If you’ve landed on this page, you may be considering taking a break from alcohol, or maybe you haven’t considered it yet, but you are feeling curious as to some of the benefits that may come with taking a break. We’ve been there. And that’s the inspiration for today’s post. I wanted to make a sober curious guide to taking a realistic break from alcohol.
In February of 2023, I decided to take a 90 day break from alcohol. Why 90 days you ask? Well, a month didn’t feel long enough and from the reading I had done on the topic, 90 days was a set amount of time that could actually evoke change. I was feeling tired of my routine with alcohol. Now, this isn’t a post on how to get sober or how to go cold turkey because alcohol is ruining your life. If you’re looking for a resource like that, there are lots out there. Know that you are not alone and there are a ton of great support systems you can find!
This post is more for the people who maybe just want to cut back, improve their wellness routine, or explore other ways to still enjoy going out, but don’t want to drink every time. I was not addicted to alcohol, nor was I drinking consistently. I just felt that there were times when I did drink, that I either didn’t love the way I had behaved or just felt like crap the next day. And I needed a break.
This post is more for the people who maybe just want to cut back, improve their wellness routine, or explore other ways to still enjoy going out, but don’t want to drink every time.
I felt in my 90 days that there were a lot of resources out there that were for people who were binge drinking every night of the week, or they had hit a rock bottom so low that it was time to stop. I didn’t see a lot of content that was for people who really just wanted to cut back and find a more healthy routine in their life. So that’s why I am writing this today, to share my journey of 90 days without alcohol and why I’ll be doing it again this year. I have also filmed a video on the topic, which you can watch here or down below!
But let’s not waste any more time, below I will share my 10 reasons why taking a break from alcohol greatly improved my life.
The sober curious guide to taking a break.
1. A Clearer Mind
This one is probably my number one benefit. Do you know the feeling in your head after you wake up from a night of drinking? I’m not even talking about a huge hangover. Even just having a few glasses of wine started leaving my head heavy and thick the next day. Talk about annoying! You wake up thinking you slept lots, but you have this brain fog at the front of your brain that you just can’t shake. This feeling is an actual pet peeve of mine!
When I took a 90 day break from drinking, I never had this feeling in my head. I woke up every morning feeling clear and rested. As I got older, I noticed the brain fog even on the smallest amount of alcohol. A couple glasses of wine on a Friday night, left me feeling sluggish on Saturday and I really hated that feeling. So a definite benefit of not drinking, was the feeling of energy and clarity in my mind.
2. Better Sleep
This one is HUGE. Alcohol has been proven to be a huge disruptor in one’s sleep. You may think that it helps you fall asleep easier, which yea it typically does. But once your body starts to go through the withdrawal of the alcohol out of your system, your heart rate speeds up and your body is working to cleanse itself over night. It also hinders the production of melatonin, which is what helps you stay asleep and fall into a proper night’s rest. So alcohol really does disrupt your body’s ability to go into a deep sleep. Any reading I have done or podcasts I have listened to on the topic, they’ll tell you just how awful alcohol is for your sleep quality.
3. A More Consistent Routine
Who else loves crafting their best morning routine to fuel them through the day? We do! I noticed on the night’s where I did drink, my routine was totally off the next day. Sure, I was still able to get things done, but I did not have the same amount of energy I usually had on the days I hadn’t had drinks the night before. I also found that it would throw my mornings off, possibly I had slept in more or that pesky brain fog would appear. Which totally threw me off and made me less productive, which to be honest is such a crappy feeling as someone who thrives on a solid routine to get things done.
4. Stronger Relationships With Those You Love
This one doesn’t come as a surprise I’m sure. I don’t need to dive too much into how alcohol can effect friendships, relationships and family dynamics because that’s a whole other blog post. The amount of pain and anger alcohol has caused for people around the world is staggering. When you think about all the stories you hear, it really is one of the most awful drugs. Now, I’m not here to tell you to stop drinking or that alcohol is ruining your life. I just want to open up a conversation on ways we can cut back in our day to day lives. Perhaps you have had disagreements with friends while drinking or got into a fight with a partner for no good reason other than you were both drunk. We can avoid a lot of this conflict simply by cutting back and rethinking our relationship with alcohol.
I just want to open up a conversation on ways we can cut back in our day to day lives.
5. A Stronger Body
Do you have fitness goals you’re trying to hit this year? Consistent alcohol use likely isn’t going to get you there. Besides the fact that more alcohol means more calories, carbs and sugars. It’s also going to hinder your energy levels and your routine! Let’s say you have a workout class booked for Saturday morning, you’ve gone out the Friday night and you stay out until 1am. There’s a good chance you aren’t waking up at 7am to get to the gym! We’ve all been there, I’m sure. Of course everything in moderation is what life’s about, I just want to make the point that when you are working towards goals in the gym, alcohol won’t be your best friend.
6. You Save More Money
Don’t you love when you wake up after a night out and you’ve spent like $150 on alcohol? That money could have gone to SO many more productive or enjoyable things! I’m not here to shame you for what you spend your money on. There have been many nights where I’ve gone out for a nice dinner and drinks or gone out to the bars on vacation and spent money on alcohol. Honestly, no regrets I’ve made a lot of amazing memories! I just think if you’re trying to save or be more cautious with your money, alcohol isn’t really the category you want to be spending on. It can go fast, especially if you’re drinking in a big city. Have you seen cocktails now, they’re like minimum $18 a glass!! Insane.
7. Longevity
If you’re looking to cultivate longevity and wellness in your life, alcohol will be a big hinderance in achieving this goal. Alcohol is known to cause a variety of health issues with continued use. From cancer, to heart disease, to weight gain, the list goes on. If you’re seeking longevity in your life and the opportunity to live your most healthiest version of you. Alcohol isn’t going to get you there. Studies have come out more recently that any amount of alcohol over two drinks a week, will increase your risks for many life threatening illnesses.
8. Improved Brain Health
This point goes hand in hand with a clearer mind and longevity. Alcohol disrupts your neuro pathways, effecting the function of your brain. In my readings, I have also learned that continued alcohol use can contribute to memory loss, confusion and some actual serious brain fog. There’s nothing quite like feeling your best and having optimal health. Brain health is no different.
9. Improved Immunity
Have you ever noticed that after a big night of drinking, you may get sick shortly after? Or if you’re someone who drinks frequently, you notice that you get sick frequently? Alcohol greatly impacts your immune system. Continued alcohol use is wearing down your immunity, leaving you weaker and less likely to be able to fight off viruses that come your way.
10. Healthier Skin
Alcohol is a major dehydrator. If something is sucking the water out from our body, you can be sure that it’s sucking moisture out of your skin. Ever woken up after a night of drinking and noticed more wrinkles on your face? Or how puffy your skin gets? Even red and drained! Truly, we all look pretty rough after a night of drinking. I for one, look pretty scary when I’m hungover! Alcohol is making you age faster than what you naturally would be. Have you ever noticed that people who drink a lot, have very red and broken down skin? It’s not good for ya!
That wraps up 10 noticeable changes that happen when you take a break from alcohol, a sober curious guide to taking a break from alcohol. Moving forward, we’re not ready to give up alcohol completely, there is definitely times where we love to enjoy a glass of wine or a cooler on a hot day. But being more mindful of when and where we drink, is very much the goal. It’s all about perspective and moderation. This allows us to feel our best!
If you enjoyed this post, we have a variety of other wellness focused posts. Check out our guide on “How to Become a Morning Person.” Thank you all for the continued support. If you’re going on your own sober curious journey, let us know below!
Stay well,
xo
Cornelia & Meg
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