Have you ever contemplated the idea of leaving behind alcohol and leading a dry life? If so, you’re not alone. An increasing number of people are beginning to look into and enjoy sober curiosity; this is the practice of experiencing life without any alcohol. There are a multitude of motives someone may have for abstaining from alcohol. For some, it’s a health decision. Some individuals feel that consuming alcohol is not in accordance with their morals or daily routine. Many individuals look to sober curiosity as an approach to gaining energy and refocusing.
It appears that the utilization of alcohol and social media is a phenomenon that will likely continue for the foreseeable future. Just like a lot of other trendy Instagrammers, Louis Delage liked to upload snaps of posh Paris rooftop pubs, days out on wealthy yachts with fancy cocktails in hand. Alcohol was always present in all of her photographs as she built a large fanbase of hundreds of thousands by engaging in the same activities as other influencers on social media. There was just one problem–Louise Delage never actually existed. As an alternative, she was a fictitious online persona created by a French group known as Addict’Aide in order to demonstrate the destructive results of alcohol abuse and social media.
So, what does it mean to be sober curious? In essence, those who are “sober curious” are intrigued by the idea of living without alcohol but are not necessarily devoted to a totally teetotal lifestyle. It’s possible to switch up drinking habits by decreasing alcohol intake or taking a break from drinking altogether, such as during Dry January or Sober October. This phrase “sober curious” is thought to have first been used by Ruby Warrington, the author of the work titled Sobriety: A Graphic Novel. In a conversation with The Guardian, Warrington commented that the phrase is utilized to refer to those who are “attracted to leading sober lifestyles for any grounds.”
Increasingly, people have been showing an inclination to partake in sober curiosity over the past few years. It appears that this is caused by a few reasons, like the growth of the digital nomad lifestyle (which does not go well with heavy drinking) and more cognisance of the adverse health effects of drinking alcohol.
If you are interested in living a sober lifestyle, there are countless resources available to you. A great way to begin your exploration is through the sobercurious.net website, which offers articles, podcasts, and a supportive community of people who share your same goals. Gatherings and happenings related to sober living have been developing in cities around the world, so you can link up with other people who are similarly interested in this lifestyle. Exploring a sober lifestyle is an excellent way to either lower your alcohol consumption or give up drinking completely through sober curiosity. Given the abundance of resources at present, now is an excellent opportunity to explore sobriety.
Advantages of Being Sober Curious for the Digital Nomad
You’ll save money
Let’s face it; alcohol is expensive. Drinking a lot of alcohol can be very costly, particularly if you’re a person who likes to drink regularly. If you stop consuming alcohol, it is likely that your outgoings each month will significantly decrease. For digital nomads working to conserve funds or deal with a limited budget, this can be a great benefit. If you’re employed as a digital nomad, it’s beneficial to stop consuming alcohol since it aids you in maintaining concentration and productivity. This may result in more job prospects and higher pay. Additionally, not drinking alcohol can help you save money when traveling and going out to socialize. If your goal is to decrease your expenditure, experimenting with a sober lifestyle could be an ideal way to accomplish this.
It is important to bear in mind that each person’s financial circumstances are dissimilar. It is possible that abstaining from alcohol may help you financially, but it does not guarantee success for everyone. The most efficient method of being frugal is to come up with a financial plan tailored to your needs and follow it rigorously. Contemplating giving up alcohol to reduce your expenditure is worth considering.
You’ll have more energy
Alcohol is a substance that brings about depression, resulting in tiredness and diminished energy. Once you are sober, you may experience an increase in your ability to work, travel, or engage in other activities. If you are accustomed to consuming alcohol regularly, you may not be aware of the toll it is taking on your energy. Alcohol can have a depressive effect on the body, resulting in fatigue and sluggishness. When you stop drinking alcohol, it is likely you will have more vigor and be in better health overall.
Of course, sobriety isn’t always easy. Stopping drinking altogether can be difficult if you’re in the habit of consuming alcohol. However, there are numerous assets available to assist you during the procedure. When you’re no longer drinking, you’ll be astonished at how much more vigor you possess – not to mention how much better your wellbeing will be.
You’ll be more productive
It’s no secret that alcohol can interfere with productivity. If you are open to the idea of abstaining from alcohol, you may find that you can be far more productive and effective with your time. Abstaining from alcohol has numerous advantages, including augmented vigor. When you’re not drinking alcohol, your body does not have to expend extra energy to break it down, so you have increased energy available for other activities. This can be great for digital nomads as they can concentrate more on their tasks and thus become more efficient.
You’ll be healthier
There are numerous benefits to becoming sober curious, from minimizing your risk of developing cancer to heightening your mental wellbeing. Abstaining from alcohol has a variety of positive consequences, with improved physical health being one of them. Drinking regularly or too much can lead to symptoms such as depression, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, difficulty sleeping, and discomfort after drinking. When you’re not drinking alcohol, it is more probable that you will consume nutritious foods, work out frequently, and get the necessary sleep you need. Abstaining from alcohol can lower your anxiety and enable you to control your weight.
You’ll see your mindset change
Exploring sobriety has assisted a lot of people in becoming more alert, connected, and conscious when it comes to their regular activities. They have been able to have conversations that are more meaningful and more profound with the people in their lives. A couple of core causes exist as to why getting abstinent can alter your attitude. Initially, being sober can assist you in increasing concentration and clarity of thought. This can result in increased efficacy and inventiveness. Sobriety can also bring about a decrease in emotional strain and uneasiness, thus aiding in maintaining a positive attitude towards life. In conclusion, abstinence can better your physical state and make you feel more energized and content overall. The confluence of these elements can lead to an alteration of one’s outlook, facilitating a more joyful and robust existence.
How Does Being Sober Curious Work?
A sober and inquisitive approach works well for a lot of people since there are no hard and fast regulations to follow. Instead, it is flexible and based on the individual. Examples of people giving up alcohol for a certain period of time include “Dry January” and “Sober October”, which last a short while. For those who want to completely change the way they lead their life, some may choose to avoid alcohol for a full year.
You don’t need to choose a particular timeline for abstaining, and you can decide to take a break “for the time being.” If this is too hard to sustain, you may need extra assistance.
If you cannot stay away from alcohol for a period of more than one month, one week, or even one day, it is definitely essential to consider getting advice from an expert.
Who Is the Sober Curious Movement For?
Individuals in the sober curious society are not necessarily fitting with those in the restoration area. Most will not see themselves as an alcoholic, yet still decide to abstain from drinking for a certain amount of time. Someone who is interested in exploring the benefits of sobriety chooses abstinence for the positive impact on their well-being. In regards to this, those hoping to explore the effects alcohol can have on both the mind and body can benefit from taking a break from consuming alcohol with a sober curiosity.
The sober curious group is very inviting, however it may not appeal to everyone. People who are struggling with serious drinking problems need to realize from the start that abstaining from alcohol needs to be a long-term, everlasting commitment. For those who are seriously addicted to alcohol, tackling their problem by getting professional assistance instead of attempting to give up drinking on their own may be a better way to manage depression, cravings, and other issues arising from drinking.
It is essential to be supportive of the actions someone makes to improve their health, regardless of how small those steps are. Any break from alcohol is beneficial, even if it is only exploring the idea of being alcohol-free instead of completely abstaining.
How to Be Sober Curious
People who identify as sober curious often share the same objectives as those that take part in recovery communities, even though the way they go about achieving those goals often contrasts with customary alcohol rehabilitation procedures. The timeline for your journey with sober curiosity is not set in stone, neither is the course plotted for reaching your goals.
You may decide to establish limits first, such as steering clear of places that are known for having a lot of alcohol like bars and get-togethers or keeping a distance from individuals with whom you frequently consume alcohol. Some people take pleasure in discovering the hobbies that have filled the time they had spent drinking, and they may get deeply involved in the world of sober curiosity either in person or on social media.
Here are a few ideas for you to try:
Explore New Hobbies and Wellness Routines
If you usually spend a lot of time drinking, you might be at a loss for what to do now that you have decided to stop drinking. Investigating fresh pastimes and healthy lifestyle choices during this period has numerous advantages. Having hobbies can have a positive effect on mental health, leading to decreases and betterments in various fields.
Reduction in:
- Stress
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Blood pressure
- Weight
- Heart rate
Improvements in:
- Overall well-being
- Social connections
- Personal development
Lots of folks opt for classic pastimes, like taking up a fresh form of art, sport, or exercise. Some people opt to incorporate healthful activities into their choice of not drinking alcohol, like keeping a diary, practicing meditation, or doing yoga. If you feel that being generally healthy works for you, there are lots of books and apps that can assist you in embarking on your fate toward wellness, depending on the habits you would like to instill in your lifestyle.
Benefits of participating in health and wellness practices include:
- Increased self-knowledge
- Stronger relationships and connections with others
- Professional optimism
- Improved personal health and wellness
Invest Time in Neglected Relationships and Interests
Instead of concentrating on not drinking alcohol, you could opt to put your resources into developing relationships and engaging in activities that you used to find pleasurable, further taking advantage of the extra time you now have. Put being in touch with old friends and family at the top of your list, and concentrate on strengthening the relationships that bring you happiness if you have been avoiding them. Look back at past leisure activities you used to have fun with, solve the jigsaw puzzle that has been waiting to be put together on your shelf, or pick up the guitar in the corner and start playing again. Reestablish contact with whatever source of happiness you have, other than alcohol.
Immerse Yourself in the Sober Curious Community
Looking into the sober-curious group can be easily done online via social media sites committed to sober interest. Making a conscious decision to avoid accounts that advocate drinking and instead following those that recognize sobriety can help you to connect with others who share the same mentality and limit the amount of alcohol-related exposure.
Have a Plan For Saying “No”
It is probable that you will encounter alcohol if you keep living life normally. A polite, “no thank you” should be all you need, but if that doesn’t work you may wish to think of a different way to explain why you don’t drink. Saying you need to rise early the next day or not wanting to drink and drive tend to be acceptable justifications.
Build a Support System
You don’t need to give a reason for becoming part of the abstaining-curious cohort. Let your closest family and friends know that you are trying out sobriety and that you would be grateful to have them support you on your journey. Connecting with others who have similar beliefs and diving into the clean lifestyle both online and in real life can be advantageous.
Track Your Progress
There are a variety of programs accessible that keep tabs on progress for various goals, and also ones that have been created specially for tracking abstinence. Look for something that inspires you and keep track of your advancement. Mark special occasions by investing in something related to your hobby or telling loved ones about it.
Sober Curious? Just Try It!
If you’ve been interested in abstaining from alcohol, the best approach is to actually give it a go. Come up with an achievable objective or a flexible one and take the time to think about how not consuming alcohol impacts your emotions. Take a step back and think about if you need to limit your drinking or if you want to remain abstinent for the foreseeable future.
What do you have to lose? Your next hangover?
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