Well Well Well with Rosamund Dean: Why Sober October could be the shift you need right now
When it comes to initiatives like Dry January and Sober October, there are three types of people:
1. “It’s a good reason to have a break from alcohol, which is always worth doing.”
2. “Why be sober for a month? Just drink sensibly all year!”
3. “Sobriety is for loserzzzzz, get the drinks in!”
In my 20s, I confess that I was in the third category. Boozing was the pervading culture in my social circle, my family, at work and in the media. I didn’t know anyone who didn’t drink alcohol, literally no one! Now I have several teetotal friends, and most of them only drink occasionally - never to the point of obliteration.
I guess this is something that naturally happens as you get older. Over 30, it takes longer to recover from a hangover and you become more aware of the health risks, which are unfortunately worse for women (the evidence on alcohol and breast cancer is quite the disincentive). Then there’s the fact that, all of a sudden, getting drunk stops being cute and starts looking a bit tragic. Sorry, but you know it does!
The idea of choosing ongoing moderation over occasional sobriety makes sense on paper. But, as I wrote in Mindful Drinking, a month off serves two purposes: first to reset your relationship with alcohol, and second, just to show that you can. You’d be amazed how many people think they can stop drinking at any time, and then find it much harder than expected when they actually try it.
So if you want to give it a go, here’s how to get it right…
Identify your drinking triggers. Are you a social drinker? Or is it more about a glass of wine at home? Maybe it’s work events where you hop off the wagon? Once you know when and where you’re most likely to drink, then you can address that.
Plan ahead. If you’re going out to meet friends, see the drinks menu in advance, so that you’re walking into the bar or restaurant knowing exactly which alcohol-free drink you’re planning to order. Never decide on the spur of the moment (those are rarely the best decisions).
Not drinking used to mean you had to stand there in the corner with your *shudder* J20. That’s no longer the case. From 0% beers to AF cocktails, you can have a drink in your hand that makes you feel good, and won’t look out of place.
Remember that human beings are ridiculously suggestible (yes, even you). If there’s booze in your house, you will drink it. So stock your fridge with delicious alcohol-free options.
I wrote about the best AF options here, and recent favourites include…
Functional, flavour-packed SipZen, whose sparkling tonics and teas use adaptogens like sea moss, lemon balm and ginseng to energise without caffeine crashes.
Lucky Saint’s brand new Superior German Weissbier is described as “a hazy amber beer with a velvety white head and a fruit-forward finish.” A must-try for beer lovers.
Counter Culture developed this Citrus Yuzu Soda for Dry January, which is good enough to drink all year round.
Mood-boosting Sentia enhances your brain’s GABA neurotransmitter, promoting feelings of calm and relaxation. They recently launched Gabyr, a functional AF beer, and Cask, a whiskey-style spirit.
Kombucha is my go-to because it’s deliciously celebratory, plus good for your gut. And LA Brewery are celebrating the launch of their new Sparkling White Rose in a can with 20% off for you. Use the code ROSAMUND20 at check-out.
