The “Sunday of summer,” AKA August, is nearly ending, which means the “Monday of fall,” or September, is just around the corner. With the changing of the seasons comes a great opportunity to switch up your routine and try something new. Maybe after a summer of many booze-filled weekends, it’s time to take a break from indulging on alcohol?
If you’ve ever been intrigued by the idea of taking a breather from booze, then let’s talk about Sober September. It’s a month-long sobriety challenge that is gaining momentum on social media and finding fans among young professionals and students alike.
Beyond the initial thought of enduring 30 alcohol-free days (gasp!), there lies an array of potential benefits just waiting to be discovered.
In this post, we’ll cover what Sober September is all about, the benefits of not drinking for a whole month, and some strategies for successfully getting to Day 30.
Contents
What is Sober (Curious) September?
Let’s rewind to where it all began – with the term “sober curious.” The brainchild of author Ruby Warrington, this phrase nudges people towards considering life beyond alcohol-infused gatherings and late-night pub crawls.
In her eye-opening book, Sober Curious: The Blissful Sleep, Greater Focus, Limitless Presence, and Deep Connection Awaiting Us All on the Other Side of Alcohol, Warrington asks us to ponder our societal drinking habits. She encourages an exploration into what happens when we step outside these liquid boundaries.
This spark ignited a cultural shift towards more conscious choices surrounding our drinking patterns. Instead of insisting on complete abstinence for all, she advocates for thoughtful decision-making regarding one’s relationship with alcohol.
“Sober September,” much like its cousins, Dry January and Sober October, has grown out of this sober curious movement. These initiatives provide an interesting opportunity for those looking to experience the potential physical and mental health and well-being benefits of a 30-day period without alcohol.
So, what are some of the benefits? Let’s dive into some of the tangible benefits that might just make you want to swap your regular pint for something sans the booze!
Health Benefits of Going 30 Days Without Alcohol
A month without alcohol? The health benefits are as plentiful as a Thanksgiving table. Think weight loss, and we’re not talking about misplacing your dumbbells.
No Alcohol-Induced Anxiety
The wonders sobriety does for the mind could fill volumes. For starters, anxiety tends to take a backseat when you bid adieu to booze. It’s like having an uninvited party guest finally leave, letting peace and tranquility reclaim their rightful place in your mental living room.
You might be wondering, “But, doesn’t alcohol calm me down?”
It does feel that way, initially, since alcohol is a depressant. It slows down processes in your brain and your central nervous system, which leads to less inhibition and a more relaxed feeling.
The problem, however, is what happens in your brain and body as it starts to wear off. And, you can’t avoid going through this part (well, unless you keep on drinking).
When alcohol starts to leave your system is when your mental health pays the price.
Since our body is always seeking to maintain homeostasis, it actually emits more stress hormones to counterbalance the effect of booze. Once the booze is gone, you’re still left with extra stress. And, once your body gets more and more used to drinking, you can go straight into “fight or flight’ mode – the same reaction as an anxiety disorder – as it wears off.
Improve Your Concentration
So, not drinking helps your brain feel at ease, but there’s also improved concentration. You could start thinking sharper than a brand-new set of steak knives.
With no hangovers on the horizon or sluggishness slowing you down, you’ll find your brain firing on all cylinders, all day long.
Studies even suggest that taking a short breather from the bottle can reverse some cognitive downsides associated with chronic drinking. Talk about hitting two birds with one stone.
I know that for me, since I stopped drinking, my brain remembers way more. I can recall a short string of numbers more easily, take better mental notes and lists that I actually remember, and put my thoughts down on paper, in a nice way, faster than ever!
Reduce Liver Damage & Improve Blood Sugar Levels
Giving Sober September a whirl also delivers physical health goodies such as liver damage reduction. Imagine giving your hard-working liver some well-deserved downtime is akin to sending it on an all-expenses-paid spa retreat where it gets pampered and emerges rejuvenated. It’s not that much of an exaggeration!
A study by the Institute for Liver and Digestive Health at University College London has shown that forgoing alcohol for five weeks can reduce the amount of fatty tissue around the liver.
Not only does your liver health improve, but saying goodbye to alcoholic beverages means saying hello to regulated blood sugar levels, which leads to more stable and long-lasting energy throughout the day.
Research has shown that abstaining for extended periods improves insulin resistance, making blood sugar management smoother than ever before.
If you’re still on the fence about it all, take a gander at what institutions such as the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) have to say about temporary teetotaling, then spoiler alert: They’re all thumbs-up, too.
Key Takeaway? Embarking on Sober September is like hitting the health jackpot. From weight loss to mental peace, improved focus, and liver rejuvenation – it’s a smorgasbord of wellness benefits. Plus, bid farewell to sugar spikes from boozy beverages and hello to smoother blood sugar management. It’s not just about ditching drinks but embracing a healthier lifestyle that’s less alcohol-centric.
Financial Benefits of Participating in Sober September
The prospect of a sober month might seem like all sacrifice and no reward. But hold on to your mocktails, because we’re about to spill the tea on how skipping the booze can make you richer.
Saving money is one heck of an incentive when it comes to participating in Sober September. Let’s delve into this financial fiesta.
Cutting Out Alcohol Expenses: The Ultimate Money-Saver
Ever wondered what would happen if you swapped those fancy cocktails for some refreshing water? Your wallet certainly knows. According to Bankrate.com, millennials cough up around $300 per month just for alcohol. That’s a whopping $3,600 annually.
Now imagine parking that cash back into your bank account instead by going sober for just one month. You’d have enough dough saved up for something meaningful or fun (or both). It’s not fiction; participants often report such impressive savings during their sober spell.
Finding Financial Freedom Through Sobriety
Apart from being a fabulous finance booster, sobriety also offers long-term stability, and your piggy bank will thank you. With fewer nights out and less spent on drinks, you can become a master budgeter without even trying too hard.
This newfound control over personal finances could inspire you to extend you alcohol-free journey beyond September, a double-win situation with health benefits galore.
As if these compelling reasons weren’t enough motivation for embracing Sober September wholeheartedly, wait until we introduce activities more exciting than cracking open another beer can; buckle up because next up is exploring how this transformative period can be filled with fun-filled adventures.
Activities to Engage in During Sober September So the Days Fly By
Ahh, the winds of change are upon us as we step into Sober September. This is your chance to explore life and experience social activities sans alcohol. But what does that look like? Let’s get creative.
Sweat it Out with Sports
The world of sports has so much more than sweaty gym socks to offer. From local league games, hiking trails, or cycling paths – there’s a whole world out there waiting for you.
In my own early sobriety, I took up tennis again, a sport I loved to play as a kid. I also said yes to invitations to play basketball, join a kickball league, and hit the pickleball courts. Being able to just PLAY is a great way to be in the moment, and not even think about drinking!
That day I played a game of basketball (which I never play), I actually had a ton of fun. It made me wonder, “What else should I spend more time doing that I normally don’t? What thrilling activities have I forgone because I was more inclined to go places and do things that involved alcohol?”
I don’t want to miss out any longer!
Culinary Adventures: The Road Less Traveled
You know all those dollars saved from not buying drinks? Why not invest them in exploring new cuisines? Be adventurous – try out that fancy restaurant downtown or learn how to whip up an exotic dish at home, (Yes, you can!) accompanied by a non-alcoholic beverage or mocktail of your choice.
And guess what else? Nourishing your soul can be achieved through cooking.
Mindful Experiences for Your Soul
Besides cooking, this sober month could be an excellent time for activities that promote peace and mindfulness. Ever considered meditation classes or workshops on mindfulness practices? They’re great tools for managing cravings while improving mental clarity.
All this fun without alcohol might make you wonder why you didn’t do this sooner. Remember, sobriety doesn’t automatically mean boredom; rather, think of it as unlocking different doors that you wouldn’t normally open, leading toward joyous adventures and fulfilling experiences.
Strategies for Successfully Completing Sober September
We’ve covered fun ways to stay active during Sober September, but maintaining motivation throughout can still be challenging. Next, let’s delve into some strategies…
Find Your Personal Reason: The “Why” Factor
The first step on your alcohol-free journey? Find your “why.” Health benefits, saving money, or just because you love a good challenge – pick something that will keep you steadfast when the siren call of happy hour beckons.
Whichever “why” you choose, make sure it’s one whose benefits would outweigh the cost of not drinking.
If you still struggle, even with a great purpose behind your endeavor, try reframing alcohol with this journaling exercise.
Navigate Social Situations with Confidence
Akin to learning salsa dancing overnight – it’s tricky but doable. As soon as you sign up for Sober September, start practicing open communication about your commitment.
Just like perfecting those salsa steps requires patience and practice, setting clear expectations within your social circle will take time, but is essential for avoiding any awkward missteps.
Practice saying, “I’m not drinking this month for Sober Septmeber,” so that when someone offers you a beverage, you’ll be that much more confident in being able to turn it down.
Here are some other creative excuses you can give not to drink, but just remember that no is always a good enough answer!
- “I am giving up drinking for lent – in September.”
- “I don’t feel like dancing on top of tables tonight.”
- “I’ve got to pick up my friend at the airport after this.”
- “I have to wake up at the butt crack of dawn tomorrow.”
- “I drank enough this summer to last a lifetime. I’m giving my liver a break.”
Distract Yourself with Another Personal Development Challenge or Goal
Maybe successfully giving up alcohol without making other changes to your month seems unrealistic to you. In fact, it probably is! Alcohol is deeply ingrained in our society and, when you think about it, is the center of many celebrations and social activities.
So, don’t go about your normal life then. Make giving up alcohol a part of something else you want to achieve this month, raising the stakes even higher.
For example, you could set the goal of training for a marathon, running a little more each and every day. You will hardly even think about drinking since you’re shaking up your routine and distracting yourself.
You’ll feel so tired at the end of the day that alcohol won’t be necessary to fall asleep, for example. You’ll be glad you’re not drinking since it would be counterproductive to your other goal, to run a marathon.
Take Advantage of Your New-Found Spare Time and Money
As we mentioned, not drinking isn’t just about giving up alcohol; it’s also about gaining time and cash (your liver and bank account send their thanks).
This surplus can be channeled into new hobbies, self-improvement pursuits, or even socked away in savings.
Let’s say you are one of those millennials who typically spends $300 a month on alcohol; what else could you spend that money on this month? What can you finally indulge in that you wouldn’t have otherwise?
Can you take a day or weekend trip? Get a trial membership to a premium gym? Sign up for a nice facial or that purse you’ve always had your eye on? Now’s the time!
For me, a benefit of not drinking alcohol when I eat out is being able to splurge on dessert guilt-free! I never used to order it, but now it’s a special treat.
Champion Good Health
Your body might initially protest at the absence of alcohol like a toddler denied candy – that’s where focusing on good health comes into play. When your body feels good, it’s so well-oiled that it doesn’t need to seek relief from a bottle.
To champion good health, take care of both your fitness levels and diet.
- Daily physical activities: Start simple with walks around the block or yoga sessions on YouTube – no gym membership required.
- Nutrition: Swap out junk food snacks with healthier alternatives. Trust me. Even broccoli tastes better when dunked in hummus.
Try the Sober Curious September Online Program
Last but not least, there’s a live online Sober September program kicking off this week by the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. It’s hosted by none other than Ruby Warrington herself.
According to the website, this program consists of online workshops, interactive exercises, Q&A, and live coaching with Ruby.
By the end of the month, you’ll:
- Uncover the deeper motivations behind your drinking choices.
- Develop concrete strategies for managing peer pressure and cravings.
- Discover new ways to frame what it means to live alcohol-free.
- Change up tired old habits and live a more conscious, connected, and vibrant life.
As someone who has been alcohol-free for over a year now, I’ll still sign up. I got so much out of Ruby’s book, I can only imagine what the group experience will be like!
Key Takeaway: Approaching Sober September may feel like scaling Everest in flip-flops, but with the right strategies, it’s more of a molehill than a mountain. Master social adaptation by clearly communicating your commitment and finding 24/7 support from online communities. They’re as easy to access as instant noodles. And don’t forget about prioritizing good health in other ways, such as with exercise and balanced nutrition.
FAQs on Why You Should Do Sober September
What is the Meaning of Sober September?
Sober September is a month-long challenge where participants abstain from alcohol to reassess their drinking habits and potentially experience physical and mental health benefits.
What is the Best Month to Go Dry?
The “best” month for sobriety or going dry varies per individual. Some choose January (Dry January) or October (Sober October), but any time can be ideal for personal growth and health improvements. You might decide, after going one month without alcohol, that you’re keen on going for three months or even a year!
Why is Sober October a Thing?
Like Sober September, Sober October aims to promote mindful consumption by encouraging people to give up alcohol for an entire month, often in support of charity.
What Happens at Nine Months Sober?
Nine months into sobriety, many individuals report improved mental clarity, better physical health, increased energy levels, and significant lifestyle changes toward healthier habits.
Take a 30-Day Break From Drinking This September
Sober September is more than just a trend; it’s an opportunity for self-reflection and growth.
The health benefits alone are enough to consider giving it a shot. Imagine the feeling of waking up without hangovers, losing weight, improving blood sugar levels, and reducing anxiety!
You also get to rediscover life outside of alcohol – from social activities to summer vacations – all while saving money usually spent on drinks.
Sure, there might be challenges like social adjustments, but remember that every journey has its bumps. It’s how we overcome them that defines us.
If you’re curious about trying Sober September or simply want guidance on living a happy, alcohol-free lifestyle, check out more of our alcohol-free alternatives, mocktail recipes, boozeless bar recommendations, and more…
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