Embracing an Alcohol-Free Lifestyle: My Journey Beyond The100 Day Challenge

Over 450 days ago, I embarked on a life-changing journey that began with a simple 100-day no-alcohol challenge.

As a DJ and avid clubber, I've spent years immersed in a culture where drinking was often the norm. But on December 27, 2023, I decided to take a step back and reassess my relationship with alcohol.

The challenge came at a pivotal time. Like many, I had fallen into the habit of "Wine o'clock" during the Covid lockdowns, eagerly awaiting Boris's 5 pm news updates with a glass in hand. This routine, coupled with years of social drinking, had taken its toll on my waistline and overall well-being.

What started as a 100-day experiment has now become a transformative lifestyle choice.

Here are some key reflections from my journey:

1. Breaking the cycle: I realised I hadn't gone a week without alcohol in over 30 years. This challenge was an eye-opener to how ingrained drinking had become in my life.

2. Social resilience: Surviving a New Year's Eve cocktail party without a drop of alcohol was a major victory. It proved I could enjoy social events without liquid courage.

3. Health benefits: The weight I gained during lockdown has started to melt away, and I'm feeling more energetic and clear-headed than ever.

4. Improved sleep: Without alcohol disrupting my sleep cycles, I'm enjoying more restorative rest and waking up refreshed.

5. Financial savings: Those rounds of drinks and bottles of wine really do add up. My bank account is thanking me for this change.

6. Support: I am still in the Whatsapp group with the original challengers. We have a nice little community of people helping one another not just around not drinking but positive vibes generally and helping a new intake of challengers this year. If you want to join us feel free to let me know we will happily add you too.

   
   

Mindset and Habit Change

I think the key to my alcohol free success has been a shift in mindset and changing my habits. Here are some strategies that helped me:

• Removing temptation: I cleared my home of alcohol - including a nice whiskey and bubbles I were saving for a special occasion.

• Placebo effect: I introduced zero-alcohol alternatives like zero% beers and zero% gin. Even though I never actually craved a drink, having these options as a placebo helped me feel like I wasn't missing out. Interestingly, I've found myself consuming far fewer of these alternatives than I would have of the real thing. Anything up to 0.5% is classed as alcohol free.

• Re-training the subconscious: It's all about reconditioning your mind to see alcohol as an optional part of life, not a necessity. This mindset shift has been incredibly empowering.

The Rewards

Over 450 days later, I'm still choosing to live an alcohol-free life, and it's serving me much better. The benefits are numerous:

• Weight loss: I've shed the pounds gained during lockdown.

• Better skin and hair: My complexion and hair health have improved significantly.

• Feeling healthier: Overall, I feel more vibrant and energetic.

• High Vibing with a like minded tribe: Surrounding yourself with people who encourage and support your growth is super powerful.

  
  

There are some amazing AF drinks out there these days so you need not stand in the corner with a lime and soda and feel like the odd one out. Take a look at options from Drydrinker for example. You can even get subscriptions like you can with craft beers and gin clubs. (Disclosure I get a small kickback for any referrals, feel free to buy from there or simply use the info to see whats available and see what you can get at the supermarket).

It's clear to me that this AF journey has been a resounding success, and it's all down to mindset and retraining your subconscious. If you're considering making a similar change, I encourage you to take the leap. You might be surprised at how much better life can be without alcohol.

Cheers to a clearer, healthier, and more vibrant life no alcohol required!