Less alcohol- January 2018- one day at a time
Replies
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Nessiechickie wrote: »Not going to measure and post how much I drink on the weekends but at least keep tabs of days I do/dont.
1/1-drank
1/2-no-hungover (at work)- over ate
1/3-no
1/4-no
1/5-drank
1/6-no
1/7-drank
1/8 no
1/9 no
1/10 no
1/11 no - plan to not drink tonight
seeing it typed out like this makes me really happy... didnt think i could do this..
Regarding 1/2 , I feel for you. Hangovers at work stink! Hangovers are awful. They hit me really bad.
Great week for you in general:)2 -
mmccool719 wrote: »Safe travel vibes desperately needed my way. Supposed to fly out at 6am Saturday during big snowstorm. I either need less than 2 hour delay to make the trip worthwhile or complete cancel so I can rebook it without penalties. It is a 3 day trip to Tampa to celebrate my sons 16th birthday with my family down there. Sorry for the off topic. On a good note, I’m on day 5 thanks to sparkling cranberry juice and hot tea.
Safe travels for sure! Ahhh happy birthday to your son! Congrats on Day 5, too!0 -
We went out last weekend, and I really felt that I needed to have a serious plan in place ahead of time and that winging it wasn't going to end well. I had to imagine myself out with friends and how I was going to manage it, right down to the particular drinks I was going to have. It was an outdoor beach bar, so easy enough to bring my tea along with me in a grownup sippy cup, for starters. After that, I'd already planned to have either a Diet Coke or club soda and lime. I stuck to what I'd decided, but I think that was because I'd already envisioned the evening long before it arrived.Westschmeis wrote: »Well these weekdays have been perfect, and easy. Tomorrow is Friday, then we shall see.
I'm finding visualization before I go out seems to work well. I practice in my head what I'll say and order. I'll see tomorrow night if that theory holds true. My test will be when I go out with my friends to a bar to listen to a band. I will stay strong though. I'm driving so that's an added bonus.
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I’m being called upon to provide support, transportation, child care, food, anything else needed in the midst of a true life crisis (I posted about it Wednesday.). Plans are changing by the minute. I cannot even imagine how I’d be able to do this if I was drinking at night. Up having a hotel breakfast feeling clear and strong ready for a long day. I hate the sad circumstances but am grateful for this early lesson in how a drinking life interferes with what is truly important. When a future crisis comes I want to be alcohol free!
Sending you a big hug. Being clearheaded in times of stress or heartache is a great benefit to dry January.1 -
kcn2bluesky wrote: »JulieAL1969 wrote: »So here’s where I’ve been since Saturday. Went to a local brewery and didn’t drink a sip (never do when I have the keys). But, I walked out with a growler of one of my favorite beers. Since the beer goes flat pretty soon, I finished most of it by Tuesday and had to toss the rest due to it being flat. Shot my 2 per week goal to hell.
At this point I don’t even crave a sip or the smell. I’m going to “up” the ante on my goal and say forget the 2 per week for the rest of this month AND February.
My day 1 was yesterday and this morning woke up to that most inviting clear feeling. Such a different feeling.
I'll do February challenge with you! I feel
Really good every morning now. Xo
Love this idea and your encouragement of others!!
I’m going strong with January so far (alcohol-free last night again and not missing it at all), and I might be in for continuing this into February. I bet there are plenty of others that will join you as well! Thank you so much for the fabulous thread, Julie!
It's such a joy to me to know I'm know alone in this struggle to find moderation or abstinence despite the triggers that make it hard to do so. Thanks for contributing your encouraging words to all of us. Xo3 -
I just want to put a thanks out there for this being a Less Alcohol thread. I think it is more inclusive for those seeking moderation or trying to go completely dry. If it was a strictly Dry thread a lot of us may not have a place to come for this great support.
So thanks to @JulieAL1969 for starting this and all of you for sharing your motivating stories, no matter what your personal goals may be.
I hope this group continues in February!
Thanks Erik! For sure, this thread will continue in February and hopefully beyond that.3 -
MonkeyMel21 wrote: »
I have been having lots of intense dreams lately, not sure if it has anything to do with the no alcohol but it’s kind of getting on my nerves because of the intensity and often negative aspects of them. Could be worse I guess, I could be having trouble sleeping.
Ive always had vivid, frequently dark dreams but mine have been horrific lately. Like unspeakable. I've had wine on 3 evenings since new years... i was drinking 6 days a week prior...
I see so many posts about how much better people are sleeping...but i wake up feeling just as groggy/hangovery (and with freakier dreams) on sober days as drinking days.
Maybe it just indicates more withdrawal? I will be patient. I still am commited to cutting back significantly.
It's just hard to not feel ANY distinct benefits yet...(other than less shame).
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jenifer7teen wrote: »MonkeyMel21 wrote: »
I have been having lots of intense dreams lately, not sure if it has anything to do with the no alcohol but it’s kind of getting on my nerves because of the intensity and often negative aspects of them. Could be worse I guess, I could be having trouble sleeping.
Ive always had vivid, frequently dark dreams but mine have been horrific lately. Like unspeakable. I've had wine on 3 evenings since new years... i was drinking 6 days a week prior...
I see so many posts about how much better people are sleeping...but i wake up feeling just as groggy/hangovery (and with freakier dreams) on sober days as drinking days.
Maybe it just indicates more withdrawal? I will be patient. I still am commited to cutting back significantly.
It's just hard to not feel ANY distinct benefits yet...(other than less shame).
I’m sorry that’s the worst. I hate nightmares. I didn’t sleep better until I was about 6 days in to dry Jan. I had a headache and woke up really early a few of the first days. Maybe try and string together a long streak and see if it helps? I’m sure despite the lack of outward benefits your body and liver are probably happy
I think the best benefits for me are what you mentioned - waking up without regret and learning to enjoy dry days and not see them as something I have to get through, rather dry days are good days! My skin actually feels softer though! Hope tonight is a better sleep! 3 -
jenifer7teen wrote: »MonkeyMel21 wrote: »
I have been having lots of intense dreams lately, not sure if it has anything to do with the no alcohol but it’s kind of getting on my nerves because of the intensity and often negative aspects of them. Could be worse I guess, I could be having trouble sleeping.
Ive always had vivid, frequently dark dreams but mine have been horrific lately. Like unspeakable. I've had wine on 3 evenings since new years... i was drinking 6 days a week prior...
I see so many posts about how much better people are sleeping...but i wake up feeling just as groggy/hangovery (and with freakier dreams) on sober days as drinking days.
Maybe it just indicates more withdrawal? I will be patient. I still am commited to cutting back significantly.
It's just hard to not feel ANY distinct benefits yet...(other than less shame).
Stick with it, these are early days.3 -
kcn2bluesky wrote: »Alcohol-free day for me yesterday again and feeling great every single day!
@MaryBethHempel You are doing amazing! I think you may have mentioned you are your hubby are going to be reading This Naked Mind together? Have you started the book yet? I finished it yesterday and it’s truly helpful for anyone wanting to abstain from any alcohol. I started out just wanting to moderate, but as each day passes I don’t envision drinking again. I’m feeling too good, both mentally and physically, without it.
Hi, No..neither of us has started. I was going to read it on my stationary bike and before bed, but have had some life interruptions and fell right asleep at night. I am really looking forward to reading it. I also purchased-
" Blackout-Remembering The The Things I Drank To Forget".
I am feeling the same about drinking again. I'm feeling so much better, mentally and physically, also. I am much more productive and remember things better.
We make our own Red and White Wine and I have an opened full bottle in the refrigerator which has been sitting there for about 2 weeks. I have an unopened box of Chardonnay in the refrigerator and about 8 unopened bottles of Chardonnay that we made in the basement refrigerator also. Then we have around 90 bottles all corked of more red and white. I used to drink daily and even with it all around me, I don't even get tempted. I feel that if I have one glass, that I will just drink the bottle...so it is better to just avoid at this time. My husband keeps saying that he is going to cut down, but he hasn't yet.5 -
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 =DITTO...I slept better last night--had an Atkins bar around 8...maybe that was it...I also had to go to my guest room again for my husbands snoring started again!
1/9 =DITTO and lost another pound---Wow! 7 days alcohol FREE!! This is the longest I have gone for years!
1/10 =8 days freedom
1/11 =9 days freedom- looking forward to reading my new books...This Naked Mind and Blackout-Remembering The Things I Drank to Forget...
1/12 =
1/13 =
1/14 =
1/15 =
1/16 =
1/17 =
1/18 =
1/19 =
1/20 =
1/21 =
1/22 =
1/23 =
1/24 =
1/25 =
1/26 =
1/27 =
1/28 =
1/29 =
1/30 =
1/314 -
Cleosweetie wrote: »Wow, @marybethhempel. That is amazing. Great job. And bless your heart for accomplishing that while your husband is still drinking a lot of wine right beside you. That is really impressive!
Thank you! I appreciate your encouragement! 1 -
2 down - 48 to go to hit my goal.2
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Been wanting to cut down for months now and not doing to good, stopping during the week was my first goal that was a bust.3
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This may have been posted already, but I’m reading “Happier Hour” right now. It’s about a woman’s journey to give up alcohol. It’s a good read.1
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Try alcoholexperiment.com it’s part of Annie Grace Naked Mind, however, you set off on a 30 day journey to be free. You get a daily email with a ‘lesson’. It really breaks the book down into chunks. If you set yourself off, time it for when you’d be most likely to drink, that way you can distract yourself with the email! It’s free.4
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I have to be honest; this has been a struggle. And I get down on myself very easily, which is typical, and dangerous, and equally unhealthy.
The truth is, though, that my goal was to cut back, and I have, overall. I still have nights where I drink more than I’d like. But I have other nights where I drink less than usual, or not at all.
I have to celebrate the small victories, instead of punishing myself for small mistakes.
Thanks, everyone. Your stories are inspiring. Congratulations on all of your succeses.
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Unfortunately I caved last night and had some wine. It wasn't worth it, and I'm disappointed with myself this morning. However, for some reason, I slept like a rock. I guess I'm back to day 1 today. I'm not giving up trying to quit. Congrats to those that are more successful than I am.9
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Unfortunately I caved last night and had some wine. It wasn't worth it, and I'm disappointed with myself this morning. However, for some reason, I slept like a rock. I guess I'm back to day 1 today. I'm not giving up trying to quit. Congrats to those that are more successful than I am.
This is a valuable insight.
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Day 12 begins. So far, so good. I feel like I'm out of the habit now and don't really think about wine much at this point. I get the Dry January app messages every day. Today they had a link to the World Cancer Research Fund, which had an interesting factsheet, called A Closer Look at Alcohol. It talks about alcohol's links to cancer, and as someone who's at high risk for breast cancer, it was eye opening. It also talks about all the benefits of cutting out alcohol. Friday inspiration going into the weekend!1
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SanDiegofitmom wrote: »Also, I’m using the Dry January app and it says that I’ve saved $54 dollars so far this month - yay!
I've been putting the money I save into our emergency fund. One of our resolutions was to get that baby beefed up this year, so this is really helping. Very satisfying to pitch the money in there!4 -
Unfortunately I caved last night and had some wine. It wasn't worth it, and I'm disappointed with myself this morning. However, for some reason, I slept like a rock. I guess I'm back to day 1 today. I'm not giving up trying to quit. Congrats to those that are more successful than I am.
That's ok. We all stumble sometimes. You're back to Day 1 and we are all here rooting for you! xoxo3 -
slimbyjune18 wrote: »Try alcoholexperiment.com it’s part of Annie Grace Naked Mind, however, you set off on a 30 day journey to be free. You get a daily email with a ‘lesson’. It really breaks the book down into chunks. If you set yourself off, time it for when you’d be most likely to drink, that way you can distract yourself with the email! It’s free.
Thanks so much for sharing this! I will check it out. I like daily lessons- keeps me motivated:)2 -
ulcaster555 wrote: »Been wanting to cut down for months now and not doing to good, stopping during the week was my first goal that was a bust.
Try for a moderate weekend then:) Just keep trying. Cheering for you!4 -
This morning in my hotel room I flipped on GMA and there was a woman reporting on her Dry January. She commented on how her skin has improved. Mine too but I didn’t associate it with alcohol. A dr. confirmed that alcohol dries out skin and hair. Another plus to not drinking.3
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ulcaster555 wrote: »Been wanting to cut down for months now and not doing to good, stopping during the week was my first goal that was a bust.
Moderating didn’t work very well for me either. If you are up for it try an extended dry period - committing to 30 days. It’s the first time in years I’ve cut out wine for this long. And, because there’s no option to drink or not (while the habit is strong) it’s so much easier and freeing. I feel like I’ve learned so much in these 11 days and look forward to continuing through the month. Good luck, we all know how it feels to be down on ones self. You’ve got this
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1/1-NADA
1/2-NADA
1/3-NADA
1/4-NADA
1/5-12 oz wine
1/6-5 oz wine
1/7-12 oz wine
1/8 NADA
1/9 3 oz wine
1/10 12 oz wine
1/11-NADA
I did not drink last night. I feel great this morning. I have been feeling great in general. I commented to my husband this morning that I have not had any type of hangover since the slight one I had on New Years day and how good that feels. He agreed that it does indeed feel good. I told him of my plans to cut back and I have noticed that he is also cutting back, which definitely makes things a little easier.
We are heading to Pittsburgh this weekend and I am picking up my mother and bringing her back here to stay for a week. I am not sure if that will make next week easier or harder for me. My mother doesn't drink, but she makes me want to!6 -
My first big challenge is this weekend. We have a wedding reception at a brewery! Luckily beer isn’t my weakness - but it will still be weird to not drink at a wedding. My husband is thrilled I’m the DD since it’s a two hour drive from us. I’m actually curious about how I’ll feel and the conversations I’ll have without a buzz4
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Day 12 of no wine here! Feeling good, I did wake up with a headache today which is disappointing since I didn't even get to enjoy wine lol. It's probably from my TMJ, maybe all my headaches weren't always from the wine I drank the night before...
I've been doing boot camp classes 5-6 days a week, saving hundreds of calories a day in wine, and eating less and better. I have 10-15 pounds I want to lose and haven't lost any yet. That is discouraging, hope I get some other benefits soon. I'll keep on going, trying to be patient. I want to at least have a dry January and was hoping to be down about 5 pounds this month.
I love reading everyone's posts every day!4 -
It has been 6 days for me, but today is Friday.
Hoping I can fight the craving for wine tonight. So far I am confident but when evening hits I know it will be on my mind. I guess I have to focus on how awesome I feel and try to push through the weekend. It was easier than I thought this week.. wish me luck2
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