To all the AF mumsnetters! What changes have you noticed?

[bettydaviseyes1]

Its day 18 of dry January and I'd like to hear your experience of changes you've noticed since giving up alcohol (doesnt matter how long). I'm hoping for it to encourage me

So far I've noticed...
Better skin! I cant believe it, I always tried out different skin products a d none ever made a difference but suddenly ones I've been using for months have started to make my skin glow and some finer lines have nearly gone! It must be going off the booze! Someone even mentioned the other day I looked refreshed and it's not sleep because this leads me onto my next point...

My sleep is terrible. I thought giving up alcohol was meant to help you sleep better. When I drank I fell asleep easily but woke up during the night. Now it can take hours to fall asleep but once I'm out I'm out.

No weightloss and still very bloaty. Bit disappointed with this one because I dint think I'm eating more to compensate or treat myself. I also am cooking more at home because I dont have the hangover urge for a kebab or Burger King. I'm also still bloated in my stomach which makes me think I'm lactose intolerant.

Motivation and energy has gone up in the evenings but not changed in the mornings, maybe lack of sleep?

Mood hasnt improved but I think I'm more rational when experiencing them if that makes sense? Like I have more perspective.

I dont notice any other changes but maybe these are to come?

[SilverLiningSearching]

Bloat in face gone, some improvement to Rosacea. Not lost much weight, but tummy less bloated.
Sleep was tricky at first, had to get some Sominax, but needing them less now.
Been getting restless leg some nights which is annoying.

[Ladywinesalot]

Tummy bloating down
Better sleep
Engage with my family instead of numbing myself
Not grumpy in the morning
No panic attack in middle of night
Constant hunger has gone
Drinking lots of water
I can exercise better
Brain fog gone

But...
My skin has got worse
My anxiety is high in day
Very emotional
No weight loss

[AnarchicLemming]

Not completely AF but set reducing goal on TryDry. Cut baseline by half since 1 Jan and feel great just for that.

Definitely sleeping better, less pale in the face, eyes look brighter. Brain more awake, far less irritable. Waking up feeling reasonably alert. Plus I realised I was drinking mainly when my ex is being a dick about the kids. Lightbulb moment. My liver cells are worth far more than that.

[Hohofortherobbers]

I sleep so well its incredible. I am. Energetic and motivated, I am a far better mother. I am proud of myself every day, not ashamed.

[Ingridla]

I'm on day 9 of being AF and my skin is definitely a bit better, face isn't as puffy however I haven't lost any weight which is annoyingly as its partly why I've stopped! I struggled to get to sleep initially so used Nytol but no need for the past few nights. I feel calmer, less stressed and generally better about myself.

[Amdone123]

I've lost 5lbs.
I am sleeping better. Even if I am awake through the night, it's not with a banging head or a mouth like the bottom of an ashtray.
I haven't smoked ( only smoke when drinking).
I am bursting with energy.
My skin is lovely.
I am feeling happy / positive even with everything that's going on.
The house is clean!
I just realised that I have hardly spent any money this month.

Day 19 and going strong.

[Rumblebear]

Almost the opposite of you! Face less bloated, tummy much less bloated, sleep pretty good but skin not improved at all-in fact my dry/rosacea patch has got worse. Doubt I've lost weight as I deliberately haven't tried to diet at same time.

But also less anxious overall, more energy (except when I'm cold which is all the time now) and realised that "craving" I get at 6-7ish for a glass of wine has gone

[GalOopNorth]

Been AF for over a year. I have more time! I enjoy things more (meals, events, special occasions - not that there have been many nights out this year) because I am fully present and can drive home after. I am a much more patient and fun mum. I feel proud and relieved that I have done this for my health.
Haven’t lost any weight.

[SnoopyMcLoopy]

Better skin. So far 2kg weight loss but I am also doing fast 800 16:8. More energy and not falling asleep on the sofa in the evenings. My sleep is very light though so hoping that will improve. I'm only 11 days in though and plan to go till 12th Feb if not beyond so def hoping for another 3kg weight loss 😀