Less alcohol- January 2018- one day at a time
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Coming up on 4 years of continuous sobriety. Life gets easier the longer you go without, although you may deal with many of the emotions you never dealt with while you were drinking.... I guess I was meaning physically. Emotionally, you might go a bit out of it. But work through it, listen to some nice podcasts, possibly go to a couple meetings in your area that suit your needs. Counseling helps loads too. Finding friends in the sober community is important as well. Listen to the voice inside you that wants the best for you, and run with it.9
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Coming up on 4 years of continuous sobriety. Life gets easier the longer you go without, although you may deal with many of the emotions you never dealt with while you were drinking.... I guess I was meaning physically. Emotionally, you might go a bit out of it. But work through it, listen to some nice podcasts, possibly go to a couple meetings in your area that suit your needs. Counseling helps loads too. Finding friends in the sober community is important as well. Listen to the voice inside you that wants the best for you, and run with it.
Thank you so much for your valuable insight. That is so helpful to hear. I feel different even after seven days- less anxious, happier, energetic. I have a few social events coming up so I am very worried that I will not fail myself.
We appreciate your encouragement and advice on this board. Four years is an amazing accomplishment. Feel free to add any other advice for all of us when you feel like it.3 -
fatal_degree wrote: »Alcohol is a hard one for me. Drinking is part of by job, I work at a boutique wine & craft beer shop. We don't offer sampling, but several times a week sales reps come in with multiple samples. Those days I have to skip breakfast & lunch just to stay on target.
Normally I can polish off a whole bottle of wine a night. Comfortably, without sleep problems or headaches I stick to 450 ml a day or less.
This doesn't even address the high gravity/calorie beers that I am supposed to be familiar with. I have to buy those to sample myself and if I pay $15 for a 12oz barrel aged beer, I am not swishing & spitting or pouring it down the drain.
Im in a similar boat. Working at a distributor we sample beer several times a week. Last week a lot of people were off so it was a breeze. But im worried with this Fridays meeting it will be flowing. Gonna have to try just a sip and drain pour the rest...3 -
I follow a blogger The Champagne Diet. She recently posted an Instagram with a caption bout being sober curious. It hit hard! I really like that term for it. I know that I cannot simply stop drinking nor do I want to eliminate it all together. There’s a big urge for “mindful drinking” which I believe fits into wellness and knowing how to balance!5
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Tea or sparkling water is obviously best "substitute" since it's calorie free.... but this is closer to the feeling of drinking wine for me:
Just Cranberry
It's tart so you drink it slowly, 70 calories in 8 ounces so you can pour 2 wine glasses' worth. Oh, and it's red too! Haha
Its also kind of pricey ($8) but frequently goes on sale for half of that at Sprouts.
https://www.rwknudsenfamily.com/products/single-fruit-juices/organic-just-cranberry
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Almost a week down! This is the longest I’ve gone without wine in like 4 years (yikes). I’ve really learned a lot. First, by committing to the whole month, I actually think it’s been easier than doing a week! It’s almost like being pregnant - not an option so I haven’t been tempted (and I have some good bottles in the house). I was so used to pouring a glass of wine while cooking dinner that it became second nature. Now, I realize I can have fun cooking with a mocktail of sparkling water and some lime. I’m more apt to play games and read to my kids before bed. That’s what is making me the happiest. It’s aligning with what I value. I feel good, happier and really want to take this into feb and beyond.14
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Im in!!4
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This is one of my goals for 2018!3
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I was 5 days in and for me, that is a HUGE victory. On Saturday my phone rang. One of my friends lost her husband unexpectedly and suddenly (we are only in our early 40's). My heart was aching for her while I tried to comprehend my life without my husband.
As I sat on the couch with my husband by my side, we both had an IPA beer. At that moment I was not thinking "Oh, I am messing up my challenge". Rather, I was thinking "I am so blessed to have him next to me and I am going to enjoy every moment of this".
So... one beer in 7 days. I still see that as a victory.
And a lesson: While we are all working super hard and changing ourselves for the better... and that is HUGELY important.... We can't let it blind us from the positive and wonderful people and events in our lives. Life is too short and can change too unexpectedly.
With that.... Good luck in week 2.10 -
I'm starting to think DAMP is the way for me to go, too. I caved and had a 5 oz glass last night. Maybe once the open bottle is gone dry might be easier.4
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I was 5 days in and for me, that is a HUGE victory. On Saturday my phone rang. One of my friends lost her husband unexpectedly and suddenly (we are only in our early 40's). My heart was aching for her while I tried to comprehend my life without my husband.
As I sat on the couch with my husband by my side, we both had an IPA beer. At that moment I was not thinking "Oh, I am messing up my challenge". Rather, I was thinking "I am so blessed to have him next to me and I am going to enjoy every moment of this".
So... one beer in 7 days. I still see that as a victory.
And a lesson: While we are all working super hard and changing ourselves for the better... and that is HUGELY important.... We can't let it blind us from the positive and wonderful people and events in our lives. Life is too short and can change too unexpectedly.
With that.... Good luck in week 2.
So sorry for your friend. And I know you will be mourning with her and helping her. Yes, you are right. We need to just enjoy the moment with our loved ones.
A few months ago, I told an acquaintance about my son who changed his major to something else. I was worried about the practicality of his new major. Anyways.... My friend just looked at me and said "Lighten up , Julie." He was so right. That stuck in my brain for all these months. Going on to Day 8. Feeling quite energetic and refreshed. Today, got a big surprise : A snow day. So, no work for me. Will just read THE book we all like and chill.2 -
JulieAL1969 wrote: »@MaryBethHempel thanks for your kind words above.
Bravo to you! Despite temptation of your hubby drinking , you didn't budge from your resolve. Freedom is a perfect word. In fact, instead of writing any resolutions the year I chose one word to sum up my goals- it is FREEDOM. What a coincidence you used that word today in your post. I want to be free from addiction , people pleasing and so much more. Xoxo
Yes we put ourselves in many self defeating paths which is crazy when you analyse completely. Life can be full of excitement and fulfillment if we let it!
Xoxo 3 -
JulieAL1969 wrote: »It's a snow covered, cold winter day. Drinking coffee in bed and reading This Naked Mind. I am on the chapter that discusses all the harm the poison alcohol does to our heart, brain and liver. And more. If this chapter doesnt scare me straight, nothing will. I want to write my body a heartfelt apology letter for the 25 years of slow poisoning:) I want to thank it for getting me this far relatively healthy. I want to do better for it. Xo
I just told my hubby to add the book to our Nook...He doesn't realize what it is yet, but will when he orders it. He will be able to read it too...so this will be great for both of us.4 -
Reading a blog about cravings on the Dry January app. Will attach a screen shot. A craving typically lasts 6 minutes, so if we can find alternatives for just six minutes, we can resist. I know that I went for a walk the other day during an intense craving. I also took all my favorite wine bottles down to the basement. Hopefully, out of sight out of mind.3
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Goal — January under 7 drinks a week- for my health.....my mind.....my body....Freedom from alcohol ruling my life!
1/1 =alcohol free
1/2 = 4 wine spritzers
1/3 =alcohol free
1/4 =alcohol free
1/5 =alcohol free while my husband must of drank almost 2 bottles of wine....I wasn't tempted, which was great!
1/6 =alcohol free while my husband must of drank almost 2 bottles of wine
1/7 =alcohol free while my husband must of drank almost 2 bottles of wine-I copy and paste! Rerun! I feel that now I don't even want one drink as it is never enough...I always want more! I will see how long I can be FREE from alcohol. Losing weight and feeling great!
1/8 =
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1/18 =
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1/30 =
1/318 -
@MaryBethHempel You are strong! Good for you! Even though the temptation is around you, you resisted. Cheering for you! Xoxo2
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SanDiegofitmom wrote: »Well, this is Day 7, but it's 2:35 a.m. and I have not been able to get to sleep. In the past, good sleep has been a great perk of abstaining from alcohol. This time, for some weird reason, my brain will not turn off. I've finally given up, gotten out of bed, read posts here, and will now do the Sunday NYT crossword on my computer. Any hints or advice would be MOST welcome. I'm drinking herbal tea at bedtime, but you can't know how tempting it is to knock myself out with wine when I lie in bed from 11:30 to 2:30 without sleep. Well, I guess most of you can know. I am celebrating 7 days, but this sleep stuff has got to get fixed! I'm kind of afraid to take melatonin or anything else because I tend to have paradoxical reactions to stuff. For example, I once took Nyquil and was up literally all night. Didn't sleep one minute and had to go teach the next morning. Never again. I mentioned in an earlier post that I do have a prescription for Xanax that I only take when I fly. I think that would knock me out, but I'm resisting subbing one drug for another. I'm grateful for this group so I have somewhere to moan and groan if needed.
Melatonin might help. It’s not a medication it’s actually a hormone your body naturally produces. I too can’t take NyQuil. Just take 3 mg about 30 minutes before bed. Sleep is all about expectation, you’ll definitely get back on track- do some meditation / relaxation before bed too that helps! (I suffered with really bad insomnia for a year so I know) - my favorite thing to do when I can’t sleep is either make up a story, or redecorate my house in my head. Taking my mind off “I can’t sleep” is what helps me nod off. But truly don’t worry, periods of insomnia are soooo common. You’ll be back to good sleep in no time.
I am having the same problem and what is making it worse is that I hear my husband snoring, which didn't bother me when I drank wine. So now I end up going to the guest room in the night after he starts snoring. Then I pray and listen to some relaxation tapes which help me sleep. I toss and turn all night though, so I am not getting a deep sleep. I figure it is going to take awhile for my body to get adjusted. I use the time when awake to think and plan. I am going to start reading tonight though...that will help me. We are going to get "The Naked Mind" on Nook....so that will be my reading tonight...3 -
islandbeez wrote: »JulieAL1969 wrote: »I love that app Dry January. I wonder what the app is that keeps track of hours. I love seeing that count. I Love reading all your posts. Everyday, i wake up and grab my phone to read. I read it in the evening to keep away from the wine. I am so happy to be part of this journey with all of you.
I found this app called Sober Time, you can have it count in breaths, heartbeats, seconds...etc. I like it so far. The counter feels so motivating! I am also listening to This Naked Mind and almost finished reading Blackout: Remembering the Things I Drank to Forget by Sarah Hepola....both are really hitting home.
Happy Sunday, everyone!
I have this app too, though I use it for smoking! I'm at 75ish days or so for that. As far as drinking goes, I used to be an every-day drinker, but since the turn of the year I've had alcohol 2 days out of 7, which for me is ASTOUNDING. I've really enjoyed getting a full night's rest!
Have to check these out...getting the Naked Mind on Nook today!2 -
islandbeez wrote: »JulieAL1969 wrote: »I love that app Dry January. I wonder what the app is that keeps track of hours. I love seeing that count. I Love reading all your posts. Everyday, i wake up and grab my phone to read. I read it in the evening to keep away from the wine. I am so happy to be part of this journey with all of you.
I found this app called Sober Time, you can have it count in breaths, heartbeats, seconds...etc. I like it so far. The counter feels so motivating! I am also listening to This Naked Mind and almost finished reading Blackout: Remembering the Things I Drank to Forget by Sarah Hepola....both are really hitting home.
Happy Sunday, everyone!
I have this app too, though I use it for smoking! I'm at 75ish days or so for that. As far as drinking goes, I used to be an every-day drinker, but since the turn of the year I've had alcohol 2 days out of 7, which for me is ASTOUNDING. I've really enjoyed getting a full night's rest!
I found another app on my tablet...that I can use: Sobriety Counter-stop drinking: and getting The Naked Mind today...will check out Blackout: Remembering....1 -
JulieAL1969 wrote: »
wow...I was heading to death1 -
Alcohol-free night for me last night! We’re on vacation right now and spent the entire day hiking and exploring craters and Indian adobe ruins. A fascinating and beautiful day with my husband and daughter. It would have been easy to have a few drinks at the end of the day, but instead my daughter made us lemonade and we sat together and did crossword puzzles on my iPad, while snuggled under a blanket on the sofa. Spent my bonus calories (hiking calories + no alcohol calories) on a slice of banana cream pie, one of my all-time favorites!
@JulieAL1969 Thanks for posting the snapshot on cravings. Very interesting and insightful!
Here’s to another bright, adventurous day! Hope everyone is doing well and I look forward to seeing all your updates!6 -
Caved in to red wine last night. Grrr.5
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Yay! SLEEP!!! @kittybenn, thank you for the app recommendation. I listened to a few of the sleep meditations yesterday and then just mentally went through one of them last night (without the app) and was asleep before I could finish thinking through it. First really great night of sleep since Jan. 1. It makes a big difference.
One possible little "breakthrough" last night. I don't know if anyone else experiences this, but at night I crave wine because I feel "empty." Water and herbal tea just don't seem to do it, and I become tempted to eat something filling like cheese and bread just to fill up that emptiness. Hard to explain. It's not emotional emptiness but a real feeling that something is lacking in my body. Last night I had a little orange juice mixed with Perrier, and that seemed to finally do the trick. Maybe it's the sugar I'm missing. I don't eat sweets at all (don't like them), but I know alcohol has a lot of sugar, so I'm thinking that's what I've been "empty" for. That may have also helped the sleep.
Also, for a good substitute, you might try a shrub. You can Google shrubs. They've been around since at least the Renaissance. Tait Farms has some good ones. They are fruity and also vinegary. Mixed with sparkling water they are a really good wine or cocktail substitute.
I can't believe it's the second week. I'm so proud of all of us, no matter which specific path we're choosing for this January. Oh, my non-alcohol goal is to use my Clarisonic every night, followed by awesome face cream. It's not too hard a goal, but when drinking I can easily fall into bed with makeup on. My mom, who is 85 and looks like Jane Fonda in terms of how she is aging, hasn't missed the nightly "take off the makeup and moisturize" routine ever in her whole life. Somehow I didn't inherit that discipline, but I'm working on it.5 -
No heartburn now for like 6 days, lol. That's enough reason to abstain by itself! Day 7 for me, a whole week! My weekend went by without a hitch and I'm feeling really good.6
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Day 7 here too. Love reading the thread. This part of the week is normal, wouldn’t usually drink until Thursday/Friday, hope that doesn’t change. Massive difference in exercise so it’s all positive change.3
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MonkeyMel21 wrote: »No heartburn now for like 6 days, lol. That's enough reason to abstain by itself! Day 7 for me, a whole week! My weekend went by without a hitch and I'm feeling really good.
Yes! Being heartburn free is a hugely overlooked benefit!3 -
Well, bombed the weekend. Starting over. This will be day 2. (As I did stay good last night even though my husband picked up some beer.) It's easier for me to not drink on Sunday, I am in the mindset that I have to work the following day. However, mid-week usually rises the challenge where I tend to not think like this. I typically like a Wednesday night drink. I ordered This Naked Mind and my husband has agreed to read it with me. Hoping that helps.3
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This is exactly what I need. Love this thread and will be watching.3
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I made it passed the weekend!!! Yes!!!!!
I am good with not drinking during the week my fear is the weekend and I made it through!!4
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