There’s also the strong association of alcohol with relaxation. For her, ‘Resisting the temptation to drink has not been an issue, but dealing with people’s negative reactions and feeling excluded from what my friends are doing has been really hard.’ Like many of the festival-goers I spoke to, Rachel, 34, cut back her alcohol consumption for lifestyle reasons, including concern for her overall well-being and a desire to put an end to hangovers. Mindful drinking is a growing trend, with recent data from the Office for National Statistics showing that the proportion of adults who say they drink is at its lowest level on record, with 21% saying they don’t drink at all. Alternatively, it may mean giving up drink for a set time, or deciding to become sober indefinitely. You’re in control.’ For some, this means reducing their overall alcohol intake or establishing clearer boundaries around consumption. Being mindful about your drinking is all about what is right for you today. ‘You become aware of how your body and mind are affected by alcohol and can decide if you’re OK with that. The group’s founder, Laura Willoughby, describes mindful drinking as an attitude. The event was organised by Club Soda, a mindful drinking movement with an online community of more than 10,000 members.