck hun. Happy New Year! I hope it's a great year for you.
When you're on a very long trip going going going and there's so much to see/tour it can be overwhelming and anxious, that happened to me too, I understand! I felt soooo much better when I got home. I don't think I can ever go on a long trip again, a week is enough for me.
I struggled with the same anxiety. It’s definitely gut health related!! And alcohol always made it worse. What helped the most in the moment was doing box breathing, even better if I was outside. All you do is breathe in and out while drawing a box in your mind or with your eyes. Look it up!
As far as the drinking stuff: I have also decided to drink less in 2023 not because of a drinking problem but just because I’ve realized that we have a culture that really pressures anyone over the age of 21 who doesn’t have problems with addiction to drink in social settings regardless of how that might impact mental health but I have a boyfriend who is coming up on 3 years of sobriety so I’ve decided that I don’t need to buy into that social pressure anymore. It can be hard/weird sometimes but the people who love and care about you will understand and support you if you just tell them you don’t feel like drinking & you don’t have to over explain yourself anytime you don’t feel like it and especially not to people who don’t need to know anything about you.
For me, when I go out & am not drinking (which was all of 2022) I would get mocktails without alcohol, or get a drink with some lavender in it so I could smell it & calm down, I also would try to find someone else to kick it with that wasn’t getting super drunk (either not drinking or drinking moderately).
I like/don’t mind vlogs that are multiple days in a row! Since you asked, a little bit about me 🙂. I have been watching your videos since you were in high school/early college and I was in middle school. I have always loved your videos and have always thought of you as a friend/big sister. I am currently a 2nd year medical student and I can relate to the struggles you have had over the past couple of years: feeling like I never have time for everything I want to do, as well of mental health problems of my own. Medical school is challenging and I feel like I have gotten really good at numbing myself and just “pushing through” all my day to day tasks and not feel much of any emotion. I am alone studying most days but always look forward to having one of your videos to watch on a study break. I also am trying to incorporate more creative outlets this year and am taking a 4 week ceramics class at my local arts center! Thanks for sharing so much with us!
I don’t drink at all and I’ve found the best thing to do in social situations, especially ones revolving around drinking, is to have some sort of nonalcoholic drink in hand. Soda is a treat for me so sometimes I’ll get a soda but honestly most of the time I just get water. As long as I have something people don’t bother me about it! The more you do, the more comfortable you’ll be and the less you’ll worry about it!
Aww Morgan I want to give you a hug. I’m sorry you’ve been struggling. I’m not sure if you’ve looked into counseling/therapy but that could also be helpful. I hope you can find more peace this year 🥺❤️
Like 4 years ago my anxiety got unmanageable after I traveled to Italy for 2 weeks, there was something about being overseas that made it horrible. I so feel you, anxiety sucks hang in there girly! Love your vlogs :)
Daily Vlogs but if it’s something you feel comfortable with! I’ve heard a lot of RU-vid peeps say that it takes a toll so I also enjoy the combo days :) I’m here for it! Sorry to hear about your anxiety. I’ve been feeling the same for about a month! Not that I can’t breathe but I just have to take a HUGE breath to release the tension. It’s so weird. If you’re into reading a book I started called feeling good: the new mood therapy and it’s really helping me alter my thoughts and make me feel better. I wish you well :)
Depends on what the event is for me, if it is partying or bar hopping I don’t participate. For happy hours or dinner’s honestly my mocktails are the thing people end up wanting more than their cocktails.
I totally get going to a "drinking" event and not wanting to drink. My favorite thing to do is to order a mocktail--like a virgin mojito or soda water with lime. OR I will get a fun snack from the bar to make myself feel like I have a fun treat that isnt alcoholic
Oof this whole video resonated with me SO much, girl me and you are one of the same. I was off of instagram for 2 years and just recently got back on. I unfollowed and removed over 300 people from my profile that I don’t need to see or know what they’re doing and they don’t need to know my life either. I totally understand where you’re coming from with the friends aspect and spending quality time and not necessarily drinking and going out to those things as much. My mental is literally the same where it’s not depression but my anxiety. Thank you for sharing and validating my feelings and knowing I’m not the only one out there
Thank you for being open about your experience with anxiety. I can relate to the way you described it physically manifesting, and it’s cliche but it really does help to hear that we’re not alone in those experiences.
I just got an app called DailyBean and it’s a way to track your mood. It sounds kind of silly but it helps to see visually what days I was in a good mood and what days were a bit more of a struggle and from there I’m able to see patterns of my mood. And it’s reassuring to know that one bad day doesn’t mean infinite bad days!
Morgan I’ve struggled with anxiety for a couple years now, specifically when I travel. Try taking a stress ball with you. I’ve also struggled with dissociation (not feeling like myself) & it’s very scary. In addition to therapy I started taking Prozac & it’s saved my life. Anxiety is a journey but there will be better days ahead! 💘
Do you believe that people's fashion tastes vary by age? For example, I've noticed that many youtubers/influencers in their 20s and younger like to wear sunglasses of crazy colors, shapes and sizes, while youtubers/influencers in their 30s and older don't like to wear those sunnies and prefer to wear basic/classic ones that are timeless and good quality.
