What to Expect When You Quit Drinking – PART THREE

This week we are going to give you a run down of some of the beautiful benefits that you have to look forward to after you decide to ditch the booze!

You’ll feel better

When you stop consuming a toxic, carcinogenic substance, you’re bound to feel the benefit. Stats show that 92% of people report feeling noticeably better and 81% report reduced anxiety, after taking a break from the bottle.

You’ll look younger

Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it dehydrates your skin and reduces elasticity. The process of alcohol metabolism in the body also results in facial redness caused by broken capillaries. After stopping, skin becomes more hydrated, collagen levels are slowly restored and facial redness improves. So don’t be surprised when people start telling you how youthful and dewey your skin looks. You will be glowing!

You’ll sleep like a log

Before I quit, I couldn’t remember the last time I’d had a full night of deep, uninterrupted sleep that left me feeling refreshed and restored. Now, I sleep like this almost every night. Quality sleep in sobriety is a COMPLETE game-changer and one of my favourite benefits. And it’s not just me! Almost everyone who ditches booze raves about the sleep. Ruby Warrington even referred to it as ‘orgasmic sleep’. That’s literally how good it is.

You’ll have a bunch of extra cash

Take a moment to do a quick mental calculation of how much you’re spending on alcohol each month. Don’t forget to add in those times that you treat yourself to the fancy wine, cocktails while you’re out, the taxis, lost jackets, phones and even the late night snacks and hungover Uber Eats binges. Most people are horrified when they realise they’re spending a small fortune supporting their habit. But the great news is, when you quit, you’ll have all this “extra cash” to do whatever you want with.

A year off drinking covered my $5,000 life coaching course. One of our clients opened an account and deposits her ‘booze money’ into it every fortnight. She’s saved so much so fast it’s now become her kids’ college fund. Some people just like to spoil themselves with extras they previously couldn’t justify. Extra money means more spoils and more options. What’s not to love?

You’ll connect more deeply with others

Although sober socialising can be intimidating initially, many people are pleasantly surprised that the quality of their interactions with others improves without booze. You’re more alert (read: you actually remember names!) and you’re fully present which means you’re likely to really listen.

Without the dutch courage of a few drinks, you’re also more genuine and authentic in your interactions, so people get to know the real you. And, one of the best things, you remember what you said to who!

You might lose weight

Alcohol is packed with empty calories. It’s practically pure sugar. Plus it messes with your ability to feel satiated and it removes inhibitions which leads to overeating. Throw hangovers into the mix and you’re less likely to exercise, and more likely to eat junk food. All in all, alcohol is the enemy of weight loss and when you take it out of the equation, weight loss becomes easier.

We do want to note here that many people do find they eat more sugar in early sobriety than they did when they were drinking. If you find yourself craving sugar, know that it’s okay to treat yourself in moderation (you’re saving loads of calories by not drinking!). And if you find yourself over-indulging in sugar regularly, you can always address the sugar once you’ve got a good handle on your sobriety.

You’ll have more time

When you quit drinking, suddenly there seems to be more time. You’re not fuzzy for a few hours every night and you don’t lose hours while recovering from hangovers. It’s as if time expands.

Your productivity will go through the roof

Now that you’re not drinking, you’re feeling better and more energetic, and you’re never hungover, you’ll find yourself able to get a lot more done. You’ll actually be amazed at how much you’re now able to achieve. So, bring on that passion project!

These are just a few of the many beautiful benefits of early sobriety. We haven’t even touched on the emotional, spiritual and personal development benefits which can fill multiple blog posts in themselves.

If you’re ready to up-level your life by breaking up with booze, we’re here to help and support you every step of the way! It won’t always be easy, but in the case of alcohol, it’s always, always so worth it.