5 Top Tactics to Make Sobriety Stick (even if you’ve tried many times before!)
After many attempts to quit drinking, I finally figured out how to make sobriety stick. I made life changes. I made those changes non-negotiable. I reprogrammed myself to think differently about myself, my life, and about alcohol.
Here are 5 top tactics I used to make sobriety stick – at last!
1. Prioritise sleep
I literally turn into a raging, emotional mess if I have several nights without enough sleep. That can be a trigger to drink. If I'm ever going to self-sabotage in any way (missing exercise or negative thought patterns) it’s always when I'm tired. In early sobriety, a sleep routine is essential. Go to bed at the same time and have wind-down activities before it like yoga, time on a shakti mat and meditation.
2. Connect with a community
I get my energy from people, and I need face-to-face interaction often. In early sobriety it’s important to see our friends and still have deep and authentic catchups. Don’t isolate yourself just because you don’t drink socially anymore. Stay connected. Connect online with the sober community that will make you feel validated and understood.
3. Create 'mini holidays' through the week
When we take away ‘Friday night drinking session’ we need to create things to look forward to instead. Create moments through the week that light you up with joy, soothe your nervous system, make you laugh, make you excited, make you feel ALIVE! This is essential for making sobriety stick. Factor in what makes you happy experience it a few times a week (non-negotiable).
4. Let Go
I’m an absolute control freak. Can you relate? I used to moan all the time that I was so busy, and no one helped me, but I also never asked for help. I felt grumpy, resentful, and hurt but I never voiced my feelings or needs. Letting go of control and asking for help allowed me to create the sober lifestyle I wanted because it gave me precious extra time and head space. Let go of the need to control and ask for help.
5. Prioritise yourself
This can feel incredibly uncomfortable at first but it’s vital for making sobriety stick. Prioritising ourselves is the gradual realisation that we get just ONE life, one experience on this earth and it is oh-so short. If we don't start prioritising what we want and need - it will never happen. Make your emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing the number one priority in your life.
All of this takes time, intention, and making those changes non-negotiable. It can be hard, but with the hard work comes growth, transformation and sobriety that sticks. And that’s SO worth it!
P.S. Here’s a gift I hope will help you along your sober journey. Download my FREE guide 100 Things to Do Instead of Drinking. You can download it here!
P.S.S. If you need help giving up alcohol, I’m always here to provide support. Book a FREE Discovery Call with me and let’s see if I can help.
Join the Sugar Free Challenge this March!
Change your eating habits, rediscover your energy, end emotional eating, and end the self sabotage cycle once and for all!