Sober Spring, anyone?

[RuLu]

I'm going to give Sober Spring a go. I've signed up on the dry January app & am hoping I can stick to it! I need a break from drinking & the poor decisions/poor food choices that go alongside it! I know I'll struggle as the evenings get warmer and lighter but I've got to give it a try! I'm going to try & exercise & get out with the dog a bit more in the hope that helps!

If anyone fancies joining me, that would be amazing

I'm in, I want a sober birthday (end of this month) and a sober Easter at least but I would like to keep going. I'm on day 9 today. I did 74 days over Christmas and felt great but then it crept up again so I've nipped it in the bud.

I hear you about the lighter, warmer evenings - the sun came out here late Sat afternoon and I immediately thought of a nice cold glass (well wouldn't be one!) of wine - I managed to shut that voice down but I need to work on distraction techniques when this voice gets really loud or when I'm stressed as that is also a trigger!

Glad you can join me! I am on day 2 so a little bit behind you!!

I've tried to fill my Netflix watchlist to help distract myself!!!

Strategies welcome as my main one is go to bed & sleep!!!!

I need to get in an AF zone and mindset of what alcohol is doing to my body so I immerse myself in Quit Lit, sober instagram accounts and also lots of reading on the alcohol free board on here.

For me going to bed early gets me through the first few days but it's not enough longer term

I'll join you. I haven't had a drink since January 1st and I was alcohol dependent before.
I'm talking 4-5 drinks a night every night.
But a little voice is creeping back in, telling me I'm missing it and one won't hurt.
I nearly caved yesterday.
I really am trying to do a full year but it's getting harder by the day.
Dry spring we can do it :)

I'm hoping I have the willpower! I'm trying to get back on the diet too so am having an early night to avoid snacking as well!!!!

I'm in! I'm so sick of the time (life!) wasted on drinking/being hungover. It's not going to be easy because I love feeling drunk... reason enough to take a break, I think.

What's the longest people have managed previously? I have stopped for 55 days around two years ago.

I managed 74 days - I decided I didn't want to drink over the festive period and get more and more run down and generally feel tired and rubbish so mid-November I stopped and really enjoyed it. Not sure why I started again late Jan.

Anyway I am doing 100 days now and I read somewhere to Not Question the Decision so when my mind starts wandering I try and bring it back to the present day and also my resolve to do 100 days - hoping that will help!

I'm also in! 80 days AF today.
Lots of sober life podcasts and AF instagram. Focusing on my children. AF drinks in the fridge. Being the driver when go out. Positives of being able to get up super early and read and do some exercise without a hangover.

Went out for a friends birthday this eve. I was driver & I can honestly say, I didn't miss it! Got home, sleepy bedtime tea & call the midwife on iplayer!! Perfect evening

Not so easy now it's Friday!!!!

Hi, I'll join! Got a bit reliant again since Jan. Not had a drink since last Sat, if I last this weekend ill be breaking the habit. Already more energy, more patience and sleeping better.....plus I'm broke so can't continue 'treating' myself when the kids are in bed

Just had to push through a huge craving to go to the pub for a tea time pint... I was surprised by how strong that urge was! I'm going to do some yoga instead. 🧘‍♀️

It worked... the craving has passed!

What's everyone up to this 'dry' Friday night?

Luckily I have a quiet weekend socially coming up - just the pub on Sunday but I can do that dry quite easily as I need to drive anyway

Tonight I'm on the 0% friexenet sparkling and will watch Everywhere Everything All at Once - sleepover here so I will be glad in the morning I was dry as there will probably be an early start 😂

For those on weekend 1 - once you get one done the next is much easier

@Mincepieeyes22 I love that film! Enjoy!

Totally with you on the sleepover 😁

This is ny first weekend but next weekend will be the bog test as going out woth friends both Fri and Sat... they are all big drinkers!

I avoided the pub after work! Had kid stuff to do til 9.30pm! Now watching a bit of TV before bed! We can do this xx

I have anxiety about an outdoor music thing - it's not til May but with a big drinker friend who I know won't like me not drinking. Not sure whether to tell friends on the night (with an excuse) or get them used to the idea a few days before

I will be interested to hear how your Fri and Sat goes - once you've done Fri, Sat will be a breeze!

Well done for avoiding! I missed book club (wine club) last week as too much temptation to drink. I don't want to become a recluse so I will force myself to go next month (it's a late start and finish but hopefully by then I won't be falling asleep by 9pm!) . Yes we can do it! Xx

Hi can I please join you all. I would like to have a break from alcohol completely for a while.

Another argument with my lovely hubby last night. Always after drinking, we have both agreed it must stop. We are both heavy drinkers so it will be hard but the alternative isn’t good. I’ve signed up to a womens only Smart recovery meeting it’s this Thursday so my aim is to stay sober till then .

Tricky evening last night - had an old friend staying and usually would have sunken quite a few (a lot of) drinks. Husband and friend drank beers then wine. I had a non alcohol beer and I think my friend thought I was drinking normally. He didn't even seem to notice I wasn't drinking wine. I've told my husband not to tell anyone I have given up as don't want the 'why?' 'Are you an alcoholic!?' type questions/banter.
Basically no one cares when you don't drink. Everyone is consumed with themselves and their next drink. This realisation has been fab! I woke up fresh as a daisy, husband nursing a headache. It is great to feel no sickness/anxiety/ alcohol induced tiredness. One day at a time all.

I'm on day 87 AF. Xx

Thats fab @cruisingwater you seem to be at the stage that I would like to reach 🙌

I'm socialising this coming weekend and already worried that I will either crack due to peer pressure or stay on track but feel bored and left out.

Well done!

Amazing!! I did that a couple of weeks ago & no one noticed. They were just surprised when I got into my car to drive home!!!
You're so right, people are consumed by what they are drinking themselves. I know I am when I drink!! That's such a good point & I'll remember that!

I cracked yesterday when out for dinner with friends. Everyone was on cocktails and it was agreed the bill would be split evenly so that was that!

Weirdly, at one point during the night I came to the realisation that I probably could have abstained and still enjoyed myself and no-one would have cared! I'm just weak!

I'll get back on the wagon but do feel disappointed in myself.

Hope you are all more successful than I have been at this.

Can I join you all? Currently feeling very proud of myself for having a dry Saturday night. I nearly caved several times but kept telling myself it was the 1st of the month abd if I drink today, I will have "ruined it" and nay as well drink tomorrow too. It worked. I drank ginger and lemon kombucha whilst I cooked dinner - once I get past that stage I'm fine. I plan to do the same tomorrow.

I'm a "bottle of wine most nights, sometimes an extra glass or 2 on weekends" kind of drinker. Which puts me in the top 10% of heavy drinkers according to the drink less app. That's got to change! Thank you for having me - keep it up everyone