How to make quitting drinking a New Year’s Resolution (that actually sticks)
Is quitting drinking one of your New Year’s resolutions? And you want it to STICK? Quitting drinking takes planning and a little soul searching. Here’s how to successfully quit drinking in January – and set yourself up for lasting success.
Why make quitting drinking a New Years resolution?
There’s nothing quite like a brand new year to reset ourselves, our goals and our lives. We look to the New Year for a fresh new start. The chance to start over. January is an excellent time of the year to quit drinking. But it takes some planning and a mindset shift.
If you’ve been thinking you’re missing out or losing something by giving up alcohol, it’s time to change your mindset. Start thinking about what you’re going to GAIN (so much!) and that the process is going to be enjoyable (yes, enjoyable!).
How to make quitting drinking a New Year’s resolution that sticks
Find a support crew.
While quitting drinking is a personal decision, having a support crew makes the process easier – and fun! It needn’t be friends or family. Often the best support is from people on the same mission as you online. I’m hosting my Alcohol Free Program on January 9, 2022. You can join us and get all the support and information you need!
Write down your Why.
Here’s the soul searching part. Your Why needs to be personal. Sure, ‘Get fit and lose weight’ is a great why for quitting alcohol, but could it be something deeper? Could it be about boosting your confidence? Ridding yourself of the anxiety that comes with drinking? Or the guilt? Take a deep dive into your Why – and write it down.
Be prepared.
First of all, remove all alcohol from your house. It just makes sense to remove reminders and temptations! Importantly, REPLACE what you’ve removed with fantastic alternatives. If you know you’ll be craving a special drink at 5 pm with bubbles and ice stock the fridge with your favourite kombucha or an alcohol-free ‘champas’. Preparation also includes looking at your calendar. Can you get out of certain social events for a while? Plan outdoor activities and exercise instead. Put your own needs FIRST.
Don’t try to change EVERYTHING at once.
It’s enough that you are quitting alcohol. Don’t add on ‘Run a marathon and lose 20kg’. Think: This goal only. And be gentle with yourself along the way.
Don’t give up.
A slip-up is just that – a slip-up. Forgive yourself and get back to your Why. Success is about continuing to try – even if you’ve failed before. Just don’t give up.
And finally, take a selfie
Really, a selfie? Yes! This is the best way to give yourself extra momentum when your resolve starts to wobble. When you quit drinking, your face changes. Puffiness goes away along with dark circles under your eyes. Your skin starts to glow and your eyes are bright. Having a selfie of you as a drinker as you move further and further away from that person is a great motivator.
Much love,
Sarah xx
Download my Free Guide - Guide To Taking a Break From Booze
If you haven’t already, come and download my FREE Guide, it’s packed with great information to help you take the first step to taking a break from alcohol.