New year, new you
It’s at this time of year, where we think about what’s important to us.
What do you want to achieve in 2021 and how will you achieve this? Is there anything getting in your way?
2 years ago, I asked myself these questions. I was bored of being hungover, the fear the day after the night before and I knew that the time it took to recover could be spent better. I felt like I was spending a lot of money on alcohol which could be spent on treating myself. I work hard and I wanted to enjoy my time off more. I wanted to feel a real connection, that I would remember afterwards.
Spending time thinking about your why is really important. Maybe you want more energy to pursue passion projects, to sleep better, to get fit, you don’t want the kids to see you like this anymore and you want to spend more quality time with them, dealing with your job with a hangover has got too much to handle? Everyone’s WHY will be different.
Why?
Write it down. It’s easy to forget your why as time goes by, so make sure that you have it to refer to when you need a reminder. It can be so easy to slip back into a bad habit if you do not have this to reference. It’s like any relationship and over time it can be easy to forget why it wasn’t right for you and we can romanticise this, especially when others around you are drinking and not experiencing the same side effects as you.
If you do decide that alcohol isn’t serving you anymore then I recommend finding a drink that you enjoy which can be your go-to. Stock the cupboards up and when the pubs and restaurants open, you need to be prepared, make sure you know what you will order before being put on the spot. Most restaurants have their menu online, so you can work out what you will order ahead of time.
There is plenty to do that does not involve alcohol. Find a new hobby and get it booked in. There is so much to do online now too, so you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your own living room. Having something to look forward to whether that be yoga, boxing, dancing, art, singing, cooking, pottery, knitting …I could go on and on, the point is that this is unique to you and brings you joy. What have you always wanted to do, but never had the time/energy to do? Plan ahead and make time. Fill your diary and replace old bad habits, with new healthy ones.
Schedule in treats to look forward to, work out how much money would usually be spent on alcohol and put some of it aside to treat yourself. Never been able to afford that massage, course, holiday with the kids {insert luxury here}? Well, if you do this, then you soon can! The pounds add up.
Set a time for your challenge. Maybe you are doing Dry January, maybe you want to think longer-term like I did (I did a year and now I am 2 years sober and will never look back). If you just need a reboot then a month might do the trick, if you are looking to form new habits and want to change your relationship with alcohol then I would recommend between 3-6 months. This is when you start to see and feel a difference.
Tell friends and family about your new healthier way of living. Explain your whys, help them to understand your choice. Do not let others change your mind for you. If they can enjoy an alcoholic drink, without the negatives that you experience, then that’s great for them, but everyone is different. Kindly remind them of this fact and don’t let others ambush your decision.
Whatever you are looking to change. Be proud and prepare x