A cocktail or a glass of wine is a fine indulgence for most of us — in fact, there are studies that suggest it's downright good for you to have a drink now and then.

對大部分人而言，來一杯雞尾酒或是酒是一個很好的放鬆方式。事實上，研究顯示偶爾小酌一下對身體是有益的

But when it comes to stress or feeling depressed, the time when you probably feel like you need a drink the most,

但是當我們感到壓力、沮喪時，或是特別想喝酒的時候，

I say keep the liquor cabinet closed

我會建議你關好酒櫃

You may feel a little bit better if you're down in the dumps and you have a drink, but alcohol is actually a depressant, it adds calories to your diet, and it's not going to solve the problem that's plaguing you.

如果你在情緒低落時小酌一番，你心情會好一些，但是實際上酒精是一種鎮定劑，它會增加你的熱量攝取，而並不能解決你的煩惱

That little bit of relief you get from drinking is only temporary

喝完酒，你感到的那一點點舒緩只是暫時的，

and your problems may feel worse when that buzz wears off.

而當酒精退了，你的煩惱反而會更嚴重

Research shows that even moderate drinking may increase the odds of depression,

研究顯示即使是適當的酒精也有可能會增加沮喪的可能性

which is exactly what you don't need when you're already feeling down.

你早感到沮喪了，相信你已經不需要酒精的幫助

Instead of alcohol, try some hot tea, meet up with friends, go for a walk in the park, or hit up the gym

試著喝一些熱茶、跟朋友見面、到公園走走、或到健身房運動，而不是喝酒

Find something healthier and positive to take your mind off your problems,

找到一些更健康和正面的事情，能讓你暫時遺忘煩惱

or to focus on your solutions, and write them down so you have them top of mind when a moment hits you

或是專注於找尋解決方法，把你的想法記錄下來，對你會有很大的幫助。

So remember: Have a drink to celebrate,

所以要記得：喝酒是為了慶祝某件事、

have a drink to unwind, but don't have a drink to save your mood

喝酒是為了放鬆、但是不要因為心情不好而喝酒

Skipping the booze can help you feel just a little bit better.

不喝酒其實也能讓你心情好一些