Breaking Up with Booze: My Journey of Giving Up Alcohol and the Surprising Benefits That Followed
In January 2021 I stopped drinking alcohol. For no reason in particular, other than I just felt like I needed a break. I had gone from enjoying a few red wines on the weekend with my partner and friends, to drinking waaaaay too much (2020 Covid/lockdowns?). I also wanted to see the difference not drinking would have on my overall health.
Our culture leads us to believe on every occasion, we should have a drink. Had a bad day, have a drink. Something awesome just happened, have a drink. Nothing special happened, have a drink. Your kids are being annoying, have a drink.
This is not about me coming out and saying I will never drink again or that I will judge you if you choose to drink. This is me, putting it out there that I would like to redefine my relationship with alcohol. I would like to have the occasional glass of red wine and really enjoy it. Not just have a drink because as an adult that's socially what we think we should do.
The first month was challenging. I am a creature of habit, and I was used to having a drink on Thursdays for date night. On Fridays as a yay i’ve finished work and on Saturdays with dinner. Saying no to a glass of red wine on these occasions was challenging. But once I got through those first few weeks my habits shifted and saying no to alcohol wasn’t as challenging. I even made it through all of my graduation celebrations and the holiday season without a drink.
So what were the main things I noticed?
- I am less anxious (like a lot less)
- I have more mental clarity
- I have more energy
- My eyes have gone from hazel to green
- My skin is clearer
- I'm less bloated and my bowel movements are more regular
- I've lost weight
- I feel more joyful
- I was able to approach a really stressful time in my life with a clear head and give myself the opportunity to really feel my feelings without using alcohol as a crutch.
Here are my top 5 tips to giving up/taking a break from booze.
Find a non alcoholic alternative you can have instead. Monday Distillery non alcoholic drinks are amazing and really helped me. The gin and tonic tastes exactly like the real thing! Plus they don't have any nasty ingredients in them. Highly highly recommended. I also like Naked Life mocktails. There is also an online shop called Sans Drinks that has hundreds of non alcoholic alternatives. Mineral water in a wine glass with frozen berries or ice and lime also does the trick.
Spend the first month doing activities that don’t revolve around drinking alcohol. Set yourself a fitness challenge, try engaging in activities that require you to wake early on weekends, anything that can distract you from wanting to pour yourself a drink.
Rope in a friend or family member to join you. Sometimes it’s easier to do things with other people especially if they are the ones you are used to sharing a drink with.
Write a list of the benefits to giving up alcohol (saving money, having more energy, better sex) and keep this as an ongoing list you can come back to when you’re feeling tempted. While you’re at it, keep a list of the positive things you’ve noticed since giving up booze.
Plan regular rewards. If you get to the end of the month, how can you celebrate yourself? Taking yourself to a movie by yourself? A solo dip in the ocean? Bushwalk? Whatever floats your boat, reward and celebrate yourself.
There is no doubt giving up alcohol or limiting your intake is going to have HUGE benefits to your health both physical and metal, but the world we live in can make this harder than it has to be. If you would like to talk more about it, or book a naturopathic consultation with me so we can work towards some health goals together, you can do so by clicking here! Just ask to see Carolyn.