SoberCurious

It’s Sober October: Let’s Get Curious!

One of the things I’m see a lot this #SoberOctober is the concept of “sober curious”. I love this because 1) curiosity is so often a healthy mental state, and 2) this is a great low-pressure, judgment-free approach to examining your relationship with alcohol (and other substances). So I want to join the Sober Curious conversation today! I hope you will too.

Let’s start by talking about what Sober Curious actually means… Maybe it means that you've noticed a negative impact on your health, relationships, or overall well-being from your substance habits. Or maybe you just feel a growing unease about your relationship with alcohol. Being sober curious doesn't mean you're necessarily ready to quit drinking altogether, forever, right-this-minute. It simply means you're open to exploring a substance-free life and curious about what it might offer. It's a way of examining your current habits and making informed choices about your well-being. 

More and more people are jumping on the sober curious bandwagon for a variety of reasons. Some are concerned about the short and long-term physical effects of substance use, while others are tired of the negative consequences it has on their relationships or career. Some people are pushing back against the “wine-mom” and “beer dad” culture on social media, and some people have recently experienced some kind of come-to-Jesus moment of a diagnosis or event that’s making them question their current habits.

The Benefits of a Sober Lifestyle

All right. Let’s start by talking about the benefits you might experience during a month of sober curiosity. Not everyone is going to notice everything on this list, but here are some possibilities:

• Improved Physical Health: Reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption can lead to better sleep, weight management, and improved heart health.

• Enhanced Mental Well-being: Alcohol can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. By cutting back or quitting, you may experience a significant improvement in your mood and overall mental clarity.

• Stronger Relationships: Alcohol can often strain relationships. When you're sober, you're more likely to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts peacefully, and build stronger connections with loved ones.

• Increased Productivity: Alcohol can impair your judgment, reduce your energy levels, and make it difficult to focus. By cutting back or quitting, you may find that you're more productive and able to achieve your goals.

• Financial Savings: Alcohol can be expensive, especially if you're a heavy drinker. By cutting back or quitting, you can save a significant amount of money.

Is Sobriety Right for Me?

If you’re still a little hesitant to make a commitment, take some time to consider a few questions:

• How does alcohol impact my life? Does it cause problems in my relationships, job, or health?

• Do I feel physically or mentally unwell after drinking?

• Am I ready to make a change?

• What are my fears or concerns about sobriety?

If you’re still feeling hesitant after pondering these things, remember that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to sobriety. You can choose to simply cut back on your alcohol consumption, or set boundaries around it, while others may decide to quit completely. The most important thing is to find what works best for you.

Mindfulness and Meditation for Sobriety

Once you’ve made the commitment to Sober October, things get Real. Your body might fight this decision with cravings and irritation, but you can turn to other coping mechanisms, instead. Mindfulness and meditation are two powerful tools for managing this transition. These practices can help you stay present in the moment, reduce stress, and cultivate a sense of calm. I have some other blogs that talk in more depth about these practices, but here’s a quick description:

• Mindfulness: Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. This can be done through activities such as meditation, yoga, or simply focusing on your breath.

• Meditation: Meditation involves sitting or lying down in a quiet place and focusing on your breath or a mantra. There are many different types of meditation, so it's important to find one that works best for you.

Professional Help and Guidance

I want to point out here that if you're struggling with a serious addiction to alcohol, or you are experiencing some alarming symptoms around your drinking habits, it's important to seek professional help. Sober curiosity might actually uncover something that you need more support to tackle, and a therapist, rehab facility, or support group can provide support, guidance, and evidence-based treatment.

Remember, you're not alone in this journey. There is a big #SoberCurious family all around you, and I’m rooting for you, too!