... as usual you cut right through to the marrow of things.  This has been a big "quiet" topic in my part of the world.  There are petitions to continue "to-go" alcoholic drinks from restaurants now as restrictions are lifting ... locals enjoy the increased accessibility, I guess -- pre-COVID that was unheard of ...

I'm a wine drinker -- red. I was the procurer of brandy for my mother @ her independent living facility.  I think both of our intake increased rather gradually over the last year.

I've not been locked down as many others have, but there still has been an uptick in my wine consumption. I'm not happy about it ... my waistline is not happy with it, but dang, this has been a rough year --- wine & a book at night became my new over-normal. I'm probably 1.5x frequency from previous years. 

My local liquor store owner spoke of how he had not anticipated, nor had any idea how much boxed wine he would need in a week when COVIID started --- like toilet paper in a grocery store, he had bare shelves in certain areas

I drink more than I did before Covid, but that's because  I had a baby in late 2019, so I hadn't been drinking at all. But I probably don't have more than a glass of wine or a margarita every couple weeks, if that. I also haven't gained any weight. 

BUT - things haven't changed as much for us during covid as they have for many others.  My DH still has a job and goes to work every day,  and has for the entire pandemic (he's in the trades). My skids have been doing in-person school for this entire school year - their school was remote at the end of the last school year but doesn't even have a remote option this year.  With all the stimulus money, we're actually doing better financially.  We're low risk (young and no underlying conditions) and our state has been "open" for most of the year. I still see my family regularly - they're in our "bubble," which admittedly is bigger/looser than some. I don't know anyone who has died from covid. In fact, I know only a handful of people who've tested positive, and none of them had more than mild symptoms.  We've been very, very fortunate, and while our "normal" is different, I'm an introvert so my routine hasn't been thrown off that much. I still can't wait to get vaccinated, though.

I rarely drank pre-COVID. But even though I am working full time the increased stressors at home and limited options for activities outside the home have definitely lead to an increase in my alcohol consumption. 

My friend who never drank at all has become a regular wine drinker and even has it delivered to her house. 

The toughest times are what we call mud season. No snow for winter activities outside and too cold, wet and muddy for spring/summer activities.

Its pretty much stayed the same for me.  For me ive started exercising since covid started.  Ive lost 50lbs, stil have more to lose, and in still eating right, drinking water and exercising, buuut i found out my thyroid is screwed up majorly, I just started taking 2 medicines just for my thyroid. I hope this helps! 

Our wine and beer consumption went way up fall of 2020 once the weather turned. But we recognized it and cut wayyyyy back. We make sure to get non-alcoholic, lower cal beverages whenever we are at the store. We're both big fans of plain sparking water or club soda.

I've gained a little bit, but still in the same clothes. I exercise a lot and am active.... we're lucky to live in an area with lots of outdoor space and smaller population. I am blaming perimenopause for some of it!

I was only off of work for a month so I really didn't have the time to cultivate a daily drinking habit.  But  DH and I know people who are teleworking and they drink daily, sometimes before it's even time to be off of work.  I enjoy a glass of wine or two on ocassion but I could see how if I was able to telework I might drink more.