Less Alcohol- April 2018- One Day at a Time
Replies
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Yesterday was very stressful. So when I got home I decided to have a glass of wine. One 5oz glass of chard. I drank it and was fine.
Last night when I went to bed, my chest felt like it was doing somersaults for about 30 min. And then I woke up 2 hours later all sweaty. I generally slept like crap. Pretty much no good sleep. This was happening to me when I would drink 3 glasses. It hasn't happened since I've been moderating.
- I had a fairly healthy eating day, with a cabbage roll made with 93/7 ground beef for dinner. I did have a little buffalo wing dip for a snack, which sometimes the hot sauce messes with my stomach.
_ I watched an episode of of Big Little Lies before I went to bed, the one that one of the girls recalls being raped and has a hallucination that someone is breaking into her house. I went to sleep very disturbed.
_ I think that I'm pretty much over menopause. I'm on the tail end of it for sure.
_ And yes the day's stress went to bed with me also.
Do you think that one glass of wine made me feel like that? Or do you think it was the general combination of the whole evening? All thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
If one glass of wine did that to me, I'm not sure that it was worth it to drink it at all ...
I kind of think it was the wine. I had a headache after one glass of wine and had similar things like fast beating heart. This was a few weeks ago. I also wondered how can it bet the wine? Maybe too sugary as well.
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This is so hard in the beginning. I was so tired yesterday as I had slept badly the night before. I wanted some wine to make it better. I went to the grocery store and argued with myself the whole time that I did not need any wine. I got out of there without it. Got home and all was fine without it. I slept so much better last night so hopefully will feel better today.
Anyone else have the ad for fit vines. Ugh.6 -
@Orphia, that nails it for me. One of the very best parts of being AF is freedom from constant decision-making. Plus, this particular decision (to drink or not to drink) is too easily skewed one way or the other by how I'm feeling at that particular moment.
Right now I'm so grateful for my second-in-a-row AF night, after a big lapse post-Italy, except that I had a series of very bizarre dreams in which things happened like being stranded at a nursery with a basil plant and no money to pay for it. When I woke up I had to convince myself that I really did not drink yesterday or last night. My brain just went haywire for some reason. However, my body feels good this morning, and I'm heading out for a nice long walk.5 -
@Orphia, that nails it for me. One of the very best parts of being AF is freedom from constant decision-making.
Indeed.
I thought of another example which I've seen written about quite a bit:
Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg both wearing their own individual "uniform" every day of their lives, so as to cut down time spent making unimportant decisions so they can make bigger better decisions. There's this whole thing about these "capsule wardrobes" to encourage productivity in our lives.
I think threads like this and articles and videos are very helpful for us to make the decision about our alcohol consumption.
Then, once we've done all the thinking, we can just stick to our decision of our consumption limit/schedule and not waste energy worrying any more.
We all need to set our own rules for ourselves. Setting the rules can be the hardest part!
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Drinkers have more bad mouth bacteria, study finds - CNN
https://apple.news/AlKLV4LFmRxWrVsvnkv_ZPw
Kind of gross. But another good reason to cut back.2 -
Guys, i feel I'm on a roller coaster .. i made myself my old fave.. please don't take offense. .. it's called ' irish coffee' but its a coffee with Irish whiskey.. i luv Irish people.. I'm 1/2 irish myself.. so I'm just confessing.. bcoz i feel i need to..
Im going to drink lots of water to help with the after effects
Luv ya all.. im moving house and yeah ive got to keep going without worrying abt petty stuff..
Xxooxxoo to everyone!!. ..3 -
@Orphia, that nails it for me. One of the very best parts of being AF is freedom from constant decision-making.
Indeed.
I thought of another example which I've seen written about quite a bit:
Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg both wearing their own individual "uniform" every day of their lives, so as to cut down time spent making unimportant decisions so they can make bigger better decisions. There's this whole thing about these "capsule wardrobes" to encourage productivity in our lives.
I think threads like this and articles and videos are very helpful for us to make the decision about our alcohol consumption.
Then, once we've done all the thinking, we can just stick to our decision of our consumption limit/schedule and not waste energy worrying any more.
We all need to set our own rules for ourselves. Setting the rules can be the hardest part!
I do a modified version of project 333 (you can google it for more info) it’s 33 items of clothing for 3 months. I love it! It is less thinking, and it forces you to figure out what your personal style is and makes dressing such a snap. Now, applying that concept to drinking is an interesting idea. The idea of minimalism, mindfulness are something I really value, but are kind of the opposite of the mindless drinking.
Speaking of mindless drinking I was watching one of Annie Graces podcasts and she talked about her drinking queue and how she discovered what and when her brain had the queue to drink. And for her it was opening the cupboard to the wine glasses. It was the close of the workday and start of relaxation. I tried to figure out my queue tonight. I think mine is kind of the same. I work from home, so pouring a glass of wine somehow differentiates the workday from the evening. Tonight I didn’t have any cravings, but I am going to be mindful of that queue tomorrow and try and figure out some other way to make that switch from workday to relaxation that provides some satisfaction without drinking.3 -
Guys, i feel I'm on a roller coaster .. i made myself my old fave.. please don't take offense. .. it's called ' irish coffee' but its a coffee with Irish whiskey.. i luv Irish people.. I'm 1/2 irish myself.. so I'm just confessing.. bcoz i feel i need to..
Im going to drink lots of water to help with the after effects
Luv ya all.. im moving house and yeah ive got to keep going without worrying abt petty stuff..
Xxooxxoo to everyone!!. ..
No offense taken! I'm roller coastering myself, kinda...mostly down. I'll be babysitting grandkids all of May, so that forces me back on track. Hope things calm down a bit for you. Don't ever give up. We are here XO2 -
SanDiegofitmom wrote: »@Orphia, that nails it for me. One of the very best parts of being AF is freedom from constant decision-making.
Indeed.
I thought of another example which I've seen written about quite a bit:
Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg both wearing their own individual "uniform" every day of their lives, so as to cut down time spent making unimportant decisions so they can make bigger better decisions. There's this whole thing about these "capsule wardrobes" to encourage productivity in our lives.
I think threads like this and articles and videos are very helpful for us to make the decision about our alcohol consumption.
Then, once we've done all the thinking, we can just stick to our decision of our consumption limit/schedule and not waste energy worrying any more.
We all need to set our own rules for ourselves. Setting the rules can be the hardest part!
I do a modified version of project 333 (you can google it for more info) it’s 33 items of clothing for 3 months. I love it! It is less thinking, and it forces you to figure out what your personal style is and makes dressing such a snap. Now, applying that concept to drinking is an interesting idea. The idea of minimalism, mindfulness are something I really value, but are kind of the opposite of the mindless drinking.
Speaking of mindless drinking I was watching one of Annie Graces podcasts and she talked about her drinking queue and how she discovered what and when her brain had the queue to drink. And for her it was opening the cupboard to the wine glasses. It was the close of the workday and start of relaxation. I tried to figure out my queue tonight. I think mine is kind of the same. I work from home, so pouring a glass of wine somehow differentiates the workday from the evening. Tonight I didn’t have any cravings, but I am going to be mindful of that queue tomorrow and try and figure out some other way to make that switch from workday to relaxation that provides some satisfaction without drinking.
I also work from home, and my trigger was sitting down talking to hubby about our day. We'd open our beers and my drinking began. Babysitting the grandkids for a month helps. But in reality, only for a while. I have pushed my start drinking time to later, and find that if I'm full and knitting or crocheting I drink less. Do you have a hobby? If so, that could be your transition.1 -
SanDiegofitmom wrote: »@Orphia, that nails it for me. One of the very best parts of being AF is freedom from constant decision-making.
Indeed.
I thought of another example which I've seen written about quite a bit:
Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg both wearing their own individual "uniform" every day of their lives, so as to cut down time spent making unimportant decisions so they can make bigger better decisions. There's this whole thing about these "capsule wardrobes" to encourage productivity in our lives.
I think threads like this and articles and videos are very helpful for us to make the decision about our alcohol consumption.
Then, once we've done all the thinking, we can just stick to our decision of our consumption limit/schedule and not waste energy worrying any more.
We all need to set our own rules for ourselves. Setting the rules can be the hardest part!
I do a modified version of project 333 (you can google it for more info) it’s 33 items of clothing for 3 months. I love it! It is less thinking, and it forces you to figure out what your personal style is and makes dressing such a snap. Now, applying that concept to drinking is an interesting idea. The idea of minimalism, mindfulness are something I really value, but are kind of the opposite of the mindless drinking.
Thanks! I Googled and found her How To Build a Capsule Wardrobe:
https://bemorewithless.com/how-to-build-a-capsule-wardrobe/
I pretty much did that after getting to my goal weight. I threw out all my fat clothes. Now I only have things I love that fit me.
There's also a really great thread I've participated in called "Let it go - de-cluttering etc" in the MFP Success Stories sub-forum that talks about all sorts of simplifying and de-cluttering.SanDiegofitmom wrote: »Speaking of mindless drinking I was watching one of Annie Graces podcasts and she talked about her drinking queue and how she discovered what and when her brain had the queue to drink. And for her it was opening the cupboard to the wine glasses. It was the close of the workday and start of relaxation. I tried to figure out my queue tonight. I think mine is kind of the same. I work from home, so pouring a glass of wine somehow differentiates the workday from the evening. Tonight I didn’t have any cravings, but I am going to be mindful of that queue tomorrow and try and figure out some other way to make that switch from workday to relaxation that provides some satisfaction without drinking.
Ha, I like that way of looking at it: The drinking queue. Or I think you mean "The drinking cue"?
Could be both: People have their cue to start drinking, then one drink leads to a queue of drinks.
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Apparently my drinking CUE was last night. After stringing days....months!....together this really sucks. Hungover AF I do not like this at all. I didn't even drink THREE glasses of wine. Holy smokes the old me would be ashamed but the new me is just pissed off. Now to get ready for work with a screaming headache.... @Alzzi76 your Irish Coffee sounds like something I could use! But instead I will go for a shower and a gatorade. All the UGHS rn.6
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islandbeez wrote: »Apparently my drinking CUE was last night. After stringing days....months!....together this really sucks. Hungover AF I do not like this at all. I didn't even drink THREE glasses of wine. Holy smokes the old me would be ashamed but the new me is just pissed off. Now to get ready for work with a screaming headache.... @Alzzi76 your Irish Coffee sounds like something I could use! But instead I will go for a shower and a gatorade. All the UGHS rn.
Have u tried lemon juice water. Lemon juice is a good neutralizer. Try and make it as strong as u can. It alsi works for hypo kids that have been readying to many lollies and drinking fizzy etc..
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Guys, i feel I'm on a roller coaster .. i made myself my old fave.. please don't take offense. .. it's called ' irish coffee' but its a coffee with Irish whiskey.. i luv Irish people.. I'm 1/2 irish myself.. so I'm just confessing.. bcoz i feel i need to..
Im going to drink lots of water to help with the after effects
Luv ya all.. im moving house and yeah ive got to keep going without worrying abt petty stuff..
Xxooxxoo to everyone!!. ..
No offense taken! I'm roller coastering myself, kinda...mostly down. I'll be babysitting grandkids all of May, so that forces me back on track. Hope things calm down a bit for you. Don't ever give up. We are here XO
Thanku, i can't give up. It'll be over soon this pressure. I had a bad day with food as well. Missing meals etc . Im going start again tomorrow.. ( again
) 3 -
I'm celebrating finishing Day 3 AF. I know it's not much, but I can tell that after the "hit bottom" experience Sunday, this 3-day streak is the new beginning for me. This time (as opposed to January), I'm well aware of how easy it will be to slip up. Therefore, I'm rewarding myself for Day 3--not waiting for Day 10--by visiting a gelato shop I learned of in a little town nearby. Apparently it's owned by an Italian family who moved here and opened it up. If it really is real Italian gelato, that will be such a fun reward!
I'm re-reading This Naked Mind, slowly, and it is more impactful this time for me after having experienced for myself going alcohol-free and then seeing what it feels like to relapse and struggle to get back there. Her descriptions of what alcohol actually does to us make more sense in that context.
I'm grateful for how good I feel today. It makes job-hunting and just dealing with life much better. Yay.6 -
Hang in there those that are struggling! Even though I have been AF almost 100 days (May 2nd), I still am struggling this time of year.
Craig Beck's videos help me, too!4 -
SanDiegofitmom wrote: »@Orphia, that nails it for me. One of the very best parts of being AF is freedom from constant decision-making.
Indeed.
I thought of another example which I've seen written about quite a bit:
Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg both wearing their own individual "uniform" every day of their lives, so as to cut down time spent making unimportant decisions so they can make bigger better decisions. There's this whole thing about these "capsule wardrobes" to encourage productivity in our lives.
I think threads like this and articles and videos are very helpful for us to make the decision about our alcohol consumption.
Then, once we've done all the thinking, we can just stick to our decision of our consumption limit/schedule and not waste energy worrying any more.
We all need to set our own rules for ourselves. Setting the rules can be the hardest part!
Speaking of mindless drinking I was watching one of Annie Graces podcasts and she talked about her drinking queue and how she discovered what and when her brain had the queue to drink. And for her it was opening the cupboard to the wine glasses. It was the close of the workday and start of relaxation. I tried to figure out my queue tonight. I think mine is kind of the same. I work from home, so pouring a glass of wine somehow differentiates the workday from the evening. Tonight I didn’t have any cravings, but I am going to be mindful of that queue tomorrow and try and figure out some other way to make that switch from workday to relaxation that provides some satisfaction without drinking.
I can totally understand that. Maybe you can make yourself a non-alcoholic drink in your wine glass or another "fancy" glass? I cook dinner every night and like to drink wine while I cook. Today I am starting to plan to make a new mocktail to go with dinner each night. I always enjoy finding new recipes for food, so why not drinks as well? I think it might take the focus off of the alcohol component of relaxing with a drink.3 -
I just came across this collection of mocktail recipes. Some of these look downright amazing!
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/drinks/how-to/g785/best-mocktail-recipes/2 -
Ugh drank 3 glasses of pinot grigio Saturday night... Oh well I don't do it often anymore.4
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SanDiegofitmom wrote: »@Orphia, that nails it for me. One of the very best parts of being AF is freedom from constant decision-making.
Indeed.
I thought of another example which I've seen written about quite a bit:
Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg both wearing their own individual "uniform" every day of their lives, so as to cut down time spent making unimportant decisions so they can make bigger better decisions. There's this whole thing about these "capsule wardrobes" to encourage productivity in our lives.
I think threads like this and articles and videos are very helpful for us to make the decision about our alcohol consumption.
Then, once we've done all the thinking, we can just stick to our decision of our consumption limit/schedule and not waste energy worrying any more.
We all need to set our own rules for ourselves. Setting the rules can be the hardest part!
I do a modified version of project 333 (you can google it for more info) it’s 33 items of clothing for 3 months. I love it! It is less thinking, and it forces you to figure out what your personal style is and makes dressing such a snap. Now, applying that concept to drinking is an interesting idea. The idea of minimalism, mindfulness are something I really value, but are kind of the opposite of the mindless drinking.
Thanks! I Googled and found her How To Build a Capsule Wardrobe:
https://bemorewithless.com/how-to-build-a-capsule-wardrobe/
I pretty much did that after getting to my goal weight. I threw out all my fat clothes. Now I only have things I love that fit me.
There's also a really great thread I've participated in called "Let it go - de-cluttering etc" in the MFP Success Stories sub-forum that talks about all sorts of simplifying and de-cluttering.SanDiegofitmom wrote: »Speaking of mindless drinking I was watching one of Annie Graces podcasts and she talked about her drinking queue and how she discovered what and when her brain had the queue to drink. And for her it was opening the cupboard to the wine glasses. It was the close of the workday and start of relaxation. I tried to figure out my queue tonight. I think mine is kind of the same. I work from home, so pouring a glass of wine somehow differentiates the workday from the evening. Tonight I didn’t have any cravings, but I am going to be mindful of that queue tomorrow and try and figure out some other way to make that switch from workday to relaxation that provides some satisfaction without drinking.
Ha, I like that way of looking at it: The drinking queue. Or I think you mean "The drinking cue"?
Could be both: People have their cue to start drinking, then one drink leads to a queue of drinks.
I checked out the "let it go" thread, very interesting! It doesn't seem very active but maybe it'll pick up.2 -
lporter229 wrote: »I just came across this collection of mocktail recipes. Some of these look downright amazing!
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/drinks/how-to/g785/best-mocktail-recipes/
Those look amazing!1 -
SanDiegofitmom wrote: »@Orphia, that nails it for me. One of the very best parts of being AF is freedom from constant decision-making.
Indeed.
I thought of another example which I've seen written about quite a bit:
Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg both wearing their own individual "uniform" every day of their lives, so as to cut down time spent making unimportant decisions so they can make bigger better decisions. There's this whole thing about these "capsule wardrobes" to encourage productivity in our lives.
I think threads like this and articles and videos are very helpful for us to make the decision about our alcohol consumption.
Then, once we've done all the thinking, we can just stick to our decision of our consumption limit/schedule and not waste energy worrying any more.
We all need to set our own rules for ourselves. Setting the rules can be the hardest part!
I do a modified version of project 333 (you can google it for more info) it’s 33 items of clothing for 3 months. I love it! It is less thinking, and it forces you to figure out what your personal style is and makes dressing such a snap. Now, applying that concept to drinking is an interesting idea. The idea of minimalism, mindfulness are something I really value, but are kind of the opposite of the mindless drinking.
Thanks! I Googled and found her How To Build a Capsule Wardrobe:
https://bemorewithless.com/how-to-build-a-capsule-wardrobe/
I pretty much did that after getting to my goal weight. I threw out all my fat clothes. Now I only have things I love that fit me.
There's also a really great thread I've participated in called "Let it go - de-cluttering etc" in the MFP Success Stories sub-forum that talks about all sorts of simplifying and de-cluttering.SanDiegofitmom wrote: »Speaking of mindless drinking I was watching one of Annie Graces podcasts and she talked about her drinking queue and how she discovered what and when her brain had the queue to drink. And for her it was opening the cupboard to the wine glasses. It was the close of the workday and start of relaxation. I tried to figure out my queue tonight. I think mine is kind of the same. I work from home, so pouring a glass of wine somehow differentiates the workday from the evening. Tonight I didn’t have any cravings, but I am going to be mindful of that queue tomorrow and try and figure out some other way to make that switch from workday to relaxation that provides some satisfaction without drinking.
Ha, I like that way of looking at it: The drinking queue. Or I think you mean "The drinking cue"?
Could be both: People have their cue to start drinking, then one drink leads to a queue of drinks.
I checked out the "let it go" thread, very interesting! It doesn't seem very active but maybe it'll pick up.
Cheers!
Yes, the thread isn't fast-moving, but that's because adding your de-cluttering achievements to it really requires a fair bit of effort behind the scenes.
2 -
Hi Guys, Just sitting here with Diet Coke at a bar! I was so bored at home. And wanted some french onion soup and fried mushrooms. Feel like I'm in time out. Everyone around me looks like their having fun. But I do know better. I'll go home with energy and sleep well and some of these probably wont. But it is hard to abstain sometimes. I am doing Annie Grace's 30 day challenge and i"m only on day 4. I felt it was easier in January. But I'll still plug on. Like one of my fav youtube guys says that (the guy who hikes and talks about being alcohol free) I have to just keep the alcohol out of my mouth. Sounds simple, but we know it isn't.
I feel for all of you struggling. If misery loves company, then I'm experiencing the same thing.
Tonight, my party neighbor pulled up next to me as I was walking and asked me when I'm going to start going out again. I said not sure when. She said she misses me. I asked Where you're going? She said to a local place to have wine and appetizers. I dont know why but the rest of my walk I felt so jealous. I was thinking well she drinks most nights, and she seems just fine. All this self talk is driving me crazy. LOL I have to just chill out. Sending you all hugs!
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JulieAL1969 wrote: »Hi Guys, Just sitting here with Diet Coke at a bar! I was so bored at home. And wanted some french onion soup and fried mushrooms. Feel like I'm in time out. Everyone around me looks like their having fun. But I do know better. I'll go home with energy and sleep well and some of these probably wont. But it is hard to abstain sometimes. I am doing Annie Grace's 30 day challenge and i"m only on day 4. I felt it was easier in January. But I'll still plug on. Like one of my fav youtube guys says that (the guy who hikes and talks about being alcohol free) I have to just keep the alcohol out of my mouth. Sounds simple, but we know it isn't.
I feel for all of you struggling. If misery loves company, then I'm experiencing the same thing.
Tonight, my party neighbor pulled up next to me as I was walking and asked me when I'm going to start going out again. I said not sure when. She said she misses me. I asked Where you're going? She said to a local place to have wine and appetizers. I dont know why but the rest of my walk I felt so jealous. I was thinking well she drinks most nights, and she seems just fine. All this self talk is driving me crazy. LOL I have to just chill out. Sending you all hugs!
Just imagine how she'd feel if you called her in the morning when you get up.! You'll feel wonderful, will she?2 -
Hugs @JulieAL1969
Your neighbour is off to have extra calories on top of extra calories, and headaches, poor sleep, and regret.
Arrange her for a coffee somewhere nice on Saturday afternoon. You'll have a much nicer time.2 -
These days, I see photos like this and think all of them are thinking:
"All this socialising is killing the introvert in me and I need to get blotto to deal with the anxiety this causes me".
6 -
@JulieAL1969, sending you hugs. Thanks for your honesty. Someone warned me about judging my “inside” in relation to someone else’s outside. The horrible times you’ve described in your own past drinking days (your description, not mine): I’d bet you appeared to be a happy party girl then (to outsiders) but you knew different.
I’ve just reread Naked Mind. AG speaks quite a bit about our FOMO and how it’s not based in reality of what we’re actually “missing”.
Hang in there!3 -
OK, so at 1:30 a.m. I'm officially beginning Day 5 AF. Yay! The gelato on Day 4 (12 hours ago) was delicious to celebrate having done 3 days. Sorry to post about such small victories, but it's the first time since Feb. I feel like I'm on the right track. This time, though, I'm having a weird thing . . . difficulty sleeping at night and then being super sleepy/tired during the day. An hour ago I gave up because I felt not only awake but sort of panicky. I figured I'd just get up and do the NYT crossword on my computer. Instead, I dipped into our threads over the past months. It's kind of a neat exercise. Reading my own posts is like reading a journal because I have posted honestly and regularly. Also, reading the posts of the "regulars" has been fun . . . to see my "friends" progress and struggle. We've all been on a journey since Jan. 1 (thanks to Julie!). Anyway, that's been an encouragement, and I think I can return to bed now without the panics. I have to drive to Fort Worth in the morning, so hopefully sleep will soon come. Wishing you all a great weekend. We've done well and are lovely works in progress.7
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All are welcome! I think what she is saying is that some of us have been participating in this thread since it started in June and have shared some very personal stories and challenges, not even always related to alcohol. I’m guessing that doni is saying that she feels something akin to true friendship with the people in this thread, not just casual interactions with internet strangers.
5 -
I joined the 30 day challenge. so far I find it very helpful.
My son is 17 going to prom and I have been not happy about the after parties. He admitted there will be alcohol there but says he wont drink. I feel like such a hypocrite telling him he can't drink. I need to get my drinking under control to be a better example.6
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