Celebrating Sober October: How to maintain your progress beyond the month
Whether you decide to cut back dramatically, or continue to be completely sober, remember that your Sober October success is proof that you are in control of your choices.
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If you’ve made it to day 20 of Sober October without having a drop of alcohol, we’re here to say: “Well done!”
Whether you took on the challenge for the health kick, the bank account boost, or just to prove you could do it, you deserve a medal.
You’ve definitely put in the work, and you’ve probably noticed the rewards, like better sleep, clearer mornings, and way more energy, already pouring in.
Even though there are still a few more days to go, you’re most likely already wondering what you’re going to do when November 1 comes around.
And if you have your eye on the calendar, you will already know that the first is on a Saturday.
During the challenge, you might have realised that weekends can be tricky with your friends being in party mode.
Of course, you will be tempted to celebrate with a bottle of bubbly for having made it to the finish line.
While you can certainly celebrate this achievement, you don't have to erase all the amazing progress you’ve made.
Instead of seeing the end of the month as a license for a free-for-all, see it as the start of a smarter, more balanced lifestyle.
Sober October was your awesome practice run. Now, let’s talk about how to keep that feeling going strong.
Soak up your wins
Before you even think about ordering that first drink, take a minute to really tune into how good you feel at the moment.
Remember the energy you have now. The kind that gets you out of bed on a Sunday without a fuzzy head.
That feeling is your reward for better sleep quality and a healthier liver, and you definitely shouldn't ditch it.
Your brain has been running on high-efficiency fuel, too. You’ve likely been more productive and focused, which means your mental health has probably gotten a nice little lift.
Then there’s the money you’ve been saving. That in itself is a major bonus.
You’ve proven you can have a great time without dropping a ton of cash.
A balanced lifestyle isn't about deprivation, but about choosing what makes you feel great more often, and you already know what that is now.
You now wake up refreshed.
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Embrace mindful drinking
For most people, the goal isn't necessarily to be completely sober forever but to stop being on autopilot. That’s where mindful drinking comes in.
It’s basically about slowing down and choosing your drinks with real intention.
This is your new game plan for that first Saturday and all the weekends after.
Decide before you go out exactly how many drinks you’ll have and stick to that!
Make a rule to have a glass of water, a cool drink, or a mocktail between every alcoholic drink, which helps pace yourself.
You should also embrace the alcohol-free options.
The alcohol-free movement has exploded, so most bars and stores have incredible non-alcoholic beers, wines, and craft beverages.
You can still enjoy a sophisticated drink without the hangover.
Set a limit and stick to it.
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Protect your new habits
When you stopped drinking, you probably replaced that time and energy with better things.
These are the sober habits you should try and stick to.
Did you start going for evening workouts or taking those peaceful strolls?
Keep those time slots sacred because that feeling is way better than sinking onto the couch with a drink.
You should also stay busy in a good way.
Maybe you got back into reading, picked up a hobby, or spent more quality time with your partner or friends; don't let drinking steal that time back.
Finally, own your choice. For those social situations, practice your exit line.
"I'm actually feeling great taking a break right now," or "I'm sticking to the ginger beer tonight," works just fine.
If you've become more active this month, continue doing so.
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When you’ve successfully done Sober October, you don't need to apologise for choosing what makes you feel awesome.
You’ve already done the hardest part, which is breaking the habit loop.
Now, whether you decide to be Sober Curious and cut back dramatically, or continue to be completely sober, remember that your Sober October success is proof that you are 100% in control of your choices.