Sober Spring: What Next?

Alcohol Guidance

Happy week eleven Sober Springers! Whilst you might have noticed some major changes to your physical and mental health - have you noticed any changes in your confidence levels?

I’m Millie Gooch, founder of the Sober Girl Society, here to bring you some brilliant tips on tackling Sober Spring – the three-month break from alcohol.

If so – today’s blog from fellow Alcohol Change Ambassador Fraser Franks is the perfect read.

With the end of Sober Spring in sight, you may have found yourself debating the big question – to continue or not to continue. Now, whatever you choose to do is up to you but the wonderful thing about this period of abstinence is that it allows you to understand your relationship with alcohol better so that if you do choose to go back to it, you will hopefully be able to do so mindfully, incorporating everything you’ve learned along the way.

As you hurtle towards the end of Spring, here are a few pointers for ensuring that you don’t slip back into old habits!

1. Keep engaging with the alcohol-free world

There are absolutely tonnes of amazing books, podcasts, courses and social media accounts available at the touch of a button, so be sure to keep them close. Maybe commit yourself to a weekly podcast episode or breaking up your social feed with alcohol-free accounts. We are often said to be what we consume, so peppering these things into our daily lives can really help.

2. Mindful mixology

If you do plan to go back to drinking, there are some practical ways that you can ensure you’re being mindful about your consumption. Consider using an app like Try Dry® to track your units and invest in measuring apparatus like a jigger or wine measure to make sure your small glasses don’t accidentally turn into large ones. You could also use the Unit Calculator from Alcohol Change UK to gain more understanding of what you’re really drinking.

3. Take regular breaks

Changing your relationship with alcohol is a rarely a ‘one and done’ thing so think about setting yourself a new challenge. Maybe a sober summer is on the cards? Taking regular breaks from alcohol has so many benefits – even if you decide to return every spring!

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