Congratulations!
You made it through Dry January! First, let me say, Congrats! In our society today, it is not easy to go a full month without alcohol. I remember when I was thinking about quitting, it took so long because there was always a “reason to drink” whether it be a birthday, holiday, or really just any occasion that included any type of emotion! Whatever reason you had to do Dry Jan, you did it… but where does that leave you now that we are in the first week of February?
It can be hard to continue the good habits you made in January since there really is not an emphasis on wellness like Dry January in any other part of the year. Here is a little secret…it doesn’t have to be ALL or NOTHING! I think one of the reasons adjusting your relationship with alcohol is seemingly so difficult is because we think that if we are not committing 100%, then it's not considered a huge accomplishment. BIG Alcohol has ingrained themselves in our everyday lives so much so that it makes it seem that if we don’t drink, we are missing out on something. If you are reading this, you know that is not the case. Let’s take a look at some simple tricks that could help you through the other months of the year!
Self-Reflect and Give Yourself Props
It is so important to sit with yourself after you accomplish something like adjusting your relationship with alcohol and really take stock in how you feel and what were the successes in what you did. How can you move forward positively without knowing what worked and what didn’t? I found that checking in with yourself daily, even if just for 5 mins, and saying “Okay, where am I at mentally right at this moment” and saying that out loud was really beneficial for me. It is a form of meditation and reflection. Focus on your past accomplishments and where you are in the present moment. This can help you make the correct moves for wherever you want to go!
Explore Non-Alcoholic Alternatives
There are so many quality options now that can help you with the transition of re-calibrating your alcohol consumption. Throwing yourself into trying different options can be fun and really confirm for you that you don’t have to sacrifice taste or experience if you want to cut down on drinking. I had to figure out what I liked about drinking first before I could truly understand the impact of non-alcoholic options. I enjoy the experience of holding a beverage in my hand that is tasty and that I cannot chug, like a slow sipping cocktail! It’s tied to chatting and community building that going out for drinks brings. I see it as a tool for a flowing conversation that aids in cultivating connections.
Find Different Ways to Socialize
It can be hard to find events and such after Dry January that cater to your journey of reshaping your drinking. Staying connected with event companies, Sober One Six of course, and individuals who are like-minded is a key part of your success. You are most certainly not alone if you are craving a new way to have fun. Sometimes it takes some effort to search out activites and locations that will be conducive to the way you want to live your life. It is okay that friendships may drift, this is a natural part of evolving as a person. I think the scariness of change can stop people from progressing the way they want to. Those who are on a similar wavelength will stick around and you will find new people that pop up that share the same mindset. I can personally say through throwing sober-inclusive events, more and more people come into my life that I would have never had prior and it is a beautiful thing.
Stay Connected to Your “Why”
Life can get super difficult and staying positive and on an upward trajectory can get clouded at times. It is important to always remember WHY you wanted to alter your relationship to alcohol or any substance in the first place. In times where things can get dark, you can always remember your WHY and it can keep you from straying from your path. I know for me I read the book Quit Drinking Without Will Power: The Easyway Method by Allen Carr and it really debunks all the reasons why you would “want” to drink. In times where my mental health is not great I always think, “what are the positives of drinking right now?” and I can never find a good reason or a reason that is even remotely going to help me achieve my goals!
Be Kind to Yourself
I think this one is the most important. We tend to beat ourselves up if we slip up or don’t meet our own internal expectations. I know for me, I would drink, be hungover and in bed for two days and hate myself while seeing other people being able to function. This caused me to not feel mentally where I wanted to be and then I would be in a cycle of cloudiness and sadness that would lead to drinking. If you are trying to change your relationship with alcohol and it doesn't go the way you expected right away, it is OKAY! It can be a process and just be present in the journey of finding yourself and what works for you individually. Stay self aware of your habits. Honestly, the ride to find true inner peace can be really fun! Let the journey take you where it needs to and just follow the good vibes!
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