A night out often feels like freedom: music, friends, and letting go for a while. But alcohol plays a bigger role in nightlife than we sometimes realize. According to research summarized by the Trimbos Institute, drinking before, during, and after going out comes with a range of risks that can shape the entire night, and even what happens after.

Choosing a sober (or more mindful) lifestyle doesn’t mean missing out, it just means approaching nights out, social moments, and your habits a little differently. And like any lifestyle change, it gets easier with the right tools and mindset. Here are five things that can genuinely make a sober lifestyle feel more natural, and even more fun.

Taking a break from alcohol isn’t just a trend, it’s actually backed by a growing body of research. A recent review by researchers from Sweden, Australia, the United States, and Canada shows that drinking less (or not at all) can have a surprisingly positive impact on both your physical and mental health.