Does a sunny day spark a craving for a cold alcoholic drink? Do pub gardens, barbecues, and outdoor gatherings feel like booze is suddenly everywhere, making it harder to stick to your goals? If the sun is your biggest trigger, this episode can help. Join Anna as she unpacks why sunshine is such a powerful cue for drinking, especially in UK culture, and how our brains build deep associations between warm weather and alcohol. She explores the neuroscience of habit (hello, Pavlov!), the biology of sunshine-boosted serotonin, the pull of “holiday mode,” and the classic FOMO that comes with social summer events. Anna introduces the SUN Framework, a quick, empowering tool to help you spot old scripts, update their meaning, and truly nourish the real needs beneath your cravings. Whether you’re sober-curious, cutting back, or living alcohol-free, this episode will help you rewrite your summer story. Here are the highlights: 00:00 Introduction 05:26 Sun can trigger a Pavlovian response for drinking 07:33 Old habits echo like Pavlovian responses, but you can learn new ones 09:40 Sunlight boosts serotonin, enhancing mood, focus, and sleep 17:36 Sunshine triggers a holiday mindset, linking relaxation and indulgence with alcohol 21:31 Belonging feels safe, while standing out feels risky 25:31 We don't crave beer, but the feelings of happiness, belonging, and relaxation we associate with it 31:52 Identify and meet your needs by creating new, enjoyable rituals 33:59 Reflect on your "new summer story" by journaling about it. 🏆Please vote for The Big Drink Rethink in the ITV bCreator Awards 2025 1. Click on the link below 2. Pop in your email 3. Select I’M A SUBSCRIBER / FOLLOWER 4. Select CREATOR SHORTLIST 5. Hit SUBMIT YOUR VOTE 6. Scroll down to the Podcast bCreator category and vote for THE BIG DRINK RETHINK Here’s the link: 🔗 https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/ 🔗 Get the free SUN Framework toolkit and all our resources from: https://www.thebeliefscoach.com If you’re a mum wanting to explore your relationship with alcohol, join ‘Mummy Doesn’t Need Wine’ here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mummydoesntneedwine Anna’s group coaching community ‘Unstuck!’ helps identify your alcohol ‘stories’ and beliefs, breaking the cycle of alcohol and all the shame that goes with it. For more information and to find out how to join, please follow this link : Unstuck! community information To further explore your relationship with alcohol, check out Anna’s self-guided programme, The Big Drink Rethink Experiment: https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experiment And apply the code POD99 to purchase for just £99 as a podcast listener If you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethink About the host Anna: Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of
