My decision to take a break from drinking wasn’t because my life was falling apart around me.
The way I was drinking hadn’t led to losing a job, alienating loved ones or racking up drink-driving offences.
So when I told people that I was taking time away for alcohol they often looked puzzled and asked why.
The answer was simple. “Because I feel so much better when I don’t drink.”
I was sleeping better, had more energy, felt healthier and happier.
I loved having more time to do things and, as an added bonus, I never woke up with a hangover.
Worrying about my drinking
However, my decision to take a break from drinking was more complex than wanting to feel better.
I had started to worry about the way I was drinking.
I didn’t like that:
- I was able to drink more (my tolerance was increasing)
- I wasn’t sleeping well
- It was impacting my health and fitness
- I felt flat and sluggish after drinking
- My menopause symptoms were worse whenever I drank
I could go on but you get the point!
I decided to take a ‘radical’ step and stop drinking for three months to find out how much alcohol was impacting on my life.
It seemed radical because surely only people with a ‘drinking problem’ need to give up for any length of time.
Surely it was a bit extreme?
More than two years after making that decision, I’m still not drinking and I’ve never felt better.
My mental and physical wellbeing has improved and, amazingly, I realised that my beloved Sauvignon Blanc wasn’t providing as many benefits as I thought it was.
Looking for support?
As an alcohol mindset coach I help women who want to either cut back on their drinking or take a break.
If you want to know more you can:
Book in for a free 30-minute discussion call where I can explain how it works