Meet Lisen Helander

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisen Helander. 

Hi Lisen, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
A little about my city background: Raised in San Diego, became determined for a ‘one-year’ adventure in a new city, chose the Detroit revitalization and here I still am, in Detroit, 7 years later! 

The Friday Mind certifies businesses offering an equal mindset for both alcohol-free (AF) & alcohol offerings. 

When you decide to not drink for the day, party, outing, celebration, pregnancy, long term, you deserve just as many mindful options that are alcohol-free as alcohol. By certifying and essentially reviewing establishments that are equally mindful, The Friday Mind is encouraging and supporting brands and businesses to continue to add more (healthy) options for all. Drink inclusivity! 

The Friday Mind concept was born when I came to the realization that I was basically living for Fridays, which only amounts to 14% of the week. I’d fill a productive week only to let it go by fully indulging in a couple days off. Don’t get me wrong, tons of fun to be had but also times of increased anxiety, overindulgence, and regret. I needed to get my mind clear and figure out the balance that works for me. 

In Oct 2021 it was time to take a break from alcohol – let’s do a month, let’s do a holiday season, let’s do a Summer, well how about one year … Little did I know at the time how the alcohol-free marketplace was exploding, and I was not at all alone in this discovery and journey. After immense rewards by simply looking directly at myself & my own habits, this in turn improved relationships, anxiety, work, and mental clarity. 

I am sharing my story as the Friday Mind with the hope to relate, connect and help others along the way. Nobody should feel that they have to sit at home and are not ‘fun’ simply but not drinking alcohol. I believe alcohol use comes about on a spectrum; it is not so back or white / problem or not. Sometimes we all have to step back and take a break and reassess alcohol in our lives. After all, abnormal alcohol use has been normalized in our society. We are taught that if we can’t handle an extremely addictive, harmful substance something must be ‘wrong’ with us. I am here to tell and show you there is truly another whole world out there and there is nothing wrong if you choose to go alcohol-free for any period of time. 

I am currently back in my hometown of San Diego on vacation enjoying a ‘Recess zero proof margarita’ at sunset. I know that these types of beverages packed with feel-good adaptogens will leave me feeling better (rather than worse) than when I started if I were to consume alcohol all week. I don’t miss those days back from vacation feeling depressed that the ‘fun’ is over and anxious to what is next. I will instead be excited to share my story refreshed and ready to start the day anew. 

By stepping back, it does not mean you can’t participate in the ceremony, the celebration of a Friday, or any day. 

Every day can truly feel like Friday. 

Cheers to ALL! 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think the toughest part for me has been looking directly at myself in the mirror and making this change that is so apart from mainstream culture. Sharing the story that I didn’t totally fit in at times, that it is not working for me, updating my own identity as the social drinker/ party person for the better, in hopes to help others in similar boats. Although this sounds empowering (and is), it is also really hard. 

I knew by telling my story, I would also have to get through fears of public speaking – whether on Zoom, through an Instagram reel or in front of a room of people. Little did I realize that going alcohol free actually jump started my confidence and this went much smoother in retrospect than I could have ever imagined. 

My anxiety that would sometimes put me through the roof prior to any type of presentation has dissipated through a healthier lifestyle. Also in retrospect, you think alcohol will reduce anxiety. Sure, it does for the first few hours, but can leave you in opposite despair the next day. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The Friday Mind certifies places in my town of Detroit as well as in my travels through the US, world and through social media follower submissions. The Alcohol Free (AF) certification scale goes from 5 (highest) down to 1 (lowest) 

5 = AF Certified Mindful: Drink menus are just as mindful for alcohol as zero proof options. 

4 = AF Certified Above Average: Includes an AF / NA section of the menu with at least (2) beers and zero proof options. 

3 = AF Certified Average: We acknowledge the need for an option – will include 1-2 NA beers. 

2 = Uncertified Some Thought: At least one creative ginger beer or sparkling water option. 

1 = Uncertified Zero Thought: “We’ve got items on the gun for you (mixers/soda)” 

Being a social person myself, I knew that for people cutting back and/ or cutting out alcohol for periods of time, there still needs to be places to hang and be YOU. We are social beings and deserve a safe place to be, without feeling the pressure to drink what is marketed to us. 

When I feel the pull of going along with the crowd, my motto is to think different, drink different. It may be more challenging at times, but ultimately worth it for your heart and soul as well as to inspire others. 

I made a promise by going alcohol free that I would work to not change my social life in any extremes. I put this passion into the Friday Mind while I am out on the town. My partner and I always love to pony up to a bar and watch a sports game or start a chat with the person next to us. I still do this and promote the heck out of the place if it indeed has some thoughtful alcohol-free options. 

There are a ton of new brands of craft beers, wines, champagnes and spirits that are all low to no alcohol that can be served just as fancy as alcohol. The ultimate goal: toasting together, regardless of what is in the glass. I found the same giddiness and passion finding these new options, certifying the bar/ restaurant as I did finding a new alcoholic drink and absolutely love the fresh next day Friday feeling! 

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love that in moving to Detroit you feel the grit and hard work ethic around every corner. Nothing simply just got there without a kick ass story behind it. By living through and experiencing the re-build of Brush Park, I love coming across something new around every corner. I love the heartbeat and customization of the city of Detroit in so many areas. I love the diversity and understanding and even the snow, at times. 

I do not love that some areas of Detroit are rebuilt, and some are still under despair. I try to focus on the progress outweighing the negative in these areas and reach out to volunteer through my day job at the Rocket Family of Companies. Thankfully we stand solid behind our ‘more that profit’ mission for Detroit. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thefridaymind.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefridaymind/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=