My Sobriety Story: How Going Alcohol-Free Transformed My Life

12 Dec

In 2018, I decided to take a hard look at my relationship with alcohol. What started as a one-month experiment turned into a complete lifestyle shift, and six years later, I haven’t looked back. Here’s how it unfolded and why it’s been life-changing, especially as I’ve navigated menopause. Imagine this: no booze at my 40th birthday party, hen do, wedding, or even on sun-soaked beaches. Sounds wild, right?

The Early Days: A Culture of Drinking

Like so many of you, my relationship with alcohol began in my teens and twenties. Growing up in the 90s, drinking wasn’t just normal, it was practically a badge of honour. I was swept up in pride at the amount I of alcohol I could drink. This was my chance! I couldn’t compete with my peers intellect, wealth or cool aloofness but I could drink the most! But let’s remember the 90s for the grunge heroines such as Courtney Love, ‘wasted’ was de rigueur, chic! The “ladette” culture encouraged women to drink we could be equal to men and drink as much as them! B the 2000s, “mum’s wine o’clock” became a social norm. Like so many women, I found solace in a bottle of prosecco that cost less than a fiver from Aldi. ? Practically a parenting essential, right?

At first, I didn’t see the downsides. The sleepless nights, morning anxiety, and energy crashes? I figured those were due to work stress or the demands of life and that maybe, I just wasn’t cut out for ‘intense’ work. I wondered if I was cut out for those high-powered management roles. Surely it wasn’t the bubbly to blame?But over time, I began to wonder if alcohol was playing a bigger role in how I felt.

The Turning Point

But then, in March 2018, I decided to follow my boyfriend (now husband! reader I married him 🤢) on his own journey with sobriety. He had stopped drinking prompted by his mental health struggles I started to question my own relationship with alcohol. After reading a few books I had an epiphany! My relationship with alcohol wasn’t as glamorous or harmless as TV had me believe. After reading a couple of eye-opening books, I decided to go booze-free for a month. Skeptical yet curious, I embarked on this little experiment. I decided to go booze-free for a month.

I wasn’t expecting much, but the changes were undeniable. Better sleep, lower anxiety, and a surprising boost in energy, it was like hitting the reset button on my life, taking off the blinkers and finding a new reality. That month turned into three, then six, then a year. Now, six years later (nearly seven!), I’m still enjoying the benefits of a life without alcohol, I’m still riding that sober train, and it’s been the journey of a lifetime.

Menopause Meets Mocktails

Now, let’s talk menopause, because here’s the twist! Alcohol and menopause? Not exactly a dynamic duo. For me, anxiety during menopause was like an uninvited guest who refused to leave.

And, if your in menopause, alcohol will increase all of those tricky little symptoms! During menopause, your bodies hydration reduces, so alcohol starts to create more havoc than ever.

Hot flashes + alcohol = worse

Anxiety + alcohol = worse

Weight gain around your middle + alcohol = worse

Fretful nights sleep + alcohol = worse

As I entered menopause, I realised that my sobriety was one of the best tools I had to navigate this transition. Staying alcohol-free helped me feel more in control, both physically and emotionally.

Cheers to Change

Living in the UK, where pubs and pints practically script the social scene, going alcohol-free can feel like dancing to your own beat. But guess what? The times, they are a-changin’! Resources like Catherine Gray's The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober were instrumental in my journey, and there are so many inspiring books and communities now cheering us on.

So, here I am, celebrating the magic of a sober life. From vibrant energy to clear-headed mornings, this adventure has been nothing short of transformative.

If you’re curious, why not try a month without alcohol? Pay attention to how you feel—physically, mentally, and emotionally. You might be surprised by the positive changes.

What Sobriety Has Given Me

Today, I wake up with energy, clarity, and confidence. I’m not weighed down by anxiety or disrupted sleep, and I feel more in tune with my body than ever. Sobriety isn’t just about giving something up, it’s about gaining SO much more!

If you’re ready to explore a life with less alcohol, I’m here to cheer you on. Whether it’s for a month or a lifetime, it’s a step toward feeling your best.

Are you ready to see what’s on the other side?

Book suggestions

But wait, there's even more magic on the internet! There are websites and Instagram accounts that beam with sobriety joy, all without a drop of alcohol in sight! They're like little fireflies lighting up the path to a blissful, sober wonderland.

Here's a list of UK-based websites that offer support, resources, and communities for individuals seeking sobriety:

Instagram suggestions - there are loads! I follow a mixture of helpful and funny ones.

Choosing the teetotaler's life has let me unwrap layers of society's fancy packaging, discover a new definition of joy (one I just didn’t believe possible!), and embrace the liberating feeling of freedom!

In a world where the clinking of glasses often sets the rhythm, stepping out of that dance can seem daunting. But there is a growing tribe of support, the story around alcohol is changing. It's not just about forgoing a drink; it's about finding a treasure trove of clarity, strength, and an unexpected joy that provides much more fizz than the glitziest of cocktails! It feels great to get dressed up, drive yourself to an event and then choose to leave and get back into a warm car. Cheers to that—hold the booze!

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