Drinking alcohol is embedded in our culture. Drinking during outings with friends, dates, special events, and even business lunches or dinners has almost become a norm. However, over time, this can cause serious health issues and personal and work-related issues. On the one hand, you can develop an addiction you’ll struggle with your entire life. On the other hand, all those late nights and hangovers will eventually affect your physical and mental state. Given these potential negative consequences, it’s normal for people to become interested in cutting back on alcohol. Still, a lot of people have a hard time accepting the decision to give up alcohol completely. If you’re one of them, take a look at this guide to “Sober curiosity – a lifestyle change worth exploring”.
Understanding the concept of sober curiosity
You probably know by now that being sober means quitting alcohol altogether. People often make this conscious decision when diagnosed with an illness that prohibits them from drinking or when they struggle with addiction. But you can avoid alcohol even if you’re not dealing with such issues.
The addiction recovery experts from Archstone Behavioral Health advise you not to mistake addiction for sober curiosity. They say that many people reach a point in their lives where they start to wonder about what life would be like without alcohol. But this doesn’t mean they are addicts or will stop drinking. They begin to question the reasons behind their drinking habits and consider making a lifestyle change. This makes them sober curious.
Sober curious people can choose to give up alcohol for a limited period or indefinitely or drink occasionally. There are no strict rules here. Plus, nothing bad happens if you slip, so you shouldn’t be too hard on yourself. It’s just a lifestyle change worth exploring.
Understanding the health benefits
First of all, there’s no such thing as a healthy amount of alcohol. Researchers have proven time and time again that alcohol is bad for your health. That’s why doctors strongly advise people to quit drinking or at least practice moderation. This means you shouldn’t have more than two drinks per week. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done for most people.
You can at least cut back if you’re not ready to take such drastic measures. Sober curiosity has many health benefits. Specifically, it improves the quality of your sleep, your mood, and your productivity. It also lowers the risk of depression and anxiety, heart disease, and even certain types of cancers. Furthermore, it can boost your energy levels and help you lose weight.
How to start practicing sober curiosity
As previously mentioned, there are no strict rules for practicing sober curiosity. So, you’ll be in charge of all the decision-making. The following points are only some suggestions that can help you get started.
1. Make a plan
The first thing you have to do is make a plan. Set some short-term goals. For instance, you could aim to drink only on weekends or reduce your drinks to a specific number. Don’t be very drastic from the beginning because you’ll be more tempted to slip. It’s best to take things slowly and cut back on alcohol gradually. Moreover, make sure you write down every drink to avoid losing count on a night out.
2. Don’t forget to hydrate
All those nasty hangovers are the result of alcohol-induced dehydration. That’s why alternating alcohol with water reduces the effects of a hangover. So, instead of pouring drink after drink, you should drink a glass of water after each drink. This will not only prevent that horrible morning headache but will also significantly reduce your alcohol consumption.
3. Dillute your drinks
If you enjoy drinking cocktails, ask the bartender to make them lighter and do the same at home. You should also drink everything with ice because it dilutes the alcohol and makes the drink last longer. Once you’ve mastered this step, you can move on to mocktails. These non-alcoholic cocktails are delicious; you can find many recipes online.
4. Find new ways to unwind
People often make a habit of drinking alcohol as a way to unwind. But, whether you’re under a lot of pressure at work or your relationship is in trouble, you need to find healthier ways to cope with all that stress. Do a bit of research on stress relievers to do before you start your day sober. For example, meditation and journaling can help you get off on the right foot. They are also great stress relievers to do before you start your day sober.
5. Find a community
It’s hard to cut back on alcohol when constantly surrounded by heavy drinkers. Thus, if you want to practice sober curiosity, you should try spending less time with a company that always drinks. This doesn’t mean you should cut ties with them. Just limit your outings until you get the hang of your new lifestyle.
Furthermore, you should look for like-minded people that can help you navigate through this sober curious journey. Surrounding yourself with supportive individuals will enable you to manage your triggers, remember your goals, and celebrate your achievements. You can use the internet to connect with other sober curious people, or you can find a close friend interested in exploring this lifestyle change.
6. Start living healthily
It’s never too late to start living healthily. Apart from cutting back on or giving up alcohol, you should also focus on eating and working out. These activities will do wonders for your mental and physical health, which are deeply intertwined. Not to mention that they will keep you busy, so you’ll have less time to indulge yourself with alcohol.
In conclusion
Cutting back on alcohol or avoiding it altogether is a very healthy lifestyle change. It can improve your overall health and reduce the risk of various illnesses. Not to mention that it will prevent you from developing an addiction. So, if you’re ready to make a change, start with this guide to “Sober curiosity – a lifestyle change worth exploring”. Good luck on your sober journey!