Why is alcohol thought to be relaxing and where did that misconception come from?

After a long and stressful day, I often find myself sitting down with a beer or glass of wine.

Rituals like these are the signal that the workday is over and that it is time for fun and relaxation.

The problem is that over time this way of drinking doesn’t work.

Regular (and excessive) consumption of alcohol is associated with depression and lack of sleep.

And research shows that it can also increase anxiety levels in the long run.