Stopping drinking for a while

[Patbutcherismyhero]

Throughout lockdown I've gradually started drinking more and more. I now usually only have one day off a week. Last night I drank way too much and was sick, slept terribly and today I just feel awful mentally and physically. I need to cut back. It's become far too much far too often.

I hate waking in the night with anxiety and having to check my phone to if I put any shit on social media. I don't usually get hangovers but I always feel tired and lacking in motivation. Alcohol has become such a big part of my life but I know it's not healthy and I really need to stop for a while. Anyone else?

Hi ladies,
Despite having 5 AF days last week I cracked Friday and had wine. So not stuck to the 30 day free yet.
Also drank Saturday, but I didn't drink nearly as much as I usually do. There were no hangovers or anxiety and I got lots done.
I'm going to try go six days AF this week, managed 5 last week so should be doable.
Going to friends for takeaway and wine Saturday, so that will be my non AF night.

I'm not going to beat myself up too much over drinking at the weekend. That just makes me feel bad and give up.
I cut down, so I'm gonna take that as a win.

@starskey80 - well done, it’s all a step forward and really positive!

I told a few other friends today about giving up and they were really positive about it. We’re meeting up for dinner next week. I’ve not done much socialising without a drink so it will take a bit of getting used to. I found Virgin Marys which are just as good as a Bloody Mary! I also just did a big online order of AF cider and cocktails to have something nice to drink in the evenings.

I like the sound of virgin marys!

@RandomGirl

I like the sound of virgin marys!

Yes they’re delicious! You don’t miss the alcohol at all and they’re actually positively good for you

Railingsohno

I’m going to add some Big Tom’s to my Tesco shop!

Day 1 AF done! It wasn’t really a challenge as I can normally do Mondays but I want to celebrate my mindset, I’m feeling very positive. Gotta just think one day at a time though, the end of the week is my challenge.

Caught my naked reflection last night whilst sat on the end of the bed - it is positively gross. All bloated and flabby - gotta change that. Hopefully that will be one of the added bonuses of being AF. I can just see so many positives that will come out if it, I want to do this do badly!

Thanks again to everyone on this thread for all of your inspiring posts!

Time to get out of bed and face the day!

@Railingsohno telling people is a great step, glad they were receptive and supportive about it.

I had a hard day yesterday, without the structure of work and the company of the kids the day just stretches endlessly.

I like hiking/walking new routes but lack the confidence to go alone - had a nice one planned for Thursday but my friend has cancelled. I think I'll drive to a popular trek today where I won't worry about being alone, it's too hard staying in alone all day

@RandomGirl there is a quit drinking app that calculates how much money/calories you save not drinking and the health benefits I find it really motivating. Well done on day 1.

fluckityfluckfluck

I love the sound of that!

I love waking so much, it’s something I really want to get back into doing again. I find excuses not to do it (like my daughter is 7 so won’t be able to walk far) but to be honest, I think that’s an excuse. You’ve done so fantastically well with your journey so far (AF - not the walking! Although that is also fabulous ). How are your cravings? Are they lessening each day now?

Morning all.
Well done @RandomGirl it's all about mindset!
@fluckityfluckfluck the days are so long at the moment aren't they? Do you work from home? For me that's been a major trigger to over eating and drinking simply because there's no structure and routine to my day anymore. Well there is but it's so dull than the eating and drinking happens out of sheer boredom usually.
Going into day 3 AF and have plans which include driving tonight so won't be drinking today either. I have no idea how long I'll keep it up. Usually I can only make it to day 3 and then I feel as if I have earned a drink. But I feel quite happy at the moment without it.

Patbutcherismyhero

That’s brilliant - especially as there was a weekend day involved! Great that you’ve got plans this evening that will take you past the trigger time! My husband is hopefully finishing early today so I’ve suggested that we go down to the coast again today so will hopefully result in another day AF. Plus, it’s something that I love to do so should hopefully add to my positive mindset

p.s how do you actually reply to people on this? I just copy and paste people’s names but I’m sure that’s now how you alert someone that they’ve been mentioned in a post?

Yes @Patbutcherismyhero! Great news, bloody well done.

If you use the @ @RandomGirl it links to the person, a list should appear for you to select from.... I don't have any real cravings now it's more about the instinct from habit to open a bottle if you know what I mean.

I've a hot yoga class booked tonight that I'm going to alone - totally out of my comfort zone but will not let myself cancel. I've lost a stone now since the start of all this and can feel the change as well as see it which is motivating

@fluckityfluckfluck thanks! That worked!

I want to get myself to exactly where you are right now. And going to a class alone makes me feel queasy at the thought but I also want to conquer these inner demons. Keep up the amazing effort - you’re a fantastic inspiration!!

Well done everyone. I’m now back in the cold! It’s pouring down here but I’m going to drag myself up to do a Zoom bootcamp. Exercise is the key, I think. Enjoy your hot yoga and hike @fluckityfluckfluck. I wonder if there’s a walking group you could join? Also, a bit left field but do you have a dog? Our dog is fantastic and brings do much to our lives. 💗 Not sure of your work situation but would be lovely company for you.

@RandomGirl - enjoy the Virgin Mary’s. Plenty of spice/kick is the key 💪🏻

Well done @Patbutcherismyhero

@Patbutcherismyhero I work in a school (non teaching) and contract is term time plus 4 weeks so am off for two weeks now. Normally I can go into school which gives me structure and company....I was very bad over Easter when just at home for over two weeks

@Railingsohno welcome back! I miss having a dog but can't commit to it during non covid times, it wouldn't be fair. Though I have had the same thoughts as you re the company.

I also found myself drinking more when I was balancing wfh and a toddler. In June I realised I wasn't getting any pleasure from it anymore and realised how much money I was spending on wine (maybe two bottles a week).

I also gained a few KG and decided I would prefer to give up wine than chocolate 😂. So now I'm doing intermittent fasting and look forward to having one chocolate bar a day, after dinner. I've now lost the lockdown kilos and have set my target a little lower. It's been so worth it.

Morning all!
Welcome back @Railingsohno!
Nice one @Patbutcherismyhero! That sounds really positive.
Enjoy hot yoga @fluckityfluckfluck!
Well done @RandomGirl, going well.

Glad all are doing well. Sorry if I've missed people in here. Woke up feeling hungover- am not! But very hot in my house. Definitely dont miss this feeling

@starskey80 that sounds like progress! And a healthy mindset.
Sorry yesterday was hard for you @fluckityfluckfluck.

@RandomGirl hear you re the walking, my daughter is the same age. I get her to take her scooter so l can at least walk faster

Nice to see you @Cherrybakewellll, I hope you are okay x

I’m waiting on a response from MN to tell me why I can’t get on this post unless someone tags me

Health wise I had an initial result which said I had some severe cell changes but that it’s a case of monitoring and seeing what happens. They didn’t use the dreaded word that was initially batted about. So hoping it’s not as bad as I first feared.

I spoke at length last night with my husband about the way I feel about myself and obviously the drinking is the issue. Mainly the fact the drinking is evidentially the only reason I’m not shifting the weight. That and lack of exercise but that I can sort quite easily. He admits that he’s overweight but only by about half a stone (he was 17.5 stone when he owned the last pub and he’s dropped 3 stone since then so to be fair he’s made a major change without really trying). He doesn’t want to stop drinking, he wants to stop Monday to Thursday but wants to be able to have what he wants at the weekends which I have to say I think is fair.
I on the other hand think I need to do a proper stint of no drinking. I’ve said it so many times but I’m starting to think I have to do almost a ‘crash course’. It’s DH birthday next week and we have a staycation so I’m going to just enjoy that and then after that I’m going to aim for 30 days AF.

I climbed Pendle Hill! It was fabulous. Now in the garden with a coke and a mars ice cream. That all sounds very positive @Cherrybakewellard and agree with you re a stint of af time to get a handle on things

Hi.

I've been quiet on this thread: which usually means I'm back to my old ways of drinking. It is just creeping up again. I use every excuse in the book: nice weather, socialising, stress. I feel so ashamed. But, I'm not going to drink tonight. Day 1, again.

I have a few AF days and then tuck into the booze to make up for those missing units. Then the AF days become fewer and fewer. It is such a dreadful habit and today I just feel so low, sad and ashamed. Again.

Kudos @fluckityfluckfluck, you're doing so well. And well done @Patbutcherismyhero on 3 days AF! Hi new joiners, sorry I can't tag you too, I'm on my phone and am terrible at remembering names and multitasking!

@Sauvignonismysaviour welcome back! Here's to a fresh new start. Be kind to yourself, it's bloody hard

@Sauvignonismysaviour it's good to see you back. I often go quiet too when I have nothing positive to report. But this isn't a judgemental thread. Some of us aren't even trying to stop altogether, just be healthier and more in control of our habits.

I've foolishly agreed to meet friends this weekend.....at the pub. I think the socialising aspect will do me good but I highly doubt I'll manage to stay AF. We'll see how it goes and if I can stay AF til the weekend I'll count that as a win.

I haven't had alcohol for 2 and a half years but I don't miss it. A good way to cut down is buy yourself some nice other drinks - I love flyte, Tenzing (esp the pink one), ginger and tonic water, lime and tonic and ice. That way if you fancy something you can fix it quickly and don't have to resort to alcohol. Good luck

We went down to the beach tonight and went for a swim in the sea. Was really relaxing and ink didn’t fancy a drink at all. I actually fancied a flask of tea! But anyway, it occupied the time that I would normally start to think about having a drink.
My best friend suggested meeting up on Saturday for ‘lunch’ but i actually said that I would have to let her know as I wasn’t drinking this weekend. And she just said, ‘yeah that’s no problem as I’ll probably be knackered on Saturday. She also said about her plans for Friday night and Sunday which all involve alcohol and I had no FOMO at all. Today has been a good day. ❤️

@Sauvignonismysaviour , welcome back , one day at a time is all you need to do , good luck

@Cherrybakewellll
Did MNHQ sort out you been able to get on the thread ?
You are going through a very tough time with your health but that result is def a positive.
It sounds like your DH is very supportive which will hopfully be helpful .
His weight loss is impressive , I know from past experience it's not just the drink that puts the weight on but the long hrs and grabbing food on the hoof and eating late at night ,fish finger butties were my go to after work meal until a pizza shop opened up the road it went down hill from there

@Patbutcherismyhero
Do you think it's worth telling your friends this weekend that you are trying to cut down , will the support you ? Even if just the first few drinks are AF that would be good.

@BlueJava
I agree having a good alternative is the only way I could of got this far without them I would of failed a long time ago. The down side is it's costing me more and I am not loading any weight