10 Reasons I’m Happier Without Alcohol | My Sober Curious Journey

When I ventured into this minimalistic lifestyle, I had no idea it would lead me down the path of a sober curious journey. I’ve dabbled in dry Januaries [ or months ] before, which have become rather mainstream lately. But I never took it to a serious lifestyle change. Last summer, I decided – for my health, to go on this sober curious path for real & potentially give up alcohol for good. I would categorize myself as the “social drinker”, college being the forefront to this slight habit. I wouldn’t necessarily say I had a problem per say, but I didn’t like the way that I was when I drank, so I’ve decided to make a change. And this past year, I’ve noticed just how happy I am without it. Here’s 10 Reasons I’m Happier Without Alcohol:

I’m More Emotionally Aware

Alcohol really numbs certain emotions & can heighten others. One of the biggest reasons I enjoy living an alcohol free life is no longer feeling so anxious as I go to sleep & when I wake up. People say hangovers are bad, but I would say the alcohol induced anxiety is neck & neck. Not only this, but I think people tend to use alcohol to numb their feelings. This was evident with my grief journey after losing my dad a year ago. Instead of meeting my grief head on, I would drown it out with White Claws & glasses of wine. And you can’t put your grief on pause. It only makes it harder to cope with the longer you let it linger.

I Sleep Better

It’s scientifically proven that alcohol can alter your REM sleep. I remember countless nights out, coming home so restless & feeling so groggy the next day. Instead, I feel more rested & have much more productive & enjoyable days without alcohol in my system.

I’ve Discovered New Hobbies

I no longer spend my weekends at bars or breweries [ unless there’s tasty food ] which has lead me to discover tons of new hobbies. I’ve always been an avid reader. But thanks the book community online & the pandemic, reading has become such a wholesome part of my life. I honestly wouldn’t know what to do without books. It’s nice to have a hobby like this that is just for me. I’ve also been enjoying the outdoors a lot more [ even during the winter ]. Hiking has become such a relaxing & meditative practice for me. It’s one of my favorite activities to do with my family. The world is so beautiful. It’s so important to look up from our phones once & a while.

I’m More Present

I no longer go through the motions with blurred vision. I am more intentional with my time & recall moments much clearer. I try to really take in my tasks even if it’s simply eating breakfast. I think we all tend to get in the habit of rushing our days.

I Look for More Experiences

I seriously have the travel bug lately. I’m constantly looking up ideas for weekend getaways, vacations & events. We have so many fun things to look forward to this summer / this year. I tend to look outside the box more & really ask myself what I want to see if this life. A few travels / events we have on the books include Virginia Beach, a Caribbean Cruise, a weekend in New York City, a sunset sailing trip & the Preakness.

I Enjoy My Own Company

I’ve always considered myself an extroverted introvert. I enjoy social gatherings with the right company. Lately, I’ve been at peace with my own company. I’m always busying myself with writing, reading or solo outings. I think it’s so important to be content with our own company because it has really helped me grown as an individual. We know ourselves better than anyone else anyway.

I Have Better Relationships

In balance with my alone time, I have better relationships than I have ever had in the past. Unfortunately, it has lead to losing some & gaining others. But as Drake says, “I’m losing friends and finding peace.” When you make a lifestyle change such as this one, you start to realize who your real friends are.

I’ve Gained More Confidence

I am the most confident I have ever been with myself. Some of that comes with age, but when you decide to let go of something such as alcohol, you really have to learn to be good with yourself. It sounds silly, but my outward appearance has changed for the better which has seeped internally as well. I have more fashion inspiration, creativity & motivation for the future & meeting certain goals.

I No Longer Feed into Peer Pressure

The biggest reason you need more confidence is the peer pressure that comes with drinking. I’ve had to really stand my ground & say no a lot more than ever before. People will say, “oh just one won’t hurt.” or “just take a quick sip.” It’s ridiculous how powerful alcohol has on society.

I’ve Striving For Bigger & Better Things

Now that alcohol is no longer a focus, I am able to brainstorm more for myself. There is so much more to life than drinking & alcohol. I love how healthy I feel. I look forward to the next phases in my life like starting a family, motherhood, possibly adding a fur baby to the mix, moving & traveling around the world. I’m manifesting bigger & better things for me career wise & no longer selling myself short.

I’m not against drinking alcohol & I’m able to be around it just fine. This has simply been a choice I’ve made for myself & one I’m so happy I decided to make. The fact of the matter is, I wasn’t at my greatest potential with alcohol ruling my days. And at the moment, I don’t see myself going back.

-B