How to Get Sober or Take a Break From Alcohol
When you first begin your sober journey, it’s completely normal to want to take a break from drinking alcohol. Alcohol doesn't make us feel good, but instead infuses artificial chemicals in our body, and takes us further away from our goals. You also don’t have to be labeled as a problematic drinker to question your relationship with alcohol.
Here are some tips to get started on your journey. If doing many of these tips seems overwhelming, I would suggest starting with just one or two.
Educate yourself on alcohol
Start by reading my blog to learn more about the science of alcohol. Read quit lit books and listen to podcasts to get facts about alcohol.
Eat enough food and move your body
You want to make sure you’re eating enough and getting protein to feel full. Moving your body can also produce positive emotions, so I recommend walking, although any form of movement is equally valuable.
Try other drink options
Breaking a habit of drinking let’s say after work can be hard, so some find it helpful to replace alcohol with a mocktail (here are some refreshing and alcohol-free mocktails ideas), non-alcohol beverage, soda water, or try a new beverage that looks yummy. Drinking decaffeinated tea in the evening can also be a good way to relax and unwind.
I love helping people find their deeper purpose. When I decided to go alcohol-free, change my habits, and create new routines, I had to work a lot on my mindset. This process helped me begin the journey to help others to unlock their full potential. I believe seeking support and building connections can provide the encouragement, guidance, and empathy needed to navigate and sustain personal change.
Book a free consultation with me
Have a plan for triggers
To manage strong emotions and prevent drinking, you can try avoiding events, having an exit strategy, calling a friend, or finding alternate ways to cope. Knowing your triggers and writing them down, along with the reasons why you drink alcohol, can also be helpful.
Be kind to yourself and don't strive for perfection
Changing a habit can be difficult, but it's important to remember that growth comes from making mistakes and not being perfect. Being hard on ourselves can lead to negative feelings and even trigger a desire to drink alcohol. It's crucial to take care of yourself and find enjoyable activities that don't involve alcohol.
Be mindful of your thoughts
It's important to remember that not every thought we have about alcohol or our situation is true. Many people feel like they're missing out by not drinking, but it can be helpful to focus on gratitude and what we're gaining by taking a break from alcohol. Taking things day by day and avoiding predictions about the future can also be beneficial. You can use the following questions to identify thoughts that aren't serving you well and bringing you down:
Is the thought really true?
Can you absolutely know that it is true?
How do you react, what happens, when you believe that thought?
Who would you be without that thought?
Can you find a turnaround for the thought, considering an alternative perspective? How about embracing a gentler and more compassionate thought instead? Consider how the turnaround may be true or even truer than the original thought.
Find at least three examples for this new thought to be true.
– The Work by Bryon Katie
You don’t have to do this alone
Get support. Starting a sober journey can be a difficult and lonely experience. There's often a lot of pressure to drink, and it can be challenging to find people who share the same goals. Additionally, we may not have all the tools we need to start this journey. However, there are many resources available to help you along the way, including coaches, therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups such as Meet Up, AA, Facebook Groups, and online groups.
I offer 1:1 coaching and you can book a free discovery call by clicking on this link.
Additionally, I have created a free 2-week alcohol-free guide to assist you in your journey.
