Should I Have Alcohol in My Life? Or How Can I Reduce It or Remove It Completely.
Should I Have Alcohol in My Life? Or How Can I Reduce It or Remove It Completely. Are you ready for a significant reset or a fresh start? Tired of waking up with morning hangovers and feeling like you’re wasting your day? Do you crave more energy and a sense of accomplishment, aiming to enhance all areas of your life?
Six months ago, I made the decision to take a break from consuming alcohol. It wasn’t because I faced any severe drinking issues, and this choice doesn’t necessitate hitting rock bottom. Rather, I realized I desired more from life than spending my time and hard-earned money in pubs. The first step involved examining my current habits and patterns, identifying why and when I turned to alcohol.
I recognized that I often drank to be social or meet new people, allowing alcohol to serve as a social lubricant and make me feel more at ease in conversations. There was also the social pressure to drink when out with others to have a good time. Slowly, I started attending events and switched my drinks to mocktails or non-alcoholic options, learning to be comfortable and confident in sober settings.
Alcohol can impact various aspects of your health, including sleep, weight (due to excess calories), memory, digestive issues, irritability, regret, and even depression. Personally, I used to binge drink on weekends and then consume little throughout the week. It’s beneficial to assess how often and how much you drink, noting any triggers or moments when you feel the need for a drink.
You might not need to quit entirely; perhaps, you wish to cut back and be more mindful of when and why you choose to drink. Communicate your goals and choices to others, enabling them to understand and support you, even if they don’t fully comprehend. Having a prepared response for those who ask why you’re not drinking can be helpful in uncomfortable situations.
Find alternative activities to keep busy, change your environment, adopt healthier habits, explore new workout classes or hobbies, and replace alcoholic beverages with water, tea, coffee, or flavored water. Establish a daily practice of meditation, reading, journaling, gratitude exercises, breathing techniques, and self-care. Pay attention to the physical symptoms that decrease with reduced alcohol intake.
Ensure you stay hydrated, get enough rest, stay physically active, and consume well-balanced meals. Remember your “why” — whether it’s for health reasons, forming new habits, seeking more energy, or aiming for an improved overall mood. Seek support if needed, and if it becomes unmanageable, consider therapy or support programs.
Give yourself grace, take it slow, and avoid an all-or-nothing approach to prevent setting yourself up for failure. I’d love to hear about your sober journey, favorite mocktails, or how life has changed since reducing or removing alcohol. If you’re seeking support for your health goals, consider checking out my fitness coaching at www.thisismeraw.com. Thank you for your support!
Yours truly, Tracy
