On 18th April 2018, I decided to join an online group, OYNB (One Year No Beer) in order to stop – or at least reduce – drinking alcohol. Like so many people, I had got into a habit of having a glass (large!) of wine a bit more often than what I really wanted to. It is easy for such habits to start and then increase – from a Friday night drink as it’s the end of the week, and then into the weekend……and then it becomes more regular, slipping into most evenings of the week.
There are SO many people who get into this habit (not just with alcohol), and it becomes the “normal’ thing to do. I wanted to get away from what had become my “normal” so took the 365 day challenge to not drink alcohol. OYNB also do a 28 day or 90 day challenge but I decided to properly “go for it” and took on the year long one.
I LOVED the private facebook group that came with my membership. I stuck to it like glue, reading posts from those who were smashing goals even though it wasn’t easy, to those who struggled week in week out to get past a few days without alcohol. I will do further posts about alcohol and the addictiveness of it so watch out for those.
When you stop drinking alcohol, you quickly realise in some social situations that some people just think you are a bit weird if you don’t drink – or that you must be on medication, or for younger women, that they are pregnant. I had amazing support around me and never once did anyone try to encourage me to drink alcohol while I was on the challenge – well maybe some people did but they weren’t constants in my life so didn’t matter to me. However,
The early days felt hard, as it is when breaking any habit.
- You have to constantly work at it.
- You have to give it attention and be focussed.
- You have to have a plan – what to do to replace that alcohol time
I stuck close to my OYNB group. I commented on others posts and was engaged in the group as I felt that where my success lay – with those doing the same challenge as I was. I read about strategies and plans that were in place to get them through any craving moments. I read about how some fell off the challenge and saw the support for them to get back up and on it again.
What was – and is – amazing is to see the changes in those who gave up alcohol, and that goes for those who drank perhaps small amounts but it was regular, to those who would be classed as heavy and dependant drinkers …… and many who fall in between that.
- Clear, bright and shiny eyes
- Better sleep
- Weight loss – I turned to Brownies so didn’t happen for me! (but I am on it now lol)
- More clarity around “stuff” in their life
- Lower blood pressure
- Improved blood work
- Skin improves
- LOADS of money saved!
- Hydration improves
- Lifestyle often changes
- Happiness returns!
- And lots more…………
I will be chatting more about this journey in other blog posts – in the meantime if you want to check out One Year No Beer check this link out https://www.oneyearnobeer.com
Disclaimer – I didn’t do a Spartan but was supporting other OYNB peeps who were doing one lol
Live Life Better
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