A glass (or two) of wine on a Tuesday night. Several beers around the campfire up north. A gin and tonic to relax after chasing the kids around all day. As summer came to an end, I realized there were too many drinks. It was time for a break from alcohol.
I was drinking more than I wanted to be. So, I decided to not drink any alcohol for a month. No, I’m not pregnant. I did it because I just didn’t want to drink. It was an experiment. I wanted to see how I would feel. Here’s what I learned:
1. I was more productive.
Without alcohol, I had more energy to focus on other things after the kids went to sleep. I would wake up refreshed from a good night of sleep (and not have to press “snooze” several times) and get even more things done. It was great!
2. No one cared (or even noticed).
One of my concerns was that people would think I was a “Debbie Downer” because I wasn’t drinking. They definitely didn’t think that, because no one noticed that I was alcohol-free! Not one person commented on me taking a break from alcohol. (Ok, my husband probably noticed when I didn’t drink for his birthday or our anniversary, but he didn’t seem to mind.)
3. I had more time to play with my kids.
Instead of pausing to make a drink for “cocktail hour,” I continued playing outside with the kids. We started a new activity before I started making dinner. We had more fun together!
4. I felt healthier taking a break from alcohol.
I wasn’t filling my body with empty calories, so I was feeling better. I don’t even want to add up all the calories that I was consuming every week, but now that’s in the past. I’ve had a month without empty calories, and I have more energy.
5. I lost weight.
I lost weight during the month, but I don’t know for sure if I can attribute that completely to cutting alcohol out of my diet. I also concentrated on eating healthier and exercising regularly. It was probably a combination of the three that caused me to lose the weight. Regardless, I think that drinking water instead of alcohol definitely contributed to my weight loss.
6. I don’t miss it.
Seriously. I don’t miss it. There were probably two nights that I would have enjoyed a drink, but that’s it. And the desire to drink lasted about five minutes, and then I was fine just drinking water.
I am so happy that I took a break from alcohol. So happy, that I’m going to continue not drinking! The benefits were well worth it. Anyone interested in trying #soberoctober with me? Cheers!
Taking a break from alcohol for #soberoctober? Try a few of the social-distancing-friendly ideas for 8 Dry Mom Dates in Detroit!
