By: Bob Littler
Why do you drink wine?
Well I'm sure I can hear a range of answers, but I guess some are saying "because I really enjoy it; I appreciate a good wine".
If it is because you really enjoy it, how do you feel when you are drinking it?
OK, another range of answers, but again I can guess one of the main ones - "it's relaxing; it's soothing; I calm down". There's no doubt that enjoying a glass of wine you really like is relaxing; it has to be - you can't enjoy it if you are trying to do half a dozen other things at the same time.
But for most people, when was the last time you really relaxed?
On holiday? Maybe not; many people find holidays to be even more stressful than the rest of the year! Anyway that's hardly going to be often enough. At the weekend? Or were you rushing about trying to fit in all the things you want to do but don't have time in the week?
Despite all the evidence that shows that relaxation is just as good for you as exercise, most people find it difficult and end up not doing it. And sitting in front of the TV with nothing better to do is not relaxation!
Relaxation helps to reduce levels of stress, and that is a key step to good health.
So here's a suggestion. When you get home from work, put aside 30 minutes or so and open a bottle of one of your favourite wines. There are not many better ways to unwind, to relax and to reduce stress than a glass of a decent wine. Just savour it; enjoy the bouquet; that first sip; the finish; the complex flavours that come through. Appreciate all the effort that went into producing it. Enjoy.
So if finding the inner peace and enjoyment from true relaxation appeals to you, try enjoying a glass or two of your favourite wine at home in the evening. The really important thing is to have just a glass or two, and to make sure it is a wine you can really savour. Don't turn to drink as a way of solving the day's problems. It won't work; the objective is to relax naturally. There is far more enjoyment in a small amount of a good wine than in large quantities of cheap stuff.
Now all you have to do is choose tonight's wine.
