Sober October allows you to reset your relationship with alcohol if you’re not ready to completely give up drinking.
One month without alcohol may not seem to make a big difference. However, it can be very beneficial, especially for those who drink moderate amounts (or more) of alcohol regularly.
Abstinence from alcohol for a short period is related to the following:
- weight loss
- Improved insulin resistance (the main driver of type 2 diabetics)
- Improved blood pressure
- improved liver function
- reduced cancer risk
- enhanced brain health
- improved sleep quality
- Increased Productivity
- Increased life satisfaction
Here are some tips and tricks that will help you get through Sober Octobre or any other short-term alcohol detox.
Healthy Stress Reduction
Alcohol and stress often go together. It can be tempting to have a glass or two of wine after a stressful day.
This is not a healthy way to cope. Alcohol is depressant so it won’t make you feel any better over time. It might even worsen your situation.
Relying on alcohol as a way to cope with stress can also lead to unhealthy habits.
If you want to re-establish your relationship with alcohol this month, then you need to find healthier ways of dealing with emotions and moods.
Manage your stress better by using these
- Creative art
- Journaling
- Hobbies
- Mindfulness meditation
- Exercise or Physical Activity
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Breathing Exercises
- Spending time in nature
- Music
- Stay connected with family and friends
- Eating a healthy diet
- Sleeping enough
- Avoiding your triggers
Avoiding Temptation
Resetting your relationship to alcohol means also resetting the relationship you have with your environment.
Avoid people, places and situations that you are likely to associate with drinking.
You will need to replace drinking with new habits if it has been part of your everyday routine. You’ll need to find new activities and environments to keep you occupied.
Prepare for difficult social situations, like parties or dinners with friends.
Share your goals with your drinking buddies and friends. You may have to separate yourself from them for Sober October if they’re not supportive.
Avoid places where alcohol is easily available and remove temptations in your home.
You are not losing anything, you are gaining something
You might initially see giving up alcohol as a punishment or deprivation. This is not a healthy view.
Sobriety does not constrain–it liberates.
By giving up alcohol, you are not losing any of your life’s enjoyment. Instead, you are taking a step towards a healthier lifestyle.
You gain better health, greater clarity in your thinking, more money and more time. This experiment allows you to discover more about yourself, and how you wish to live your life.
Sober October offers a chance for personal growth and improvement. This is a great opportunity to prove to yourself that you are capable of tackling difficult tasks, making positive changes to your life and taking control of your own health and wellbeing.
Taking a break from alcohol is better for you than drinking regularly.
If you require assistance or support, there are numerous resources available .
