Sobriety is not about giving up something, it’s about gaining more.
Still, in a culture where we’ve been conditioned that we need alcohol for socializing, simply cutting it out may not cut it.
You’re going to need a plan to fill ALLLLL that space that opens up with something new (and better for you).
Instead of letting this thought overwhelm you, let it excite you.
Here are five ways to set yourself up for success.
1. RETAIN THE RITUAL, REPLACE THE BEVERAGE
If your evening routine has always included pouring a glass of wine or mixing a cocktail, you’re going to want to keep that going. Only now, you’ll be serving up alcohol-free libations.
That ice clinking in the glass signals to our brain that the work day is over and now it’s time to relax.
Replace the booze with something sophisticated and delicious and sip it from your favorite high ball. I really love Curious Elixirs No. 3, a fresh, herbal treat with notes of cucumber and lemon. This one gets bonus points with 125mg of ashwagandha that is not only great for the brain, but helps us unwind.
A simple swap works wonders - you get your nightly ritual minus the hangover.
2. ADJUST YOUR SOCIAL CALENDAR
If drinking is the goal, steer clear of booze-soaked happy hours and after parties. We all have that one friend who insists on buying “one more round” when we were ready to leave an hour ago.
FOMO might creep in AT FIRST - but the clarity and vitality after just a few weeks of sobriety is worth the uncomfortable adjustment period.
Plus, when we step away from those environments, we often realize that we’d like to connect with our friends in a different, more meaningful way.
3. SHAKE THINGS UP!
So, what does a person do if they don’t hit the bar every weekend? Whatever they want!
Alcohol has a way of keeping us stuck in a loop–the same places, the same conversations, and the same experiences on repeat. Shake things up.
Sign up for a boxing class, take an online course in a subject that interests you, or work your way through a family cookbook that’s been collecting dust on the shelf. Your brain is hungry for new stimulation—feed it something better than booze.
Try to remember what activities you enjoyed when you were a kid, before alcohol became the default way to fill spare time.
We all know that social media is a highlight reel, but when you’re newly sober, it can feel like the highlights are all about booze. The boozy brunch you skipped out on, the girl’s night with wine, the tailgate party with coolers of beer... it can become a new form of doomscrolling.
My suggestion is to make a separate account for yourself that reflects the kind of lifestyle you want to create for yourself. Follow sober and sober-curious thought leaders, non-alcoholic drink brands, and inspirational content creators.
Through those pages you’ll be able to find other people that might be inspiring to follow. You might even get the itch to start sharing your own wins and creations!
Start with @CuriousElixirs!
5. EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY
It’s a lot easier to stick to your goal of not drinking when you start spending time with other people who are on the same path. Behavior change sticks when we feel supported. This can look like an accountability partner or joining a running group.
When alcohol is a regular part of our lives, our lives can get kind of small. Opening up to new connections and communities can enrich our lives and expand our worldview. Creative meetups (think glass blowing classes, book clubs, pottery painting or sewing workshops) offer an outlet for expression while keeping our hands busy.
Life doesn’t end when we drink less – it expands. What will YOU do with all that freedom?
Find more information, support, and all around guidance from Kristen Bear aka Creative Sobriety on her website.
