Less Alcohol - MAY 2021 - One Day At A Time
MissMay
Posts: 3,813 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/
•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/
•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
2
Replies
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Has anyone ever told you they were taking a break from booze for a while? Not stopping completely forever...just taking a break, getting a better idea of where they want to be at this time in their life with their relationship to alcohol? Well this is us.
Join in.We are one of the greatest support groups for cutting back on drinking. Want to take a stretch of non alcoholic days (AF)? We support those to. Decided that you need to slowly cut back to eventually stop all together? We're here to help you along.
Make MAY the month you turn it all around. You'll be surprised how strong you are.
6 -
April's less drinking goals were not as controlled as I wanted them to be. Twice, I went over my goal of 2 standard size drinks. It would have been nice to stop at the second drink.. No one was pouring them for me. I was the one refilling my glass.
My over all April accomplishments: 11 drinks total
30 days-
5 A
25 AF
GOOD ACCOMPLISHMENTS-
no consecutive days of alcohol
Today is Kentucky Derby day. A huge tradition in our home to place our bets for our horses and then attend a derby party. Again this year I will be sipping my MOCK mint juleps as we gather with other derby enthusiasts and watch the race. What a great way to start May.
5 -
May 2021
May accountability: 0/31 days AF
Alcohol: 0 days (0 drinks)
Goal: Limit 1-2 glasses per day; 12-16 AF days per month. Aim to drink no more than 2 nights in a row.
Yeah! A fresh start to accountability.4 -
I'm in for May!
Success comes from not cheating oneself, so this month I declare, for me, a NO CHEATING, NO EXCUSES mindset.
May goals:
I'll join you @MissMay in sticking to a max of 2 on any designated non-AF day. For me, it will be 2 drinks max on 2 separate occasions, 4 drinks max for the month.
Body fat % reduction from 33% today back to under 30%. @chocolate_owl it's gonna be our time to shine
!!
5 -
Thanks to all for the community and support.
May goals:
> M-Th AF; F-Su 2 drink max
> more importantly to be SATISFIED with 1 or 2 drinks vs. begrudgingly restricting myself among others having more
This morning I had a little light bulb moment about how helpful this goal setting is. DD#3 is home from college this weekend, and the family has planned a group outing ("day drink" as the college girls say) with DD#1 (who lives local) to a local brewery event this afternoon. We're all fully vaccinated and taking baby steps towards the things we used to do. It's an open air event that involves 3 full size uncommonly strong beers in 2 hours. It is super fun, but honestly, that is just a lot of beer for me. I've never been able to drink it all and I've always been kind of hammered. So *light bulb* why try to keep up with all the beers? Makes no sense. 2 is plenty of beer for me. Plenty. I was feeling a little ambivalent about the quantity (mostly because I have calories for it -- not a good reason!!), but the simple act of penning the goals brings such clarity to it.
May will see a milestone event for us: DD#2 graduates from college and it will be non-stop parties with her delightful friends' super social parents. And the first travel for me in over a year. It will be a fun opportunity to enjoy all the things there are to enjoy, which are many, besides adult beverages attendant to this special event. Bring on May!7 -
I need to join. I tried to go AF, but it's not working.
May goals -- only drink on 2 weekend days whether that be Friday/Saturday, Saturday/Sunday, or Friday/Sunday and AF the rest of the week.8 -
My May Goals:
16-20 AF days per month.
Saturday to Wednesday nights AF.
Allowing myself a few drinks Thursday and Friday nights.5 -
My May Goals:
16-20 AF days per month.
Saturday to Wednesday nights AF.
Allowing myself a few drinks Thursday and Friday nights.
My daily check in:
Saturday May 01 - AF - Working a split tomorrow at the restaurant.4 -
Started with a beer after fishing, then a really nice bottle of red wine (2 glasses) with a steak dinner ... then later in the evening while watching a movie I'm not even sure why but I poured myself a glass of a white wine that I didn't really care for or need. Started the first of the month over my goals with 4 drinks
6 -
Today is Kentucky Derby day. A huge tradition in our home to place our bets for our horses and then attend a derby party. Again this year I will be sipping my MOCK mint juleps as we gather with other derby enthusiasts and watch the race. What a great way to start May.
Oh the ladies hats are the best!!!!! My favorite part of the day. I wish we wore hats in America like they do in England. I guess a fancy bonnet doesn’t go well with jeans and athleisure!!!5 -
DS#1 just graduated college yesterday! I’m so proud of him. Cum Laude to boot!
We had a bit of a whirlwind few days moving him out of his apartment and getting DS#2 out of his dorm (exams meant he couldn’t help haul furniture) and fitting it all in the car/truck. If anyone ever moves using a u-Haul, I highly recommend hiring movers for 2 hours to haul the heavy stuff and more importantly pack the truck so the items don’t shift!!!!!! Excellent investment, not that expensive. But I digress.
DS#1 took us to the bar/restaurant where he worked when we were all done with the move/cleaning/his last exam. Had two specialty shots he wanted me to try, and I had to space them out over the course of the meal so I didn’t get plastered. Couldn’t even finish my wine. Which is fine by me!
And then his car died on the way home from the graduation ceremony. Does anyone know how much it costs to have a car towed 250 miles, even with AAA Plus? You do not want to know..... suffice to say, Ka Ching.
At any rate, my boys are home! Sorry, my men are home! I’m over the moon. Now to unpack the truck.....9 -
Oh I am so in on the Month of May! I am training for half marathon that is at the end of the month plus I have may annual physical in3 weeks. My commitment is two drinks a week...yes...two drinks a week.
Will report next week my results....if I don't report you can come looking for me
Best of luck everyone. Let's do this!6 -
I need to join. I tried to go AF, but it's not working.
May goals -- only drink on 2 weekend days whether that be Friday/Saturday, Saturday/Sunday, or Friday/Sunday and AF the rest of the week.
Welcome to the LESS alcohol thread @chicbuc. You may have to try a variety of ways cutting back on alcohol that suits your life. If one way does not work, don't feel defeated, it is perfectly fine to switch up your techniques. Starting with eliminating some drinks on weekends is great. Keep us posted on your journey.5 -
Oh I am so in on the Month of May! I am training for half marathon that is at the end of the month plus I have may annual physical in3 weeks. My commitment is two drinks a week...yes...two drinks a week.
Will report next week my results....if I don't report you can come looking for me
Best of luck everyone. Let's do this!
Nice to have you "checkin in" with us @sarah7591. Hahaha YES, we will come looking for you! Good luck on your marathon training.4 -
Hi, another member recommended this page. My goal is to just get out of the habit of drinking a glass of wine (or half a bottle) every day or every other day and just limit it to one glass two days a week. 8
-
Oh the ladies hats are the best!!!!! My favorite part of the day. I wish we wore hats in America like they do in England. I guess a fancy bonnet doesn’t go well with jeans and athleisure!!!
A huge group of us gathered yesterday and the hats and outfits (men and woman) were fantastic. It was fun.
2 non alcoholic mint juleps and one Heineken00 got me through the derby party.
On the downside my husband got plastered and made a scene by being too loud and literary obnoxious as hell. I hid under my hat.5 -
desertfoxcoffee wrote: »Hi, another member recommended this page. My goal is to just get out of the habit of drinking a glass of wine (or half a bottle) every day or every other day and just limit it to one glass two days a week.
Welcome @desertfoxcoffee. It always amazes me how many "habits" I have (had). Being concious of the ones you want to improve on sets you off in the right direction. Good goals!4 -
Once again many many thanks to ALL the participants who open up their hearts to help support and motivate others on this thread as well as themselves.
The true stories and honesty of your journey, as you know always touches someone out here. And if we can ease the burden in someone's life, by them knowing they are not alone in wanting less alcohol, IT IS WORTH SO MUCH.
May ~
A -0
AF -1
7 -
AF yesterday and same plan for today.
I exercised yesterday and today, now that my foot is doing better (physical therapy saved me). But I have to slowly work back up to my prior fitness level.
Trying to go AF for 1 day?
One can try tapering for a few weeks before, this helps. Also, understanding that for many people "AF" time really only means about 4 hours (time between getting off work and going to bed). I just bought myself snacks and put myself to bed super-early. I made sure it was on a low-stress day and no booze in the house. It's only a few hours and do-able. Everybody can technically not drink for a 4 hour window, so it can be done!
Can't stop at 2 drinks?
If the wine tastes extra-delicious, I do want a 3rd for the taste. I either plan to drink at a place where I know for sure I will stop at 1-2 (ie: restaurant) - or- just have that quantity in the house, no more.
Nagging wine devil urges you to go for #3, then #4, etc?
My wine devil finally stopped the nagging after I went AF for a LONG stretch. This works for quite a few people. First I tried a month, didn't work, then I tried 2 months and that did, coupled with reading about self-talk and self-motivation techniques.
I wanted that nagging gone, and it's gone!
8 -
Homemade margarita on rocks with chicken enchiladas. Leaving the fishing camp tomorrow.6
-
Hello to all
Starting this month with a bang, AF the first 2 day but then again I really am not enjoying drinking any liquids right now. On a high note the throat is getting better. Down side, I am on vacation so crashed about mid day today.
AF 24 out of 30 days last month. That is one more day than last month!
May goal. Keep it less than the month before if possible.
I will check back in when I can this week....wow the time zone difference is a killer!7 -
@MissMay
Photos of y'all in hats please!4 -
My May Goals:
16-20 AF days per month.
Saturday to Wednesday nights AF.
Allowing myself a few drinks Thursday and Friday nights.
My daily check in:
Saturday May 01 - AF - Working a split tomorrow at the restaurant.
Sunday May 02 - AF - Planning on AF until Thursday
Rolling total: 2AF out of 2 days4 -
Welcome newcomers to this thread! It’s a great place to get support and share the ups and downs of this journey. Trust me, we’ve all had both!!!!!
I had a beer after a hot day moving furniture, and that was enough. I contemplated having some wine with dinner, and I just couldn’t do it. So that’s a win for me.7 -
Happy Monday LESS alcohol group!
What a wonderful day to begin a fresh new YOU.
*One less drink this week? Or
*Perhaps only drink on even numbered days? Or
*Stop after having 2 of your chosen beverages? Or
*Only partake on the weekends? Or
??
You don't have to run into a brick wall to start drinking LESS. Do it at your own level of comfort, your in charge. We are each working on reaching and achieving our own new drinking lifestyle.
As @globalhiker stated, it truely for the majority of us, is actually a very small window of time within one day.
2 AF in May
5 -
Enjoy your vacation time @lmlmrn. Hope you get to catch up on rest to rid that sinus infection problem. What is tge time zone difference you traveled?
@dawnbgethealthy honestly the pics came out horrible. There was one giant group photo taken but you can not make out hats or people because we were all smashed together to fit into the picture. I might have a solo pic of my hat. I will check my phone gallery.
7 -
@Womona -I’m happy for you to have your boys home. I LOVE it when our boys come home!
I’m here for another round. In keeping track of my A/AF days, it really has opened my eyes as to how much I drink. I used to drink pretty much daily. I really appreciate the truthful people with all of their insight and advice. You are all so nice! Karen
May
1 A
1 AF6 -
Happy Monday everyone! May is starting off on the right foot concerning alcohol, a little wobbly everywhere else.
Things I did right: I logged all my food, I logged my drinks, I stuck to my limits
Things I did not-so-right: I missed the gym, I didn't journal
I always think I can do more than I can do - clearly I'm still healing. Replanting was rough on my back. I prepped everything Saturday and planted Sunday, then went and crawled in bed the rest of the day. Missed the gym, and I'm dealing with some residual pain today that I'm going to have to work out with stretching and slow walks. Looking forward to that 6 month mark at the end of June when the fusion site will theoretically be more or less calmed down.
5/1 - 2 wine, did not have a beer after gardening, did not have a cocktail during the Derby, did not finish the night with port
5/2 - AF
In the spirit of my motivating competition with @globalhiker - I went and re-checked my stats on BMI. Apparently I'm 6 lbs away from that 24.9. I'm actually a half-inch taller post-surgery, so that changed my numbers slightly haha. Goal is to hit that mid-June, which means I need to be on point with my diet and not drinking too much!8 -
Mid afternoon check in.
While working this morning I was trying to think of all the different months of the year that I have done an entire AF month.
Of course January is a given.
Came to mind that I have never had a completely AF May.
So with that piece of information at hand, I declare I am doing DRY May 2021.
🤗
8
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