How Comma Brewing Is Redefining What It Means to Take a Pause

“I’m taking a break” is a phrase you hear often. From coworkers skipping caffeine, friends doing the 75 Hard challenge, or anyone white-knuckling their way through Dry January. And while the intent is good, the framing can be misleading. 

Breaks suggest punishment. They imply that something you’re doing is inherently wrong, and needs a complete overhaul. But what if you didn’t need to go to extremes just to make a different choice tonight?

This idea is the ethos behind Comma Brewing, a new THC-and CBD-infused non-alcoholic beer brand out of Salida, Colorado. It’s also the mindset behind a growing number of consumers rejecting all-or-nothing habits in favor of something more flexible, intuitive, and sustainable.

 

The Psychology of Interruption

Language matters. A “break” is often a reactive decision; a response to burnout, guilt, or excess. It implies something needs fixing. A “pause,” on the other hand, is proactive. It’s a moment of intentionality. 

Behaviorally, this distinction matters. When we frame our choices as moral decisions (good vs. bad, healthy vs. indulgent), we often fall into the trap of rebound behavior. We “earn” our way back to old patterns. But when we choose from a place of presence, the decision feels lighter.

 

Why Rigid Rules Don’t Always Work

For years, cultural conversations around alcohol have centered on all-or-nothing approaches. Dry January. Sober October. No-drink challenges and streaks that encourage “resetting” after a holiday or a hard season.

But what happens after the 30 days are up?

Research suggests that temporary abstinence can backfire if it’s driven by shame or pressure rather than personal intention. For many people, monthly challenges create a cycle of “on” and “off”—a binary that doesn’t always translate to sustainable behavior change.

And yet, there’s a growing interest in moderation and mindful drinking. According to NielsenIQ, 82% of Americans who purchase non-alcoholic drinks also buy alcohol. People aren’t committing to one identity; they’re building a toolkit. A set of flexible habits they can turn to based on what the day calls for.

That’s where a pause becomes more powerful than a break.

 

A Break That Sticks With You

Habits are sticky because they’re both convenient and familiar. As author James Clear writes, “The greatest threat to success is not failure but boredom. We get bored with habits because they stop delighting us.”

That’s where Comma slips in. From the satisfying crack of a can, to the satisfying bitterness of a pale ale, to the feeling that something is subtly kicking in—you’re still having a moment. You’re just having it differently. And tomorrow, you’ll thank yourself.

Comma doesn’t ask for a full-on identity shift. In fact, the brand is built for the people already at the party. The ones who still drink, but want to feel better the next day.

 

Breaking Free From Optimization Culture

Somewhere along the way, even our breaks became performative. The “wellness industrial complex” turned abstinence into a badge of honor, pitting self-denial against indulgence in a moral tug-of-war.

In truth, our better choices matter more when we’re treating them with spontaneity. You don’t need to completely overhaul your routines and persona in order to take those important pauses.

Pausing is not about restricting yourself to prove a point. Instead, it’s about choosing what feels right for your body, your schedule, and your night. There is no “cheating,” no “mistakes,” just people actively deciding, in the moment, to take the evening in another direction.

 

Small Swaps Lead to Big Shifts

In wellness, as in life, it’s often the subtle adjustments that make the biggest difference, like actively choosing a walk over another scroll session. 

This is the logic behind Comma. It doesn’t ask you to define yourself by what you’re cutting out. It asks you to notice what you gain when you choose something that works better.

The smartest behavior change tools are the ones that make change feel casual. Unremarkable, even. Not something you broadcast, just something you do.

In the end, that’s what the pause is all about. It’s not a finish line, it’s, well, a Comma. A smarter decision in the middle of a sentence you’re still writing.

More Posts

THC as an Alcohol Alternative

Alcohol consumption continues to decline among younger generations, but that doesn’t mean we’re seeing a sober revolution. Instead, it’s a shift in preferences.  THC is

Love these topics?

Sign up for our weekly newsletter

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

We use cookies to provide you with a better service and for promotional purposes. By continuing to use this site you consent to our use of cookies as described in our cookie policy.