Dry January is over and for many, this means celebrating their achievements with an alcoholic drink. But not you, because you now know that you have done the hardest bit, sobriety is fricken awesome and no way, hosay do you want to be going back to those groggy Monday mornings, stinking breath and constant tiredness. This can be difficult though especially when your mates are dying to meet up for celebratory drinks here are some top tips of how to free yourself from the booze this February:
Focus on what you're gaining
Reframe what you are saying - Instead of just ‘giving up’ something, see it as gaining new habits of eating well, exercising more, improved mood, having more time, and saving money.” There's so many wonderful benefits to being sober. A great tool to help motivate yourself to keep on making it through this next month without alcohol is to focus on how you are feeling—both physically and psychologically.
Manage Your Cravings
While most cravings last only 15 to 30 minutes, it can be hard to fight them off. You might try a substitute, like pouring an alcohol-free drink or a personal mantra: “I am stronger than this, and it will pass.” Staying busy is a great way to distract yourself. And some people find it helpful to keep a journal. Write down the things that bring you joy and things you are grateful for, then go back and read them during tough times.
Seek support from others.
Build a support network: Lean on close friends and family for support, even if your relationships aren’t what they used to be. Think about joining a sober support group, maybe it's time to consider counselling or coaching. Considering the circumstances of COVID-19 and social distancing, many of us don't have the same social circle right now. This is a great excuse to change your social practices, If you harbor toxic relationships with drinking buddies, friends, or even family, now is the time to take a serious look at those relationships and evaluate how healthy or unhealthy they may be. Stay in touch with sober friends you have made in January and call on them if you’re feeling anxious or uncomfortable.
Don't be afraid to say 'no'.
Sometimes it’s the easiest way. If you feel like you’re not going to be able to attend an event (obvs if you are in the UK I mean a zoom event) and steer clear of booze, Just don’t go. Saying no is the best tool you have for distancing yourself from negative people or situations. Remind yourself how valuable your time is, and you're less likely to hesitate when it comes to saying no to something you really don't want to do.
Get into nature
No matter where you live, no matter whatever the weather, you can take yourself outside for a 20-minute walk around the block, You will discover things about the natural world that is right on your doorstep that you’ve never experienced. You’ll also enjoy a number of wonderful hormones that will fill you up with a sense of well-being and joy.
Keep a list of things you’re proud of
Before you go to bed, take a few seconds to note down at least one reason why you’re proud of yourself that day. Maybe it's the fact you didn’t drink, or maybe there’s something else you need to give yourself acknowledgment for. Find one thing you’re proud of each day, at the end of February look back on your list. Is there more on it than you expected? How much of it would’ve happened if you’d been drinking? This is all good stuff to reflect on.
Alcohol-free drinks
Stopping drinking doesn’t mean you have to sit there drinking flat coke all night, Get yourself a decent alcohol-free alternative, there are lots of zero percent wines and beers, alternative spirits, Kombuchas etc available now. Explore all the new teas, or soft drinks that are now available, I’m in love with the Rhubarb tonics you can get. It’s so much easier to go booze-free when you enjoy what you’re drinking instead. Check out Wise Bartender and don't forget to use code BEESOBER5 at checkout for a cheeky discount.
Last but not least......Get rid of all the booze!
Ok, are you ready for this one!! It is a biggy but if you are now genuinely really committed to a long-term change then why not get rid of all the booze in your house. Every, single last bit! . You can give to friends or why not just go for it and pour it all down the sink. If you’re absolutely horrified at the amount of money you think you’ll be losing, take some time to calculate the value of what you do have: is your health, good night's sleep, shiny hair, and sanity only worth that much?
Go on do it, I dare you………
Article Source: Lisa Elsworth (Co-Founder of Bee Sober)
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