Less Alcohol ~ AUGUST 2021 ~ One Day At A Time
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A quick cool-down tip for anyone (and it works good for hot flashes too): keep gel cold packs (the flexible kind) in the freezer - I put on on my head or back of neck and another on my back for a minute and I feel chilled ASAP. And here since our cold water run warm in the summer, I fill up a plastic bucket with water and ice and stick my feet and ankles in it, also works immediately and makes my legs stop aching too.6
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globalhiker wrote: »A quick cool-down tip for anyone (and it works good for hot flashes too): keep gel cold packs (the flexible kind) in the freezer - I put on on my head or back of neck and another on my back for a minute and I feel chilled ASAP. And here since our cold water run warm in the summer, I fill up a plastic bucket with water and ice and stick my feet and ankles in it, also works immediately and makes my legs stop aching too.
Is this a reverse ice bucket challenge? Love it @globalhiker.
HAPPY FRIDAY ALL!
more later........5 -
Reading my "Daily Skimm" news email this morning. There was an article about "How to Hang Out IRL Again (Without Overdoing it)" and within that article one section spoke about alcohol. I thought it was interesting and thought you too might want to read it. If you want the whole drinking article with all the links to the studies then click on this link:
https://theskimm.com/well/socializing-irl-fomo-drinking-pandemic-35bFzzr3krvwVIAQYGbsPZ?utm_source=newsletter_ds&utm_medium=email
Should we drink to that?
You can. Responsibly. Giving it to you straight: Alcohol abuse has been a major issue in the pandemic, with about one in four adults reporting this year that they drank more to manage stress. And the problem has particularly impacted women, who increased their drinking routine more than men did. Not to mention that “drinking too much” was the pandemic habit that hundreds of Skimm’rs said they wanted to kick in a survey theSkimm conducted about life since COVID-19 (which we talked about on our Skimm This podcast). Not to be a buzzkill, but it turns out consuming alcohol may increase the risk of getting more cancers than previously thought. So if you return to cheers-ing in person, take stock of your current relationship with alcohol. It’s worth noting that The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration defines binge drinking for women as consuming four or more alcoholic drinks on the same occasion, at least once a month. And having a BAC (short for blood alcohol concentration) of above 0.08 (which you could hit — depending on your gender, weight and drink — with about 2-4 drinks in one hour) makes it illegal for you to drive a car. But if done safely, drinking isn’t all bad. Moderate consumption can enhance your creativity and make you more open to new people and ideas.
The entire article ends with this statement: "But don’t feel pressured to pick up where you left off. Instead, find your new rhythm. That might require saying no sometimes, so you can feel good about going all in when you say yes."
Oh ... for those that are wondering IRL = In Real Life6 -
Aug Week 1 AF
Aug 8: AF
Aug 9: AF
Aug 10: AF
Aug 11: AF
Aug 12: AF7 -
So many things going on this week.... I landed a huge presentation/interview for a job I REALLY want, mostly because it will get me back across the country to my friends, in two weeks. Current job is pretty stressful and not at all what was advertised. My mom just went into alcohol inpatient treatment, after an ultimatum from her husband with my support. Blew a .35 on intake.
Stress makes me want to drink. Needing a clear head to get this job, and the clear example of what can go wrong makes me not want to drink at all.
Today is day 7 AF. Day 7 always seems to be the hardest for me. Don't I DESERVE a break and a few drinks? But I try to do a longer period AF every year and now seems like a better time than most. Wish me luck.
Aug 1: A
Aug 2-5: AF
Aug 6: A
Aug 7-12: AF
Aug 13: AF?9 -
Interesting podcast! Fast forward to 15:30 to start listening. Toward the end of the discussion they talk about ways to drink less and cognitive behavior.
Joan Tucker, senior behavioral scientist, the RAND Corporation
Sherry Price, host, 'Drink Less Lifestyle' podcast
4,500+ Skimm'rs recently told us about the pandemic habit they most want to kick. One of the most common answers? ‘Drinking.’ We asked the experts: are we the only ones? And, how can we cut down if that’s something we want to do? (15:30)
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/soundtrack-to-the-summer/id1454021155?i=10005163346451 -
Just checking in on this room. Been a lurker for a little while.
After almost 3 years of the "try to quit/pick up a drink/drive my life into a ditch/try to quit" cycle, I've now got 9 years, 7 months, 12 days, 9 hours of sobriety.
Life's never been better. Gone from 237 lbs to 159 lbs over those years as well. You hear it all the time, but comparing my life now to where I was back then, it's like I'm remembering a completely different person.
One day at a time, people. One day at a time.10 -
xMrBunglex wrote: »Just checking in on this room. Been a lurker for a little while.
After almost 3 years of the "try to quit/pick up a drink/drive my life into a ditch/try to quit" cycle, I've now got 9 years, 7 months, 12 days, 9 hours of sobriety.
Life's never been better. Gone from 237 lbs to 159 lbs over those years as well. You hear it all the time, but comparing my life now to where I was back then, it's like I'm remembering a completely different person.
One day at a time, people. One day at a time.
If you don't mind answering... how often is it still a struggle? Was there anything different about the time it stuck to your other attempts? Did you KNOW that this was the one?
Fantastic work!5 -
Fit_Happens_2021 wrote: »Hi all, do you drink because you are anxious? I think I do. It hasn't been going so well for me this week, but I've been reading through a few of your posts and I find inspiration and comfort in seeing others doing well.
My anxiety has been really high, like that type of anxiety where you feel that something terrible is happening to someone you love and any moment a call could come with news. A feeling of dread that I keep pushing down and it is worst at night as if my stomach is rising up into my chest and I can't get enough breath. So I have a glass of wine and it calms down, but I have heard alcohol makes anxiety worse.
I'm still trying, still logging.
Thank you for being here, and for reading.
I know what you mean, @Fit_Happens_2021. Although I don't tend to have anxiety, some in my family do, and I have experienced the feeling you describe. I do know this, though: drinking alcohol is what GIVES me that "something terrible is happening" feeling. Not when I'm all numbed up under the influence, but the next day when I guess my neurotransmitters are trying to sort themselves out. It took me a long time to notice the connection (or else it became more pronounced as I aged?). Maybe I used to drink more frequently so I had it all the time, and when I drank less frequently I was able to notice the effect. In any event, I noticed a couple times after a big drink [ETA: a night of drinking a lot, not a single large beverage] I might feel anxious to the point of feeling paranoid, but then I noticed a more subtle version when I consumed less, too. The people in my family who have more experience with anxiety notice a huge improvement when they stop alcohol and caffeine. They might have alcohol or coffee on occasion, so no one is tee totaling, but knowing how bad it makes you feel can make it easier to decide to abstain ahead of time, before the drinking occasion unfolds.
Another factor is exercise. I definitely notice I start feeling angsty if for some reason I cannot go outside and get a few miles in. It is super noticeable to me. Even when I think I'm not "in the mood" for exercise, I know I need it for my head more than for my body.
Here is one last factor for consideration. Many years ago, DH was really short with the kids when they were tweens. It seemed like he was always mad. He started meditating 20 minutes in the morning 3x/wk. Wow. It was an amazing difference. He may not have noticed it himself as much as I did. It was like he became a human with the full range of emotions again vs. just having a single on-off switch for anger. Then he added exercise the alternating mornings and he was a whole new person.
Anyhoo, I'm just gonna affirm that anxiety is no joke. I really hope you can experiment with a few things and find some relief. If after giving it a good honest try you are still feeling the tightness rising in your chest and can't get a breath, talk with your doc. Long story, but my doc proscribed the lowest dose Xanax for those times I had chest pain. I found 5mg was too much (made me feel sleepy) so I cut them in half. During the whole pandemic, I think I had maybe 1 or 1.5 of them. Just knowing I have them and having the self awareness are usually enough to get through an episode.
Let us know how you are doing with it, ok?5 -
I am continuing with my usual goal, 16-20 AF days for the month, diary style
Sunday Aug 01 - Drinks, planned drinks day - 2 1/2 drinks. Thursday is my next planned drinks day.
Monday Aug 02 - AF
Tuesday Aug 03 - AF
Wednesday Aug 04 - AF - Planned drinks tomorrow night after work
Thursday Aug 05 - 2 drinks
Friday Aug 06 - 2 drinks
Saturday Aug 07 - Drinks - I had planned to be AF, and then my schedule got changed and I am off tomorrow, so going to have a couple tonight.
Sunday Aug 08 - AF - I get off at 3 on Wednesday and don't go back to work until 5pm on Saturday. Planning drinks for a couple of those days. Haven't even had Mojitos yet this year and the Mint is so perfect right now. That might be on the agenda.
Monday Aug 09 - AF - Surprise double/split shift. Very tired.
Tuesday Aug 10 - AF - I will be having drinks on my days off, and finally will have the time to go to a lake or even a motel with a pool. This could be the last few hot days of the season, I was working too much to enjoy the hot weather prior to this. Very excited about getting a few days off. I know that I still want at least 10 more AF days this month.
Wednesday Aug 11 - Mojitos with a friend out of the mint that I grow, the first of the season. Planned drinks again for Thursday.
Thursday Aug 12 - Drinks on my porch after getting back from the lake. AF planned for Friday
Rolling total: 6AF days out of 12 days3 -
Happy Friday to everyone
Well I am off for the weekend
I was not AF last night, but DH and I talked about it before we purchased. This was our once a week drink and that is fine.
Hopefully we come back rested and restored. Since I hear ya @Fit_Happens_2021 about anxiety! Seems this has been very stressful these past weeks. Hence our leaving town.
Everyone please be safe and cool. See you Sunday night4 -
I had the lake to myself for an hour.
I was asked to pick up a shift today, but this is my first 2 off in a row, the last hot days.
Going to a different lake today after cutting the grass and stuff and getting nice and hot.
Some of you will recognize this lake from my previous years' posts, it is kind of like my home lake.
Smoky, but no clouds. So lovely
My little set up:
We drink Casears in Canada, this is a new one that I had in the fridge for a few weeks, with a Kootenay true ale. I never liked beer until I found that AF beer, blonde lager.
Sciracha! So freaking delicious.
@Lilylady3k You once asked me what I liked to drink. Apparently all sorts of stuff. I don't think that there will be any one dollar rum punches in the Caribbean this coming birthday, I won't get enough time off. Having fun looking at where I will go dependent on how many days the restaurant gives me. Lots of good options.
A couple of little beans are sprouting : - )
Smoky skies. I can really smell it today, off to jump in a different lake.
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@dawnbgethealthy - The sriracha spiciness is wonderful on many things! I've not tried it in a drink yet. I'll have to look around for the Mott's Caesar Sriracha Clamato! Though it has alcohol ... you going AF on your beer helps balance out your day I imagine. Now I'm wanting a Bloody Mary
Your lake pictures look so relaxing. Thanks for sharing.1 -
August goal - at least 2 AF days for every 1 drinking day (So 21 AF and 10 drinks days max). On the drinks days I plan to have no more than 2.
Week 1
8/1 - 8/7 5 AF, 2 drinks
Week 2
8/8 AF
8/9 2 Michelob Ultra
8/10 2 Michelob Ultra
8/12 AF
8/13 2 vodka/ cranberry...not planned. Was feeling down and drank alone.
8/14 AF5 -
Aug 1 AF
Aug 2 AF
Aug 3 wine
Aug 4 wine
Aug 5 wine
Aug 6 AF
Aug 7 AF
Aug 8 AF
Aug 9 wine 3 glasses
Aug 10 wine 4 glasses - went a bit off the rails last night and feel icky this morning. Goal is AF for the next 4 days
Aug 11 AF
Aug 12 AF
Aug 13 AF3 -
Hi all! Welcome newcomers!
The week for away from me with everything- other than going to work, I’ve been a bit of a slug. I have so much to do here in the house, and I just blew it off. Basically binging on books or Netflix. Every day this week there was an occasion to drink. I’ve logged nothing, so I restarted today. Inertia is a powerful force!
Menopausal symptoms? The fact that most things on my to-do list that can wait until tomorrow? I really don’t know. All I know is my weight is creeping up and I drank every day. Sigh.
At any rate, a big shout out to all of you. I’m so happy to hear of your successes, and feel with great compassion your setbacks. You guys are the best.6 -
I am continuing with my usual goal, 16-20 AF days for the month, diary style
Sunday Aug 01 - Drinks, planned drinks day - 2 1/2 drinks. Thursday is my next planned drinks day.
Monday Aug 02 - AF
Tuesday Aug 03 - AF
Wednesday Aug 04 - AF - Planned drinks tomorrow night after work
Thursday Aug 05 - 2 drinks
Friday Aug 06 - 2 drinks
Saturday Aug 07 - Drinks - I had planned to be AF, and then my schedule got changed and I am off tomorrow, so going to have a couple tonight.
Sunday Aug 08 - AF - I get off at 3 on Wednesday and don't go back to work until 5pm on Saturday. Planning drinks for a couple of those days. Haven't even had Mojitos yet this year and the Mint is so perfect right now. That might be on the agenda.
Monday Aug 09 - AF - Surprise double/split shift. Very tired.
Tuesday Aug 10 - AF - I will be having drinks on my days off, and finally will have the time to go to a lake or even a motel with a pool. This could be the last few hot days of the season, I was working too much to enjoy the hot weather prior to this. Very excited about getting a few days off. I know that I still want at least 10 more AF days this month.
Wednesday Aug 11 - Mojitos with a friend out of the mint that I grow, the first of the season. Planned drinks again for Thursday.
Thursday Aug 12 - Drinks on my porch after getting back from the lake. AF planned for Friday
Friday Aug 13 - Drinks. Friday the 13th!! I had intentions to be AF, but just wasn't. Had an awesome day at another lake. Photos to come.
Rolling total: 6AF days out of 13 days4 -
Fit_Happens_2021 wrote: »Hi all, do you drink because you are anxious? I think I do. It hasn't been going so well for me this week, but I've been reading through a few of your posts and I find inspiration and comfort in seeing others doing well.
My anxiety has been really high, like that type of anxiety where you feel that something terrible is happening to someone you love and any moment a call could come with news. A feeling of dread that I keep pushing down and it is worst at night as if my stomach is rising up into my chest and I can't get enough breath. So I have a glass of wine and it calms down, but I have heard alcohol makes anxiety worse.
I'm still trying, still logging.
Thank you for being here, and for reading.
You might try a few things to see what else might work for you to quell anxiety. Music, as @globalhiker suggested, or herbal tea,
a walk, yoga, meditation. There's an app I use called 'Medito' that I like. It even has 'sleep stories' to help you fall asleep at night.5 -
A great thread! So much of my Covid weight came from nightly drinking. I've cut down significantly, but I'm ready to cut a little more and hopefully by doing so, to lose some weight!8
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Aug Week 1 AF
Aug 8: AF
Aug 9: AF
Aug 10: AF
Aug 11: AF
Aug 12: AF
Aug 13: AF
Planning to pick up some groceries tomorrow and I think I will get one bottle of merlot for my weekend evenings.7
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