Progress report: 7 weeks alcohol-free
So it has been exactly 7 weeks since I decided to stop drinking alcohol..
I had been toying with the idea of giving up alcohol for a long time but I never felt like I was ‘ready’ to commit. Every week I could not wait until that Friday evening glass (or 5) of wine to ring in the weekend — my two days off.
I really associated drinking with having fun and unwinding. Even after I hit 26 and the price I paid for unwinding was two days lying horizontally on the sofa! Also, after only relocating to Cayman in November I didn’t want any potential friends to think I was ‘dry’ (I’ve heard the saying “I don't trust people who don’t drink” too many times throughout the years!).
Some of the main things I have noticed in the past 7 weeks:
- I am socialising and seeing friends EVEN MORE — no hangover means more time, less fatigue, and less bailing on plans in general.
- If your friends are really your friends, you shouldn't need alcohol to hang out. If you aren’t comfortable being your own sober self around the people you call friends then I would shift them to the “good time friend” category.
- After week 3 my energy levels were through the roof. I think by week three my body was fully detoxed and since then my energy levels are the best they have been in years.
- My love handles are shrinking and my skin has improved — its a shame, but unfortunately girls we hold alcohol weight around the hips and tummy and how about all those breakouts the next day.
- I no longer “start again” every Monday. Anyone else guilty of this? I used to be good with my diet and exercise Monday — Thursday and then fall off the bandwagon every Friday — Sunday.
- I am more productive than ever before — who knew how many things you can achieve in 7 days!
- My dedication to and determination has improved — I am finally doing things I have always just thought about doing.
- I am saving more money — drinking is expensive!
- I have found other ways to unwind and relax.
- Overall I am feeling happier and healthier.
Surprisingly for me, I have not missed alcohol at all so I am confident this lifestyle change was the right decision for me and sustainable long term.
Everyone is different but if you are considering a dry spell I hope this will encourage you to take the plunge!
Thanks for reading,
Christine x