Day 11 Stoptober. Feeling great.

[Thunderstorm8]

Hi. I wondered how the people are getting on so far with stoptober? I'm usually a mid week drinker.

Since not turning to alcohol and substituting it for herbal teas and fruit juices I feel really good. Mainly my mental attitude. I don't feel snappy or lethargic.

[Jimbo92]

Hi

I did it last year, had a profound effect on me. As you said, I didn’t feel lethargic, my sleep got better, my eating, I actually wanted to go to the gym and exercise. Even if you just do it for a month, it opens your eyes to all the cons of boozing

[Jimbo92 in reply to Jimbo92]

Also, just thought I’d add that the Heineken non alocoholic beer is probably the best nearest tasting thing. Which helped me a lot as I had the feeling of still joining in. That’s the worst part for me, the fear of not being involved anymore, that my life isn’t gonna be any fun without it.

So if you ever feel a struggle, grab yourself some Heineken or Corona alcohol free. Best ones in my opinion!!

[Thunderstorm8 in reply to Jimbo92]

My main struggle is mid week. I've never drunk alcohol on a weekend. I got so bored of feeling like utter crap and spending my money on it too. I've changed my outlook and relationship with alcohol and I know it's only been 13 days for me. Last time I went a week without alcohol was when I had covid so I didn't reep the benefits because I felt pants.

This group has really helped me and made me feel less shame. I'm a nurse and I'd like to think a good one. My priority is my patients, making them feel good and cared for. I don't hold any prejudice nore to I judge. I feel like I'm a con artist as I know I'd go home and drink up to 8 or 10 cans a night. It's definitely made me get to know myself and live myself. That sounds really corny 😕.

Even the nights we're watching films in bed and it's the little things. I'm not arsy or fly off the wall if my girls do or say something out of context. It's me who has the problem not anyone else. It's me who can't handle the heat not no one else. This is really deep but like I said I'm getting to know me again and I like me 🥰.

Thank you for reading guys. 🤗

[LilyAnnepuppy Ambassador in reply to Thunderstorm8]

You sound good. Just keep asking sober people to help you stay sober. Very few people can stay sober alone. I need a support system.

Also be aware that “non-alcoholic” drinks contain some alcohol. Plus using them keeps me “romancing the drink.” And my mindset had to change.

Keep up the good work a day at a time.

[YNWA68]

Hi, yes me too!! I’m on day 13 started a day early. I’ve done sober October for the past few years and last year I carried on through November. I find it a great way to keep myself accountable. I’m a drinker that can’t moderate I’m all or nothing. I do a majority of my drinking at home, when I drink I consume 2 bottles of wine and you guessed the rest I spiral in to anxiety and self loathing. My drinking and lifestyle are a massive contradiction. I’m a high functioning alcoholic. Apart from my husband no one knows of my internal struggles. I keep myself focused by booking gym classes in the morning and I love running too. When I’m not drinking I feel fabulous but my drinking is very habitual and I’m working very hard to break that blooming habit!!

All the best with your journey through October. See you on the other side 🤩

[Thunderstorm8 in reply to YNWA68]

I feel the same and can familiarise my habits and work/personal life. I am all or nothing too. I cycle to work 5 days a week which is 42 miles a week. I'm healthy physically and people at work think I am a health freak, yet don't know I turn to drink if my days are stressful. I too started on the Saturday and like you I'm 13 days. I am announcing it on a daily bases to my family and they are giving me some excellent encouragement. The mornings I am very sprightly and I'm setting off earlier for work as I feel like inwant to go. I love my job, I always have. I've changed my outlook. I have tried the aldi 0% and they're OK. I will look into some more, the ones people have advised on this thread.

Good luck to you too.

[YNWA68]

We just need to focus on how great we feel AF. I like the alcohol free ciders they are really nice. 😋 And ironically I can only manage a couple 😂

Keep strong 💪🚴‍♀️