Going Alcohol-Free in January? Here’s What NOT To Do
If you’re going alcohol-free in January, there’s a lot you can do to set yourself up for success. You can write down your Why, tell your friends and family and stock the fridge full of delicious AF drinks. You can clear your calendar of boozy events and start thinking of ways to treat yourself – without alcohol. Then there are the things I would encourage you NOT to do…
Here's what NOT to do if you’re going alcohol-free in January…
1. Underestimate Triggers:
Drinking triggers are everywhere, and they are powerful. Take the time to identify situations, people, emotions, or environments that typically lead you to drink. Develop strategies to navigate these triggers successfully. Whether it's going to social events without alcohol, finding alternative stress-relief methods, or taking on new activities and hobbies to combat boredom, being prepared empowers you.
Here are the most common drinking triggers:
Stress
Boredom
Drinking partners and buddies
Habit
Plan now for when you might be triggered. Here are some ideas:
Have alcohol-free drinks in the fridge.
Plan to take the dog for a walk at 5 pm if that’s ‘wine time’.
Don’t meet up with former drinking buddies.
Plan what you’ll do on Friday night instead of drinking (if that’s become an after-work habit). That might be a walk, a yoga class, or cooking a beautiful dinner.
2. Neglect Your Self-Care:
Going alcohol-free for 30 days is not just about saying no to drinks; it's an opportunity to make self-care a priority. When you go alcohol-free, focus on activities that nourish your mind and your nervous system. Incorporate regular exercise, practice mindfulness through meditation, or spend quality time with the people you love. These self-care practices not only replace the void left by alcohol but also contribute to a more positive and fulfilling lifestyle.
3. Go it Alone:
We are 95% more likely to succeed at a goal when do it in a group. I believe we’re not meant to quit drinking alone and we need a support crew, both online and offline.
Talk about your decision to go alcohol free in January with friends and family and ask for support from those who understand and respect your goals. Surrounding yourself with a positive, understanding community can make the journey much smoother. Consider joining my 30-Day Alcohol-Free Challenge in January. It’s 30 days of support, education, guest speakers, my coaching, and a like-minded and supportive women-only community. You won’t feel alone!
4. Ignore Your Emotional Health:
Giving up alcohol can bring up many emotions, including stress, anxiety, and even sadness. Instead of ignoring these feelings, sit with them. Consider journaling, talking to a friend, or seeking out professional help if needed. Understanding and addressing your emotional wellbeing is essential when you are navigating big changes in your life. When we give up alcohol, we start to feel ALL our feelings (sometimes for the first time).
5. Forget To Put Life IN When You Take Alcohol Out
When you take alcohol OUT of your life, you need to put things IN, to fill that void. Otherwise, we can feel bored, frustrated and like we are missing something. Here are some ideas on what to put in:
Sober friendships
Hobbies
Exercise
Take new classes like hot yoga or pilates
Get creative with arts and crafts
Challenge yourself with a fitness goal
You can join my January Challenge here for 30 days of support, education, coaching from me, daily accountability, a supportive women-only community and all the tools you need to change your relationship with alcohol, for good. We kick off on January 8!
Join the Alcohol Free Challenge this January!
Curious about taking a break from booze? Would like to give your body a chance to detox and reset? Join hundreds of women in my next Alcohol Free Challenge, and get 30 days of information, support and community!