The Sober Curious Movement: Exploring the Benefits of a Booze-Free Lifestyle

In recent years, a growing number of people have been embracing the sober curious lifestyle. This movement is all about exploring the benefits of living without alcohol, even if you're not necessarily an alcoholic or have an addiction problem. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the reasons behind this trend and explore the benefits of a booze-free lifestyle. We'll also provide some tips for those who are interested in giving up alcohol.

What is the Sober Curious Movement?

The sober curious movement is a growing trend that encourages people to question their relationship with alcohol and to explore the benefits of a sober lifestyle. It's a movement that is largely driven by millennials, who are becoming increasingly health-conscious and focused on personal growth. People who are sober curious may choose to abstain from alcohol altogether or may simply limit their consumption.

The sober curious movement is not about shaming people who drink. Rather, it's about creating a culture where sobriety is celebrated and where people are encouraged to question the role that alcohol plays in their lives. This movement is all about empowering people to make informed choices about their drinking habits and to find a healthier balance.

Reasons for the Sober Curious Movement

There are many reasons why people are embracing the sober curious lifestyle. Here are just a few:

1. Health Benefits - Alcohol is a toxin that can damage the liver, disrupt sleep, and increase the risk of certain types of cancer. Cutting back on alcohol or eliminating it altogether can lead to better physical health.

2. Mental Health Benefits - Alcohol is a depressant that can worsen anxiety and depression. Many people who give up alcohol report feeling less anxious and more mentally clear.

3. Financial Benefits - Alcohol can be expensive, and cutting back on drinking can lead to significant savings over time.

4. Social Benefits - Many people who give up alcohol report feeling more present in social situations and enjoying deeper connections with others.

5. Personal Growth - Giving up alcohol can be a way to challenge oneself and to grow as a person. It can be a way to break free from old patterns and to explore new ways of living.

Benefits of a Sober Lifestyle

Here are some of the key benefits of living a sober lifestyle:

1. Better Physical Health - As mentioned, alcohol can damage the liver and disrupt sleep. Eliminating or reducing alcohol can lead to better physical health overall.

2. Better Mental Health - Alcohol can worsen anxiety and depression. By eliminating alcohol, people often report feeling less anxious and more mentally clear.

3. Improved Relationships - By eliminating alcohol, people often report feeling more present in social situations and enjoying deeper connections with others.

4. Increased Productivity - Alcohol can be a time and energy drain. By eliminating it, people often find that they have more time and energy to focus on their goals.

5. Greater Sense of Self-Awareness - Eliminating alcohol can be a way to become more aware of one's emotions and behaviors. It can be a way to challenge oneself and to grow as a person.

Tips for Giving Up Alcohol

If you're interested in giving up alcohol, here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Set Goals - Decide on what you want to achieve by giving up alcohol, and set specific goals to help you get there.

2. Find Support - Join a sober community or find a support group to help you stay accountable and motivated.

3. Learn New Coping Mechanisms - Find new ways to cope with stress, anxiety, and other triggers that may have previously led you to drink.

4. Create New Habits - Replace drinking with new, healthier habits such as exercise or meditation.

5. Be Patient and Kind to Yourself - Giving up alcohol can be a challenge, and it's important to be patient and kind to yourself throughout the process.

Secrets that kept me sick

In early recovery I heard this saying a lot “secrets keep you sick”.

If you go into any of the 12 step meeting rooms such as AA, they preach this a lot. It is also in a couple of the steps - Step 5: Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs, and Step 9: Made direct amends to such people whenever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

I used to dread step 9… like how do I gauge what amends would injure someone… and by injure do you mean like they would off themselves if I told them my secret and said sorry for it? Or injure as it would ruin my marriage? And how far back do you go? Like do I have to find the clerk at the store in Vernon where I grew up and apologize again for stealing that teddy bear when I was 12?

I was in the program for awhile, and with that, I had obtained a sponsor and was working the steps with her, all the while procrastinating so I didn’t have to make it to step 9. And during that active procrastination, I came to a conclusion for myself.

Some of the secrets I keep are not just my own. Some of them would destroy my family. Some of them would bring back a lasting feeling of shame and thinking so much less of myself. Some of them would transport me into the darkest days of my addiction and possibly keep me there, with no self worth and no hope.

Those secrets are mistakes I made and have learned and grown from them. So as long as I wake up every morning sober, with intentions to not hurt others or myself and be true to my morals, I am not the the secrets I keep.

How to Be a Good Friend to Someone Who is Sober Curious

If you have a friend who is sober curious, it's important to be supportive and understanding of their choices. Sobriety can be a challenging journey, and having a good friend can make all the difference. In this blog post, we'll explore some tips on how to be a good friend to someone who is sober curious.

Respect their decision

The first and most important step in being a good friend to someone who is sober curious is to respect their decision. It's their choice to live a sober lifestyle, and it's not up to you to judge or question their decision. Show your support by acknowledging their choice and offering your encouragement.

Avoid peer pressure

One of the biggest challenges for someone who is sober curious is peer pressure. As a friend, it's important to avoid pressuring them into drinking or doing anything that goes against their values. Be mindful of your own drinking habits and avoid putting them in uncomfortable situations.

Offer non-alcoholic options

When planning social events, consider offering non-alcoholic options for your sober curious friend. This can include mocktails, soda, or other non-alcoholic drinks. This will help your friend feel included in the event and less isolated.

Don't make assumptions

Just because someone is sober curious, it doesn't mean they had a problem with alcohol in the past. Don't make assumptions about their past or their motivations for going sober. Instead, ask them questions and try to understand their perspective.

Listen and be supportive

If your friend is struggling with sobriety or feeling discouraged, be there to listen and offer your support. Let them know that you're there for them and that you believe in their ability to succeed. Don't dismiss their feelings or make light of their challenges.

Celebrate their milestones

When your friend reaches a milestone in their sober journey, celebrate with them! This can include a non-alcoholic toast or a special activity to mark the occasion. Celebrating their success can help boost their confidence and motivate them to continue on their path.

In conclusion, being a good friend to someone who is sober curious requires empathy, respect, and support. By following these tips, you can help your friend feel supported and encouraged in their journey towards a sober lifestyle.

Feeling the FOMO when going out sober?

So you recently stopped drinking or want to stop but every time you go out you have this feeling inside you telling you your missing out?

Even after almost 2 years of being sober AF, I still encounter this feeling.

I feel it the most when I am in the same or similar situations in which I used to drink in - for me, that was at home with friends, at dinner parties, or just at home alone with my kid - cooking dinner or maybe not, and there is always wine involved. Man I loved the wine.

What I loved most about it was the closeness it gave me to connect to those I loved the most. It also gave me an out on looking at my drinking patterns because lets be real, excessive wine consumption has been promoted as completely acceptable to women like me; Stay at home mom and wife with a vast social network and a husband that works out of town and provides me with all the shiny things. Wine allowed me to still drink in excess while also feeling classy doing it, whether that was at home alone with my kid or at a fancy dinner party or out for a night spending way too much money at some winery restaurant.

During this journey of sobriety I still get the feeling when I am in those same situations but let me tell you something, it has lessened immensely.

Here is what I have learned along the way to keep my FOMO monster at bay:

1. As long as I am have some kind of fancy mocktail in hand and I feel special too, I am still able to be one with the group. (Check out my Pinterest for all my mocktail recipes!)

2. In the early stages of sobriety, I NEEDED to have a sidekick - someone that was on the same sober path or someone that would agree to be sober and support me for the evening out. This was my crutch that I still utilize in a lot of situations.

3. I always leave the party by midnight - just like Cinderella! Nothing good happens after midnight. People get past the point of buzzed and maybe get a little too grabby or a little too loose lipped (and guess what, you remember all of it), or they are too drunk and decide that cocaine is a good idea, in which case, the conversation turns from talking to each other to people talking at you. In any case, heed my warning and leave before midnight or who knows, someone might just turn into a pumpkin along the way.

4. Make sure you have your own ride home. And guess what? You’ll be sober so you can drive you pretty behind anywhere you want to at any time in the night, like the free bird that you are.

5. Accept the fact that sometimes you just won’t be into it. Drunk people can be annoying sometimes - maybe you had a crappy day at work or your kids were on your nerves or you broke a nail - whatever the reason, be kind to yourself. And don’t worry, there will be a million other opportunities to take your new found sobriety out for a test drive to another party or social gathering very soon as we are social creatures, and most of whom haven’t gotten the memo that alcohol sucks yet. Go home, have a bath, make early morning workout plans if thats your thing, text me to tell me your home safe and sober, and wake up not feeling like crap the next day.

Sober Curious Self-Care: 10 Ways to Take Care of Yourself Without Alcohol

Alcohol has become a ubiquitous part of social life, but many people are beginning to question their relationship with alcohol and the role it plays in their well-being. The sober curious movement encourages individuals to explore a lifestyle that is free of alcohol, and this has led to the rise of a new trend of self-care practices that don't involve alcohol. Here are ten ways to take care of yourself without relying on alcohol:

1. Practice mindfulness Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the moment. Mindfulness can help you manage stress and anxiety, and improve your overall well-being. Try practicing mindfulness for a few minutes each day, and see how it can help you feel more relaxed and centered.

2. Engage in physical activity Physical activity is an excellent way to take care of your body and mind. Exercise can help you manage stress, improve your mood, and boost your energy levels. Find a physical activity that you enjoy, such as yoga, running, or dancing, and make it a regular part of your routine.

3. Connect with nature Spending time in nature can have a positive impact on your mental health. Nature can help you feel calmer, more relaxed, and more connected to the world around you. Take a walk in the park, go for a hike, or simply sit outside and enjoy the sunshine.

4. Express gratitude Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can help you feel happier and more content with your life. Try expressing gratitude each day by writing down three things you're grateful for or simply taking a few minutes to reflect on the things in your life that you appreciate.

5. Connect with others Social connections are essential for our mental health and well-being. Spend time with friends and family, join a social group, or volunteer in your community. Connecting with others can help you feel more connected to the world around you and improve your overall mood.

6. Get creative Engaging in creative activities can be a great way to reduce stress and improve your mental health. Try painting, writing, or playing music to express your creativity and nurture your soul.

7. Prioritize self-care Self-care is an important part of maintaining your mental and physical health. Make time for activities that you enjoy, such as taking a bath, reading a book, or getting a massage. Prioritizing self-care can help you feel more relaxed and rejuvenated.

8. Learn something new Learning something new can be an excellent way to challenge your mind and improve your overall well-being. Take a class, read a book, or watch a documentary to expand your knowledge and explore new ideas.

9. Practice self-reflection Self-reflection is an important practice that can help you better understand yourself and your needs. Take time each day to reflect on your thoughts and emotions, and consider journaling to help you process your experiences.

10. Get enough sleep Getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining your physical and mental health. Make sure you're getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night, and create a relaxing bedtime routine to help you unwind and prepare for sleep.

In conclusion, taking care of yourself without relying on alcohol can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. By practicing mindfulness, engaging in physical activity, connecting with nature, expressing gratitude, connecting with others, getting creative, prioritizing self-care, learning something new, practicing self-reflection, and getting enough sleep, you can nurture your mind, body, and soul and live a healthier, happier life.

5 STEPS TO OVERCOME CRAVINGS

Sometimes cravings can feel like you are insatiable - like a itch you can’t quite scratch. Sometimes they show up as overeating of sweets or like you are trying to eat more to fill up a soul that is starving; but understand that all of these are normal symptoms of cravings when we stop drinking alcohol.

Following are my 5 go-to steps for overcoming cravings:

1. Remove yourself from the situation. If you can, leave the room in which you are in - if that happens to be in your home, go do a task in another room for 5-10 minutes to take your mind off of the turmoil inside of you. If you happen to be in a restaurant, go to the bathroom and freshen up and run cold water over your hands for a couple minutes.
   Sometimes this isn’t always possible as we have lives that don’t go on without us; little mouths that need feeding or little bodies that need comforting, but beneath all of that is a mother that needs needs to put her health above that for just a moment to feel okay again.
   

2. Ask for help from something greater than yourself. If you believe in God, or any other superior being, pray to them and ask for strength to overcome your feelings in that moment. If God isn’t your jam, close your eyes and look inward and ask yourself for the strength to continue on the right path. Take a couple deep breaths - I like to do a 4 in, hold, 8 out, hold pattern which seems to do wonders for my anxiety.
   

3. Call someone who supports your goals for sobriety or someone that is on the same journey as you. Having a cheerleader in your corner does wonders because it helps you realize that there are people that know you will be better off staying sober. These saintly cheerleaders are usually long-time friends or family members that have seen your good, bad and ugly and prefer the good honest side of you.
   People that are on the same path as you or have made it through these addiction cravings themselves, understand where you are emotionally and let you know what has helped them when they felt the same way. It’s like the “call a friend” option in the TV game shows. Call a friend, make sure it’s one that supports your desire to stop drinking, and listen to them when they speak.
   

4. Get some fresh air. Go for a walk or even just sit on your front door step if you are unable to leave your house. If you are unable to leave the space you are in because you are caring for others - splash cold water on your face. Be present in the moment. Feel the cold air on your face, feel the cold wet water. You are here, right here, right now, because you were meant to be, and everything will be okay.
   

5. Write a list of benefits and consequences. If you have a more analytical brain then this might help bring you out of the magnetic vortex of a craving.
   Think about the negative circumstances that will follow if you decide to drink. Think about the shame and disappointment you will feel if you let yourself slip… and really, for what?
   Think about the warm feeling you will feel when you wake up tomorrow clear minded and free of guilt. Think about how proud of yourself you will feel from making it through a vicious addiction craving.
   

Feelings are a ride. They can make you feel as if you will die if you feel them and you will do anything to not feel that gross feeling they bring on in your body, but I would like to remind you that FEELINGS ARE IMPERMANENT - THEY WILL NOT KILL YOU AND THEY DO NOT LAST FOREVER.