Why does December make every drink feel “earned”?

In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the psychology behind holiday drinking — why stress, nostalgia, expectations, and end-of-year pressure make alcohol feel like a reward, even when your body’s already running on fumes. You’ll learn:

How December stress tricks your brain into craving “reward” drinks

Why holiday culture normalizes daily or heavier drinking

How exhaustion, cortisol, and emotional overload amplify cravings

What’s really going on when you feel like you “deserve” a drink

How ingredients like Ashwagandha and L-Theanine (found in Daily Restore) can support stress and help your brain unwind — without leaning on alcohol

🎧 Tap play to understand why December drinking feels so justified — and how to break the cycle while still enjoying the season.