Are you going sober for October? Here’s what you need to know
Are you curious about going sober this October? There are so many benefits to taking a break from alcohol – improved appearance, better sleep, more energy and you will save money.
What is Sober October?
Sober October is a personal challenge many people across the world take part in. They challenge themselves to go an entire month without drinking alcohol or taking other intoxicating substances.
You don’t have to be an alcoholic to participate, nor do you need to be in a situation where you feel like you drink too much. This is simply a test of personal strength and will to abstain from a habit that isn’t necessarily helping improve your life.
There are a few generally accepted Sober October rules but each participant tends to make the challenge their own, depending on the circumstance.
Some want to challenge themselves and go completely sober while others choose to try damp drinking, which means they significantly cut back on their consumption.
Some top tips for getting ready for Sober October:
Set clear goals
Before you begin your Sober October journey, it’s essential to define your goals. Why are you participating in the challenge? Is it for health reasons, personal growth or to support a charitable cause?
Having clear goals will give you a sense of purpose and motivation throughout the month.
Tell your family and friends
Telling your family and friends that you want to avoid alcohol for a month can be useful. Your loved ones can support you during this time and will be less likely to suggest social occasions involving alcohol that you might find tempting.
You might also want to speak to your doctor about your plans, particularly if you are a heavy drinker. For some people, suddenly stopping drinking alcohol could cause withdrawal symptoms.
Generally, the symptoms will last a few days but it can be helpful to get your doctor’s advice on how to manage them.
Stay physically active
Physical exercise takes your mind off bad habits and is a natural way to relieve stress and anxiety.
Find some parks nearby where you can take a walk, join a running club nearby or get a gym membership. Signing up with a physical trainer is a great way to keep you accountable.
Give non-alcoholic beer wine and spirits a go
Non-alcoholic drinks have come a long way in the past decade. Gone are the days when the best you could hope for was apple or grape juice or a lemon lime and bitters.
The industry has evolved and beer, wine and spirit makers have adopted new and innovative ways to make their products.
Remove any alcohol from your home
Having alcohol in your fridge or cupboard will probably make it harder for you during your sober month, so give it to friends or ask someone to keep it for a while.
You will be far more likely to give in to temptation if you see alcoholic drinks every time you reach for a snack.