If you are looking for some easy and useful tips to quit drinking, then this post is exactly for you. Trust me, I know the feeling!
If you have woken up to yet ANOTHER hangover and you keep asking yourself “why again?” then this article is for you.
Many people enjoy a few drinks every now and then as it is engrained in much of our culture. And that’s 100% fine!
However, the problem comes when alcohol consumption starts having negative effects on your life.
Your mood starts to swing more often, you feel anxious and depressed, you can’t make any good decisions, and you just feel physically off.
Whether you have already begun your alcohol-free journey, or you are planning on commencing soon, please know that there are a few tips that will help you stay off the drink!
Personally, I am in my third month of being totally alcohol free, and plan on keeping it this way for a long time.
Tips To Quit Drinking Alcohol
Today I will be sharing my top 8 tips on how to quit drinking alcohol. These tips have worked for me, and I feel better than ever!
Here are 8 tips for you to stop drinking alcohol right now!
Tip #1: Have Mini Goals Set Out
Whether you plan on going sober forever, or are doing a 90 or 180 day cleanse, you need to set yourself a few smaller goals.
Create milestones, and focus on achieving them one by one.
Make your first goal to go through week one without a sip, then the second week, then celebrate getting to day 30 without drinking, and so on.
This really breaks it up and allows you to not think too far ahead.
Tip #2: Spend Time With The Right People
By this I mean try hang out with people who aren’t constantly getting hammered, especially in the early stages.
These types of people will not really pay much attention to your sobriety journey, and will try and get you back on the booze as soon as possible.
Early on, reach out to friends who you know aren’t heavy drinkers and who will support you. This helps with having you not feel like a complete outsider.
Tip #3: Double Down With Fitness
This is the biggest game changer for me.
When deciding to quit alcohol, I made the choice to get as fit as possible at the same time.
It works out to be a double win! As I already feel much better from just cutting out the booze, but I also am now on this long journey to get as fit as possible.
The end result really helps you with quitting alcohol, as you start to focus so much on your physical progress that you don’t want to ever ruin it again by going back on drinking alcohol again.
Tip #4: Treat Yo’self
For me, treating myself usually mean’t grabbing a bottle or two of good red wine at the store before cooking dinner.
Nowadays, I treat myself with coffee and cake!
Yes, eating too much sweet stuff isn’t exactly healthy, but you can’t expect yourself to go from being a regular drinker to only drinking water and eating clean.
Don’t be scared to treat yourself!
Tip #5: Tell People About It
I find that by telling friends and family that you are 100% committed to your sober journey, you almost are putting pressure on yourself to succeed.
This can be a positive thing, as you now have the responsibility of staying true to your word.
So go ahead and tell your close friends and family about your plans and goals!
Tip #6: Avoid Certain Places Early On
The early stages are the most challenging, and it’s when your self control might not be as strong as required.
Avoid going out to pubs and nightclubs. Especially in your first month or two.
Once you are at a stage where you know you cannot be broken, then it’s 100% fine to go and enjoy yourself with your friends. After a while you will feel perfectly normal having a soda water at the bar!
Tip #7: The Beginning Is The Toughest
Know that the first 30 to 60 says is probably the most challenging.
As you get through the days, you become more stronger mentally and you also start craving booze less and less.
I think it also has something to do with the mindset of “It’s only been a week, I may as well have a drink”.
When it’s been a month, two months, six months, then you find it almost impossible and a waste of time to go back to drinking as you have worked so hard to get to this point.
Tip #8: Keep At It!
There will definitely be days where you think “damn, I just want to have a beer now!”.
Just stay disciplined and committed to your goals, and when you feel cravings come your way, do something to take your mind off of it.
Go workout. Have something sweet to eat. Or bury yourself in some productive work!
Just keep focussed and keep going!
Cheers,
Richard-T
If you want more tips on healthy living, then don’t forget to follow my Healthy Living Pinterest board!
