As Sober October comes to a close, I thought I might a moment to reflect and share some thoughts on how to keep the momentum going, if you took part, whether you’re cutting back on alcohol or choosing to continue living alcohol-free.
Almost two years ago, I decided to stop drinking because it felt like alcohol was taking more than it was giving. It was a personal choice that made sense for me at the time, and if you’re curious about my experience, I dive into my journey on the following podcast episodes:
Ep 5: Our Complicated Relationship with Alcohol
Ep 22: Rethinking the Drink (part 2)
Ep 28: Kicking Off Season 3 with an Alcohol Free Living Update
My goal in sharing this isn’t to suggest that giving up alcohol is the right path for everyone. It’s a personal decision, and my intention is simply to invite curiosity. If you’re feeling like alcohol might not be serving you in the same way it once did, these reflections might offer some helpful perspective.
Join Our Sober Curious Book Club: Uncorked Perspectives
Are you interested in exploring what sober curiosity might look like for you? I’m starting a Sober Curious Book Club! Our first read will be The Naked Mind by Annie Grace. Here’s what you should know about the club:
- You don’t have to stop drinking to join. This group is open to anyone who’s curious about drinking less, whether you’re already sober or just thinking about it.
- Everyone is welcome. Having members who are already alcohol-free will be a huge benefit to those of us exploring new habits.
- Flexible schedule. We’ll meet six times to discuss the book, but attendance at every meeting isn’t required. Meetings will also be recorded for those who can’t attend live.
Sign up here!
Reframing Your Thinking Around Alcohol
When I started cutting back on alcohol, it was tempting to think of it as a loss—something I was giving up. But I quickly realized that focusing on what I gained instead of what I “lost” made all the difference.
The truth is, our brains don’t respond well to restriction and negativity. So instead of thinking about what I was saying no to, I focused on what I was saying yes to:
- Better sleep
- More mental clarity
- Less anxiety
- Feeling healthier and more comfortable in my own skin
One question I asked myself often: “Is this drink worth the next 12 hours of my life?” Sure, a glass of wine might feel enjoyable in the moment, but if it disrupted my sleep and left me groggy or anxious the next day, it wasn’t worth the trade-off.
Try Stringing Together a Few Days Without Alcohol
I love challenges like Dry January or Sober October is that they provide a chance to clear alcohol out of your system for a longer stretch of time. When I was drinking, I’d have a few drinks on the weekend—usually Friday, Saturday, and Sunday—and sometimes, there would be midweek glass of wine or two. But these drinking patterns never allowed me to experience the full benefits of life without alcohol.
Taking longer breaks helped me connect with what I’d been missing—a powerful rest and reset for my mind and body.
Find Fun Alcohol Alternatives for Sober October
Let’s be real: sometimes, it’s nice to have a drink in your hand just to feel comfortable, especially in social settings. Having something other than water made a huge difference for me. Here are a few of my go-to alternatives:
- Athletic Brewing Co.’s Upside Dawn Golden Wheat Ale – A non-alcoholic beer that feels like a treat.
- Shrubs, bitters, and club soda – A fizzy, sweet/tart mocktail mix that brings me joy.
Finding substitutes that I truly look forward to made it easier to stay engaged in social events without feeling like an outsider. Plus, it gave me a way to keep my hands busy, which is surprisingly helpful!
Focus on What You Gain, Not What You Give Up
Reframing your thinking around alcohol isn’t about deprivation—it’s about creating space for things that truly benefit your well-being. Whether it’s better sleep, clearer thoughts, or simply feeling more comfortable in your own skin, each step away from alcohol can bring new rewards.
By giving yourself the chance to take intentional breaks, explore fun alternatives, and question old habits, you may discover a whole new way of living that feels more aligned with your goals. The key is to focus on what you’re gaining rather than what you’re letting go of.
Whatever your path looks like, remember that every small change matters. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress, one mindful choice at a time.
If you’re interested in coaching to move towards an alcohol-free life, reach out to Jennifer at: Jennifer@mcdanielnutrition.com she would love to work beside you in your journey!