5 Rewards of Sobriety You Didn’t See Coming
You might have given up booze to lose weight, feel better or to simply take back control, but there are extra rewards that I bet you didn’t see coming. These are the emotional rewards of sobriety that start to flow…
It’s the newfound peace in your heart. A sort of calmness that comes when you no longer wake up ashamed of yourself. Or a return of mental sharpness you haven’t felt in years…
Here are the 5 rewards of sobriety you didn’t see coming…
1. Self respect
When you stop drinking, you need to face the person in the mirror head on. When you do, you stop judging yourself so harshly. You stop beating yourself up with shame and regret over what you did or said the night before. Instead, self-respect starts to bubble up. You even start to love the special quirks that make you You.
2. Routines.
Tell a drinker they will fall in love with routines when they get sober and they might laugh. But having a night time routine, followed by a rock-solid morning routine becomes part of the sober person’s life.
When you are sober you start to live by your exercise routines, your mindful eating and your sleep routine. You learn how important routines are to not only maintain your sobriety, but live a healthy, happy life.
3. Stronger connections
Most people when they give up drinking fear they are going to lose people. They fear they won’t be able to connect with their friends or social groups anymore. They fear their connection to people will be lost. The opposite is true.
When we are sober we are our truer selves, we listen more, understand more about the people we are with because we are simply more present and alert. The reward is deeper connections with people we love.
4. Better sex
Yes, yes yes! If you’re a long-time drinker you may have used a few drinks as an aphrodesiac. The truth is alcohol reduces physical sensitivity, adds to vaginal dryness and erectile dysfunction. Most people find that after some intitial awkwardness around sober sex, the sensations are stronger and better.
5. Brain power
Lots of drinking leads to dizziness, disorientation and a confused mental state. But when you get sober, one of the most immediate rewards is better brain performance. Your brain will regain regular performance once the brain cells heal – and they do. The reward here is an unexpected sharpness of focus, clarity and the ability to concentrate.
The rewards of sobriety go on, and on. From radiant skin, clear eyes, more energy and a trimmer waistline. Not to mention a bigger bank account and a Saturday morning bursting with opportunities. The rewards are there, and they’re yours for the taking.
P.S. If you need help giving up alcohol, I’m always here to provide support. My next 30-Day Alcohol-Free Challenge starts in April and you can sign up HERE. It’s 30 days of accountability, community, education and support.