Usually my thoughts are more geared towards 'fun' things, I guess: sex, partying, that kind of thing. I don't like to think too much about serious stuff, if I can help it.
I had enough of that with Mary's memories, at first.
And yes, alcohol does help keep the mood sometimes. I don't overdo it. It's not like I'm knocking back 20 shots a day. I just don't like to think about more than my immediate plans and the work I do. Too much stress comes from that.