Less Alcohol - FEBRUARY 2021 - One Day At A Time
MissMay
Posts: 3,749 Member
~THIS IS A MONTHLY CONTINUING THREAD THAT HAS BEEN ACTIVE SINCE AS FAR BACK AS 2017. ALL WELCOME ~
Do you want to drink LESS?
Do it because it's a lovely thing to do for yourself!
I bet that thinking a day off is a sort of punishment and hasn't been working.
Be kind to the person you will wake up as.
Join us in drinking LESS (whatever that means for you) one day at a time, as we continue to support and learn from each other.
▪MFP LESS ALCOHOL ONE DAY AT A TIME RESOURCE & GENERAL INFORMATION LIST▪
USING THIS THREAD:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Join us at any time - this is a day to day challenge.
•Set your own goal - this thread is about drinking less and you decide what that means to you.
•There are no scheduled check-ins - post as often or as little as you want or need.
•AF is an acronym for Alcohol Free. For others commonly used on this site see - https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1069278/acronyms-and-terms-for-new-mfp-members-v-6/p1
•To follow this thread easily, bookmark it by clicking on the star at the top right of this thread.
•Remember that we are here for you and care about you. Check in with us when you have time and let us know what you need!
TIPS & OBSERVATIONS FROM OUR USERS:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Getting Started or Starting Over - The Early Days
•Some people find it easier to set small attainable goals at the beginning to help boost confidence.
•If you have been drinking daily the first days will be some of the hardest and drinking again will feel like a cure but it delays the relief that only time can provide.
•There will always be a reason to delay the start/restart of your journey.
•For those ready to commit to being alcohol-free permanently, the videos on YouTube by Craig Beck will help. He also has a program you can join.
•You may experience mood swings and anxiety during your first two weeks. It is suggested you try and focus on the benefits of your goal.
•Cravings are said to last only 6 minutes, so find something to distract you like arming yourself with alternatives: tea, mock-tails, activities, etc.
•You may find that filling the time you drink with other activities like exercise or hobbies can be a helpful distraction.
•If you find them tempting try and avoid events/outings that will have drinking for a time.
•Don't let pride or shame keep you from asking for the help you need.
•Sometimes talking it out or posting your thoughts/feelings/struggles may help you work things out for yourself.
•It is okay that you don't always have all the answers.
•Some days will be easier than others.
•You may have initial/increased sugar cravings.
•You should never take a day that you have lived up to your goals for granted.
•Celebrate the smaller victories too. Less alcohol is still less alcohol even if your goal was zero at that moment.
•Once you begin sticking to your goals for one day to many days you should believe you are capable of the same and more because you are.
•Failure is not giving in and drinking. Failure is to stop trying to accomplish your goals.
•Annie Grace (This Naked Mind author) has a free program on her website (https://www.alcoholexperiment.com/) called the 30 day experiment which can be joined anonymously.
Life with Less Alcohol:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•It can be helpful to educate yourself with books and web research (Some suggested books and links listed below).
•There is no benefit to comparing yourself to others because this is a personal journey.
•You may often feel conflicted. You will know that there are numerous real benefits to sticking to your goal while at the same time think that alcohol is an important part of stress relief, relaxation, celebration, etc.
•You may feel punished by not drinking or drinking less but that feeling usually fades with time.
•Sometimes drinking less or quitting will strain friendships that centered around alcohol.
•Having a list of reasons to stick to your goals handy for yourself can be helpful. Some lists have included remembering how bad it feels to have a hangover, excess/unwanted calories, having a racing heart during the night, sleeplessness, anxiety, and depression.
•It is a good idea to have a plan for how you might deal with various tempting scenarios before engaging in a social situation.
•Self-Reflection is an important part of the journey. Once we figure out why we drink we can hopefully use that information to form new habits and make better and more mindful decisions.
•Sometimes doing something nice for yourself like a little reward for a success makes the journey easier.
•You will see many helpful suggestions and ideas that work for some people. However, finding what tactics work for you may involve some trial and error.
•It is not uncommon for certain activities that were once combined with alcohol to trigger temptation. Many have said that outdoor activities in warmer weather made alcohol very tempting.
•Many that have spent time with no alcohol after drinking again realized that it doesn't enhance experiences like they once believed it did. Some have said they no longer like the taste.
•Don't forget how sticking to your goal has made your life better and remember it to motivate you again if you fall off your path.
•If you begin drinking daily again whether planned like a vacation or unplanned you may once again face a struggle to get it under control.
•For some people it is easier to not drink than it is to moderate drinking. Others have found moderating impossible.
Reported Benefits of Less or No Drinking: (Results may be incremental, and/or they may vary)
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Improved sleep after 2,4,7,10,& 60 days
•Improved skin/complexion after 10 days
•Improved ease in weight loss. Not only from the savings of alcohol calories but some report making poor food choices after drinking.
•Increased energy after as few as 2 days
•Increase in other fun activities. Some have found that daily drinking became their main recreational activity and their world was decreased in size.
•Increased productivity
•Reduction of high blood pressure
•Lower resting heart rate
•Less Acid Re-flux
•Significant financial savings
•More creativity
•More productivity
•Better relationships with family
When Alcohol Is Used for Avoidance:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•We drink to ease the stress of the working day, to avoid it.
•We drink to avoid anxiety in social situations.
•We drink to avoid making decisions about not drinking.
•The Takeaway on Avoidance, our problems don't go away if we avoid them. We need to learn to face them.
•Having a clear head makes our problems seem much smaller.
•Having a clear head makes problems easier to solve.
How to Be Kind to "Tomorrow You":
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Instead of lumbering with guilt, headaches, and poor nutrition hangovers in the morning, Think of think how nice it would be not to feel that way tomorrow.
•Worry about "me" and don't let "tomorrow Me" feel awful.
•Instead of thinking alcohol is something nice to have *now*, think of *NOT drinking* as something nice we can do for the person we are when we awaken in the morning.
•Do you bank calories for a festive occasion? (Handy tactic) We can bank a good mood for when we wake up.
•We need to have sympathy for "Tomorrow You" and be kind to her/him.
•Don't look at a day without alcohol as a punishment for being bad or having no willpower.
•Not drinking is a lovely, sympathetic gesture towards the person we are now, and whom we will wake up as.
•You’d be kind to a stranger. Be kind to "Tomorrow You".
LINKS:
▪▪▪▪
•Mydrinkaware:
https://www.mydrinkaware.co.uk
•A Sharing Site for Women:
http://www.drinkingdiaries.com/about/
•General Information/Blog Sites:
https://thesoberschool.com/
http://www.hipsobriety.com/
https://joinclubsoda.co.uk/
https://thisnakedmind.com/blog/
https://alcoholmastery.com/blog/
•Drinking and Your Liver:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixA-o6_4TR0
•Sobriety Blog:
http://mummywasasecretdrinker.blogspot.com/
•The Thirty Day Experiment:
https://www.alcoholexperiment.com/
•Ten Things That Helped Me Quit Booze:
https://unpickledblog.com/2017/01/04/replacement-behaviours-ten-things-that-helped-me-kick-booze/?wref=tp
•The Neuroscience Behind How We Make Decisions:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201505/the-neuroscience-making-decision
•Summary of Book on Addiction:
https://drgabormate.com/book/in-the-realm-of-hungry-ghosts/
•Article on the Difference Between Being an Alcoholic and Really Liking to Drink:
https://www.self.com/story/alcoholic-or-just-really-like-to-drink
•To the Mom questioning her drinking habits:
http://www.scarymommy.com/questioning-drinking-habits/
•Guided Meditations:
http://marc.ucla.edu/mindful-meditations
ALTERNATIVE DRINKS:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Overnight Cold Brew Iced Tea:
https://www.splendidtable.org/story/you-can-cold-brew-iced-tea-while-you-sleep
•Mocktail Recipes:
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipes/1822/drinks/mocktails/
https://www.foodandwine.com/cocktails-spirits/mocktails
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/drinks/how-to/g785/best-mocktail-recipes/
APPS:
▪▪▪▪
•Daybreak iOS link. A Deakin University study of hundreds of health apps found that Daybreak is one of only four that have proven effective and provide quality assistance.
•Dry Days by AlcoChange iOS is for those who want to cut down or cut out the booze throughout the year, while seeing the impact it has on your health and wallet.
•nomo - Sobriety Clocks iOS - In addition to an alcohol clock and monetary savings this app lets you check in and do a sobriety exercise if you're tempted, and connect with accountability partners.
•Sobriety Counter - Stop Drinking (Sobriety Counter - EasyQuit pro version) Android- Provides health stats, money saved, games to distract you, motivational tips, and several other features
BOOKS:
▪▪▪▪
•The Naked Mind by Annie Grace
•Alcohol Lied to Me by Craig Beck
•Rational Recovery by Jack Trimpey
•The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober by Catherine Gray
•The Liars Club, Cherry, and Lit by Mary Karr (3 different publications)
•Kick the Drink...Easily by Jason Vale
•Drinking: A Love Story by Caroline Knapp
•Being Sober: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting To, Getting Through, and Living in Recovery by Harry Haroutunian
•The Easy, Illustrated Way to Quit Drinking by Alan Carr
•Alcohol Explained by William Porter
Credit and thanks to the MFP Less Alcohol One Day at a Time participants
For their willingness to share their insights and resourcefulness in finding this information
Do you want to drink LESS?
Do it because it's a lovely thing to do for yourself!
I bet that thinking a day off is a sort of punishment and hasn't been working.
Be kind to the person you will wake up as.
Join us in drinking LESS (whatever that means for you) one day at a time, as we continue to support and learn from each other.
▪MFP LESS ALCOHOL ONE DAY AT A TIME RESOURCE & GENERAL INFORMATION LIST▪
USING THIS THREAD:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Join us at any time - this is a day to day challenge.
•Set your own goal - this thread is about drinking less and you decide what that means to you.
•There are no scheduled check-ins - post as often or as little as you want or need.
•AF is an acronym for Alcohol Free. For others commonly used on this site see - https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1069278/acronyms-and-terms-for-new-mfp-members-v-6/p1
•To follow this thread easily, bookmark it by clicking on the star at the top right of this thread.
•Remember that we are here for you and care about you. Check in with us when you have time and let us know what you need!
TIPS & OBSERVATIONS FROM OUR USERS:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Getting Started or Starting Over - The Early Days
•Some people find it easier to set small attainable goals at the beginning to help boost confidence.
•If you have been drinking daily the first days will be some of the hardest and drinking again will feel like a cure but it delays the relief that only time can provide.
•There will always be a reason to delay the start/restart of your journey.
•For those ready to commit to being alcohol-free permanently, the videos on YouTube by Craig Beck will help. He also has a program you can join.
•You may experience mood swings and anxiety during your first two weeks. It is suggested you try and focus on the benefits of your goal.
•Cravings are said to last only 6 minutes, so find something to distract you like arming yourself with alternatives: tea, mock-tails, activities, etc.
•You may find that filling the time you drink with other activities like exercise or hobbies can be a helpful distraction.
•If you find them tempting try and avoid events/outings that will have drinking for a time.
•Don't let pride or shame keep you from asking for the help you need.
•Sometimes talking it out or posting your thoughts/feelings/struggles may help you work things out for yourself.
•It is okay that you don't always have all the answers.
•Some days will be easier than others.
•You may have initial/increased sugar cravings.
•You should never take a day that you have lived up to your goals for granted.
•Celebrate the smaller victories too. Less alcohol is still less alcohol even if your goal was zero at that moment.
•Once you begin sticking to your goals for one day to many days you should believe you are capable of the same and more because you are.
•Failure is not giving in and drinking. Failure is to stop trying to accomplish your goals.
•Annie Grace (This Naked Mind author) has a free program on her website (https://www.alcoholexperiment.com/) called the 30 day experiment which can be joined anonymously.
Life with Less Alcohol:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•It can be helpful to educate yourself with books and web research (Some suggested books and links listed below).
•There is no benefit to comparing yourself to others because this is a personal journey.
•You may often feel conflicted. You will know that there are numerous real benefits to sticking to your goal while at the same time think that alcohol is an important part of stress relief, relaxation, celebration, etc.
•You may feel punished by not drinking or drinking less but that feeling usually fades with time.
•Sometimes drinking less or quitting will strain friendships that centered around alcohol.
•Having a list of reasons to stick to your goals handy for yourself can be helpful. Some lists have included remembering how bad it feels to have a hangover, excess/unwanted calories, having a racing heart during the night, sleeplessness, anxiety, and depression.
•It is a good idea to have a plan for how you might deal with various tempting scenarios before engaging in a social situation.
•Self-Reflection is an important part of the journey. Once we figure out why we drink we can hopefully use that information to form new habits and make better and more mindful decisions.
•Sometimes doing something nice for yourself like a little reward for a success makes the journey easier.
•You will see many helpful suggestions and ideas that work for some people. However, finding what tactics work for you may involve some trial and error.
•It is not uncommon for certain activities that were once combined with alcohol to trigger temptation. Many have said that outdoor activities in warmer weather made alcohol very tempting.
•Many that have spent time with no alcohol after drinking again realized that it doesn't enhance experiences like they once believed it did. Some have said they no longer like the taste.
•Don't forget how sticking to your goal has made your life better and remember it to motivate you again if you fall off your path.
•If you begin drinking daily again whether planned like a vacation or unplanned you may once again face a struggle to get it under control.
•For some people it is easier to not drink than it is to moderate drinking. Others have found moderating impossible.
Reported Benefits of Less or No Drinking: (Results may be incremental, and/or they may vary)
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Improved sleep after 2,4,7,10,& 60 days
•Improved skin/complexion after 10 days
•Improved ease in weight loss. Not only from the savings of alcohol calories but some report making poor food choices after drinking.
•Increased energy after as few as 2 days
•Increase in other fun activities. Some have found that daily drinking became their main recreational activity and their world was decreased in size.
•Increased productivity
•Reduction of high blood pressure
•Lower resting heart rate
•Less Acid Re-flux
•Significant financial savings
•More creativity
•More productivity
•Better relationships with family
When Alcohol Is Used for Avoidance:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•We drink to ease the stress of the working day, to avoid it.
•We drink to avoid anxiety in social situations.
•We drink to avoid making decisions about not drinking.
•The Takeaway on Avoidance, our problems don't go away if we avoid them. We need to learn to face them.
•Having a clear head makes our problems seem much smaller.
•Having a clear head makes problems easier to solve.
How to Be Kind to "Tomorrow You":
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Instead of lumbering with guilt, headaches, and poor nutrition hangovers in the morning, Think of think how nice it would be not to feel that way tomorrow.
•Worry about "me" and don't let "tomorrow Me" feel awful.
•Instead of thinking alcohol is something nice to have *now*, think of *NOT drinking* as something nice we can do for the person we are when we awaken in the morning.
•Do you bank calories for a festive occasion? (Handy tactic) We can bank a good mood for when we wake up.
•We need to have sympathy for "Tomorrow You" and be kind to her/him.
•Don't look at a day without alcohol as a punishment for being bad or having no willpower.
•Not drinking is a lovely, sympathetic gesture towards the person we are now, and whom we will wake up as.
•You’d be kind to a stranger. Be kind to "Tomorrow You".
LINKS:
▪▪▪▪
•Mydrinkaware:
https://www.mydrinkaware.co.uk
•A Sharing Site for Women:
http://www.drinkingdiaries.com/about/
•General Information/Blog Sites:
https://thesoberschool.com/
http://www.hipsobriety.com/
https://joinclubsoda.co.uk/
https://thisnakedmind.com/blog/
https://alcoholmastery.com/blog/
•Drinking and Your Liver:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixA-o6_4TR0•Sobriety Blog:
http://mummywasasecretdrinker.blogspot.com/
•The Thirty Day Experiment:
https://www.alcoholexperiment.com/
•Ten Things That Helped Me Quit Booze:
https://unpickledblog.com/2017/01/04/replacement-behaviours-ten-things-that-helped-me-kick-booze/?wref=tp
•The Neuroscience Behind How We Make Decisions:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201505/the-neuroscience-making-decision
•Summary of Book on Addiction:
https://drgabormate.com/book/in-the-realm-of-hungry-ghosts/
•Article on the Difference Between Being an Alcoholic and Really Liking to Drink:
https://www.self.com/story/alcoholic-or-just-really-like-to-drink
•To the Mom questioning her drinking habits:
http://www.scarymommy.com/questioning-drinking-habits/
•Guided Meditations:
http://marc.ucla.edu/mindful-meditations
ALTERNATIVE DRINKS:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Overnight Cold Brew Iced Tea:
https://www.splendidtable.org/story/you-can-cold-brew-iced-tea-while-you-sleep
•Mocktail Recipes:
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipes/1822/drinks/mocktails/
https://www.foodandwine.com/cocktails-spirits/mocktails
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/drinks/how-to/g785/best-mocktail-recipes/
APPS:
▪▪▪▪
•Daybreak iOS link. A Deakin University study of hundreds of health apps found that Daybreak is one of only four that have proven effective and provide quality assistance.
•Dry Days by AlcoChange iOS is for those who want to cut down or cut out the booze throughout the year, while seeing the impact it has on your health and wallet.
•nomo - Sobriety Clocks iOS - In addition to an alcohol clock and monetary savings this app lets you check in and do a sobriety exercise if you're tempted, and connect with accountability partners.
•Sobriety Counter - Stop Drinking (Sobriety Counter - EasyQuit pro version) Android- Provides health stats, money saved, games to distract you, motivational tips, and several other features
BOOKS:
▪▪▪▪
•The Naked Mind by Annie Grace
•Alcohol Lied to Me by Craig Beck
•Rational Recovery by Jack Trimpey
•The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober by Catherine Gray
•The Liars Club, Cherry, and Lit by Mary Karr (3 different publications)
•Kick the Drink...Easily by Jason Vale
•Drinking: A Love Story by Caroline Knapp
•Being Sober: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting To, Getting Through, and Living in Recovery by Harry Haroutunian
•The Easy, Illustrated Way to Quit Drinking by Alan Carr
•Alcohol Explained by William Porter
Credit and thanks to the MFP Less Alcohol One Day at a Time participants
For their willingness to share their insights and resourcefulness in finding this information
1
Replies
-
In for February - AF all the way, every day.
Bye-bye to the January Prosecco binge. It was getting too expensive anyway. Plus I need to get on with life and making it a good one......15 -
In for February also. Will set a goal of 3 AF days a week. 9 days a month doesn't sound like much to me, but scary at the same time. I can do it. Do I believe myself? Let me say it again: I can do it!17
-
Hey everyone
Bring on February!!
My goal this month = 20 AF days out of 28
13 -
My goal is a dry February14
-
Hi All,
I'm in for February!
My goals for this month:- To still be posting here come the end of the month (come what may)
- To be AF Monday to Thursday as often as possible
- To drink in moderation at the weekends
- Stretch Goal = to have some Sundays AF
12 -
My goal for February....4-5 AF days per week with a max of 7 drinks per week (trying to stay in the guidelines for healthy consumption).
To do it, trying to change things up and keep myself busy when I want a glass of wine. Also, more stress relief and yoga!10 -
Welcoming February! Fresh new month for accountability.
Goal: Limit 1-2 glasses per day; 12-16 AF days per month
This month I'm focusing on Mon-Thurs AF to get back into that habit whether or not DH opens bottles of wine on weekdays. I need to quit losing the same pounds over and over. If you are tired of starting over, STOP giving up.
11 -
Well HELLO February!
Welcome back LA's past participant's and to any and all new faces ( @schmanciepants ) that want to curb their alcohol consumption.
I see there are some DRY FEBRUARY goals already in the works. Way to go @globalhiker and @CryingBlue. I am sure you two will get some others that want to join you in that challenge. We will be cheering and supporting you all the way.
@Stockholm_Andy no pressure, but we'd love to have your great input and support through the end of Feb. Good list of goals.
A summary of January for ne 27 non alcoholic days out of 31.
3.5 (yes, I measured to the ounce) standard size drinks total.) YAY
Started out with healthy breakfast, a boxing routine and great abdominal workout.
My goals for this month are to follow my previous month goals:
*No more than two standards drinks per day
*No consecutive days with alcohol(
*No stress, anger or bored drinking
*SIP do not GULP
Good luck EVERYONE.
10 -
I was hoping there would be an AF challenge extension to our group--I'm in for sure. Yesterday marked 48 days AF for me but the biggest milestones came last month when I was able to decline offers of alcohol when others were imbibing. I loved the "dry January" name. Declination among my friends was MUCH easier as I shared my commitment to "Dry January" with them aloud.globalhiker wrote: »BRAVO to @trish1c really 29 days.....you inspire me to do "ALL AF February!
@CryingBlue is in.....who else is game?
February is the best month to do it if you are going to pick one, shortest in fact.....not a summer vacation time, not a major holiday. The more the merrier.....and stronger in number....12 -
Hi guys, good to see y'all again
Had surgery exactly 6 weeks ago. No complications, but recovery has been slow. I've got a LOT of goals all going on at the same time (do physical therapy twice a day! go for a walk once a day! eat less, and eat the right things! shower regularly! don't sit for more than 2 hours! get 8 hours of sleep every night!) so I'm not going to set really restrictive goals here, just sensible ones.
-Count my drinks daily and log it honestly in my journal
-Don't exceed my calorie goal
-Don't drink every day
-Definitely don't drink if I think I might need a Tylenol 3
By the end of this month, I just want to feel better all around. Good luck to everyone!11 -
Happy February everyone. I've been contemplating joining the group again the last several months. It's really hard for me to stay away from alcohol. But, I'm at the point that I'm really tired of fretting over it and feeling regretful just about every morning. Yikes. Bad habits are so easy to slip into and ramp up without even realizing it. My goal for February is no drinking alone. No one else in the house drinks but I have a bunch of buddies that like getting together for cocktails, socially distanced or virtually. If I limit to wine or cocktails only when socializing, it'll be a huge step for me. Good luck to us all. Can we do it? Yes we can ... if we actually try
11 -
This is my 2nd month here on this thread and I love the support and suggestions!
My February goal is to be mostly a dry month if not an entire month but that would be a real stretch for me. I re-read the helpful hints and links that @MissMay posted and I actually downloaded one of the apps for sobriety. Hehe is is giving me 'awards' for staying dry for 3 hr, 6hrs etc. So this has lead me to want a dry February. I love a good challenge.
Oh I have been sipping on three different types of bitters mixed with sparkling water...oh my goodness it is working out great with the exception I am drinking 3 cans of sparkling water every night. I mix about a small teaspoon of either lemon or old fashioned bitters with the water and poof it looks like a whiskey and water and somewhat tastes that way. I am not sure if it is the bitters or the popcorn but I am all puffy today. Sodium? maybe
9 -
This is about my 5th year (or so) of a Dry January. Same thing every year: I imbibe daily during the holidays, having a good time with friends and family, but definitely feeling the effects in terms of interrupted sleep, reduced energy, and weight gain. But, I'm usually on vacation, so I just take more naps!
As I get older, the threshold for unwanted effects gets lower, one being acid reflux in bed, which seems to only come on with alcohol. Also, the trend in beers is that they are getting stronger, with 16oz, 9% ABV, "double IPAs" becoming quite ubiquitous. I can drink one of those just as easily as one with 4%ABC. You got to be careful!
But, another trend are really delicious ALCOHOL FREE beers, such as the one from Athletic Brewing. It's been my go-to for weekends in January.
So, I think I'll stay nearly alcohol free in February. I might have one real beer on a Friday night, but that will be my limit.
I'm wishing a strong resolve to all others engaged in this challenge!11 -
Room for one more?
I was thinking hey maybe I got this, now that I had my ONE AF day last month. And I should move on since I zoomed through the holidays almost embarrassment free and cut out buying everyday nips.
Then I followed this link here to see most of you and some new people going at it strong again.
Guess it can't hurt, I already have 11 weeks of stopping in here now and again to catch up and read some pretty outrageous stories.
So yea, I'm in again for February. Where do I sign?
Carl9 -
A peek into my personal less alcohol journey
It is a work in progress since Dec 28, 2018 (FIRST AF day in 2018) when I decided to be accountable and not just drink mindlessly & excessively. Concerned about the label of alcoholic that I did not want to acquire like my grandmother that died of cirrhosis of the liver. Not only was drinking not good for my health but it derailed my weight loss efforts too.
2018 Summary
Dec - AF 4/31 (? drinks) Dec 28-31 when I started reporting in here
2019 Summary
Jan - AF 19/31 (27 drinks)
Feb - AF 16/28 (23 drinks)
Mar - AF 17/31 (27 drinks)
Apr - AF 9/30 (45 drinks)
May - AF 5/31 (17 drinks did not finish tracking after 14th)
Jun - AF 1/9 (20 drinks then did not finish tracking after the 9th)
Jul-Aug - SKIPPED TRACKING
Sept - AF 3/8 (12 drinks stopped tracking after the 8th)
Oct-Dec SKIPPED TRACKING
2020 Summary
Jan - AF 22/31 (16 drinks)
Feb - AF 12/29 (45 drinks)
Mar - AF 6/18 (20+ drinks) then quit counting days & drinks
Apr-July - SKIPPED COUNTING ALL TOGETHER … Few if any AF days
Aug - AF 27/31 (9 drinks)
Sept - AF 16/30 (30 drinks)
Oct - AF 9/31 (41 drinks) Don't give up!
Nov - AF 16/30 (35 drinks)
Dec - AF 10/31 (44 drinks)
DH joined me in Jan & Aug
2021 Summary
Jan - AF 9/31 days (37 drinks)
BIGGEST Goal I have is to not let 2 drinks turn into 3-8 drinks in a single night. I seem to be making progress in this area over the last couple of months. Only went over 2 drinks in one evening each month.
I'm finding it really challenging to hit my AF goals since DH is drinking most nights and opening nice bottles of wine to encourage me to join him. I'm a sucker for a nice bottle of wine.
I can do better ... and I will do better!
8 -
@Lilylady3k can I just say WOW WEE.
I love that to this day you stil know and still have all this information and numbers. I do too. And I find it important to keep it fresh in my mind.
We don't keep coming in here because we can't drink less.
We keep coming in here because we CAN drink less and there is always room for improvement.8 -
6
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Welcome to February @CMB44512, @lmlmrn, @Tesha231, @Fit_Happens_2021, @Milak4312.
No goals are to small.
Plus there are only 28 days to this month. 2 whole days less. Lol7 -
10 -
Another month!! Here we go!!
Feb Goal: 19 AF / 28 days 9 -
I'm in for a less alcohol Feb. Goal is drinking on weekends only instead of daily. We will be away for President's Week so I know I will drink then but that will be offset by outdoor activities.
If I can stop daily drinking I'll feel successful12 -
Okay my personal challenge begins. DH finished work, went for a walk and then headed to the liquor store to buy 6 bottles of wine (10% discount on 6 yep). I'm sure it will not be a $40 red to go with steak like last night which I didn't pass up. Guess I need to make my steak nights on the weekend this month. I'm not planning to indulge tonight. I don't think wine goes well with cabbage & kielbasa.9
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I enjoy reading all your posts. I find myself in several of them. Many give me inspiration. I had never gone more than 3 days without alcohol in the last 20 years. I started this journey January 10. Today is day 23 AF. My goal is AF till February 13. Then only 2 days per week. Usually Friday and Saturday and with a 2 drink limit. I feel great and that is my inspiration to continue.....13
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hello everyone! i'm not sure i've got a goal per se other than drinking less. because of cancer ,i really have no damn business drinking at ALL. that being said - it's more difficult to get alcohol where i live because a. i'm immunocompromised and i never go anywhere other than outside for walk. and b. i'd have to order it online in order to get it delivered curbside as it's too risky to get in the store.
i had a drinking problem in my 20's and joined AA and was sober for a year, as well as no drinking during both my pregnancies many many years ago.
maybe joining this group will be the only silver lining in this covid mayhem for me
12 -
Hi team... thought I'd dip my toes in the water. 7 days AF so far. The most I've managed in the past few years is 1-2 days, tops.
I decided to do this to get me through exams (6th February), but I think I'll stick it out for as long as I can. I'd like to lose some weight, and have some kind of regular sleep schedule again.
Initial thoughts/feelings... frustration, boredom, insomnia. Emotional eating. If it weren't for studying, I might try to start exercising to burn off some steam, or start some artworks, but I'm pretty time poor until I get this last exam out of my hair & have to keep my butt firmly planted in this chair & focused as much as possible.
My partner is still a heavy drinker, so that in itself sometimes feels lonely/challenging.
10 -
Hi
I originally decided to drink less to lose weight.
I have been on this thread since Nov 28.18
Thank you to @MissMay for keeping us going.
I am going to post with my usual diary style to keep track of my AF days.
I will be keeping to my usual goal of 16-20 AF days per month. It is manageable for me and doesn't put too much pressure on me. So far I have been able to keep with it. One month I raised the goal and failed miserably, so I learned from that. I think this is my sweet spot.
Monday Feb 01 - AF - Had to at least start the month with an AF day to set the tone for myself.10 -
Hi all! Back for February. Goal of AF Monday- Thursday and only one drink / day on weekends. Not off to a great start, I had 1.5 glasses of wine with dinner. But you should have seen me measuring it out on my food scale!
We are in a big snowstorm right now. It just keeps coming down! Pretty though. Dying to go skiing in this perfect snow! Sadly, dentist appointments and work means I can’t get up to the slopes.
Exercised and organized files and other paperwork today. Felt very productive!10 -
Day 1 AF done!!!!!!
I've done this before, umm like 3-4 times, so I know what to expect from week 1 AF. Everybody is different, but for me, the first few days suck. Mostly insomnia, nightmares, and then in the evenings intense cravings from 5-7pm particularly. Daytime will look like some irritability and moodiness interspersed with anxiety throughout the day as well. I warned my husband to stay away.
But I "prepped" this time!!
In my week 1 "de-tox prep kit" I have got my jar of Olly "stress" gummies for day and Olly "sleep" gummies for night. That should take off the "edge". Also hitting the Vit B, omega-3s, lots of protein, 15+ billion strength probiotics and have the very important emergency stash of chocolate. Cranberry juice in the wine glass ready. And kept my calendar clear this week of appointments, important to keep the stress level low.
I hope to make a run for the Athletic Brewing beer today, hopefully I can find it. I'll need it for Superbowl.
I know it's only 3 more days of this intensity but Friday will come fast and then I will feel exceptionally amazing and the weeks after will be super easy.13 -
💩 a SNOW STORM.
Started last night and prediction was 1-2" falling per hour. I knew if I waited until this morning to clear some of the snow it would be too much at once(independent self sufficient stubborn ole woman here).
Set my phone to vibrate at 1:00AM . Got up and got dressed and went out to do round one of snow shoveling.
As I sit here recouping from sleep disruption,my plan is NO regular boxing/kickboxing workout today. I will strap on my old fashioned snowshoes and go enjoy a brisk shoe through the woods. Then I will come back and start round two of shovel detail at house before the plow guy gets here.
Happy to report I brought yesterday in, February 1st, the way I need to start a fresh month......AF.
Welcome ALL new faces it is wonderful to have you joining us for February LESS ALCOHOL (L.A.)8 -
@globalhiker You sound very well prepared, and what a coincidence my husband just ordered me some of those Olly sleep gummies yesterday!
I struggle to fall asleep, do they help you a lot?
@MissMay Snowshoes in the woods, it sounds magical to me down here in dusty dry Texas!
Have fun and stay safe
2/1 AF
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