I’m diving into a personal topic that’s been weighing on my mind, and I’ll admit, I have some hesitations about sharing this. However, there’s strength in vulnerability, or at least that’s what I keep reminding myself. Since the start of the year, conversations around Dry January have flooded my social media feeds, popped up in various podcasts, and lingered in my thoughts for quite some time.
Just last week, I decided to join a private Facebook group dedicated to sobriety and moderation. Words like “sober” and “semi-sober” used to seem foreign to me—who would willingly choose that lifestyle? But over the past few months, I’ve begun to scale back on my drinking, and the absence of alcohol in my daily routine has been noticeable.
For years, I never felt the need to scrutinize my relationship with alcohol; after all, it’s deeply ingrained in my family’s traditions and the social fabric of my community. I’ve recognized that I have an addictive personality, often relying on alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress, social anxiety, and feelings of loneliness. Yet, it’s not just a comfort during tough times; every celebration seemed incomplete without a few drinks, whether it was a glass of wine after a long day or cocktails during a sunny day at the lake.
A few months ago, I attended an NHL game with my daughter, Emma, for her first experience. My husband and I celebrated with multiple rounds of drinks, and I quickly lost track of how many I had consumed. That night ended with me feeling extremely unwell, spending hours in the hotel bathroom. I was unable to enjoy our breakfast plans the next morning, and while my daughter remained blissfully unaware, I felt a deep sense of disappointment in myself.
Since that incident, I’ve committed to being more mindful of my drinking habits. What I discovered was eye-opening. I realized I was drinking daily, often out of habit rather than desire. I’d come home, crack open a beer, or pour a glass of wine without really thinking twice about it. More often than not, I’d have more than just one drink.
While I haven’t completely stopped drinking, I’ve acknowledged the negative impact it has on my daily life. I often woke up feeling sluggish and unmotivated, mistaking it for just being a “non-morning person.” The realization that alcohol was affecting my energy levels and mental clarity was a wake-up call.
I still enjoy a drink, but I’m now making a conscious effort to avoid heading to the fridge as soon as I walk through the door. Instead of giving up entirely, I’m focusing on reducing my daily intake and regaining control. Each morning I wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day reinforces my determination. I’ve been meeting my hydration goals and have found joy in relaxing with a warm cup of turmeric milk with honey and cinnamon in the evenings. The benefits to my health, well-being, and even my finances have been remarkable.
Cheers to wellness from my steaming mug! If you’re looking to enhance your overall health, consider exploring some of our other resources, such as those on fertility supplements here and invaluable insights on pregnancy options here. For further reading, check out this authoritative article on the topic.
Summary:
The author reflects on their drinking habits, sharing a personal incident that prompted a deeper examination of their alcohol consumption. Through mindfulness and conscious choices, they aim to reduce their intake and improve their overall well-being, realizing the positive effects of cutting back on alcohol.