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

Today I reached a new milestone. 500 days ago, I embarked on a life-changing journey that began with a simple 100-day no-alcohol challenge.

As a time served DJ and time seasoned clubber, I've spent decades immersed in a culture where drinking was 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 coupled with years of social drinking, had taken its toll on my waistline and general well-being. What started as a 100-day experiment has now become a transformative clean living lifestyle choice.

A few key reflections:

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 alcohol had become in my life.

2. Social resilience: 3 days into my AF ways I survived a New Year's Eve cocktail party without a drop of alcohol, this 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.

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 and spiced rum really do add up.

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 has been a shift in mindset and changing my habits.

• Removing temptation: I cleared my home of alcohol - including a nice whiskey and bubbles I was 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

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

• Weight loss: I've shed excess 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.

• More time to do new things: I've been on a massive journey of self discovery, and consumed a shed load of books and learning which has ended up in new projects, including my belief coding study and Sacred Rhythms being started

• 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).

My AF journey has all been down to mindset and retraining the subconscious. If you're considering making a similar change, I encourage you to take the leap. You might be surprised at how easy it can be, and how much better life can be without alcohol.

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