Sober October: What It Is and Why You Should Try It
So you’ve heard of Dry January, right? Well then Sober October will be pretty straightforward. It’s taken off as Dry January's new-and-sooner companion so you don’t have to wait until after the holidays - but can get your body in tip-top shape before the holidays. The Sober October rules are pretty simple: you don't drink for the entire month of October - yes, all 31 days is preferred - but start and finish where you can because every day without alcohol will likely teach you something about yourself and is a win for your body. Find out how Sober October started and why you should try it.
How did Sober October start?
Sober October is a worldwide movement that encourages people to abstain from alcohol for the month of October. The movement originated in the United Kingdom in 2014 as a fundraising campaign for Macmillan Cancer Support, a charity that provides support to people living with cancer. Ten years later, Sober October has grown into a more general global movement with people participating for a variety of reasons, including to improve their health, save money, and challenge themselves.
Why Participate in Sober October?
There are many reasons why people choose to participate in Sober October. Some people want to raise money for cancer research or support other charitable causes. Others want to improve their health and well-being. Plenty of others simply want to take a break from alcohol and see how they feel without it and Sober October provides an opportunity to do just that alongside millions of others who are doing the same.
Here are some of the potential benefits of participating in Sober October:
Improved physical health: Alcohol can have a negative impact on physical health in many ways. It can damage the liver, heart, and brain, and cause cancer. It can also contribute to weight gain, sleep problems, and other health problems. Abstaining from alcohol for even a short period of time can lead to significant improvements in physical health.
Improved mental health: Alcohol can also have a negative impact on mental health. It can worsen anxiety and depression. It can also lead to impulsive behavior and other mental health problems. Abstaining from alcohol can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and boost mental well-being.
Increased energy: Alcohol can dehydrate the body and disrupt sleep patterns, which can lead to fatigue. Abstaining from alcohol can improve sleep quality and increase energy levels.
Improved focus and productivity: Alcohol can impair cognitive function and make it difficult to concentrate. Abstaining from alcohol can improve focus and productivity.
Saved money: Alcohol can be expensive, especially if you drink regularly. Abstaining from alcohol for a month can save you a significant amount of money.
How to Participate in Sober October
To participate in Sober October, simply abstain from drinking alcohol for the entire month of October. Already into the month and just learned about Sober October? No worries - just start now and finish out the month alcohol-free! You can drink all of the non alcoholic spirits and zero proof cocktails you want - in fact, we recommend you stock your fridge now to have some on hand. The rules are simple - just don’t drink alcohol. If you find it difficult to quit alcohol on your own, there are many resources available to help you. You can talk to your doctor, join a support group, or use online resources.
Sober October is a great opportunity to challenge your relationship with alcohol and improve your overall health and well-being. If you're thinking about participating, here are some important things to consider:
Set realistic goals: Maybe the entire month scares you as it seems too long or you have a big event coming up that you’re concerned about. Start small and abstain for a few days then see if you can do a few days more.
Eat healthy foods. Eating nutritious foods will help you feel your best and reduce cravings for alcohol. Avoid replacing alcohol with other unhealthy alternatives such as processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive caffeine.
Find a support system: Having people to support you on your journey can make a big difference. Talk to your friends and family, or join a sober October support group.
Be prepared for challenges: There will be times when you're tempted to drink. Be prepared for these challenges by having a plan in place. This might involve avoiding social situations where alcohol will be present, or having a non-alcoholic drink in hand. We recommend plenty options of non alcoholic cocktails to stock up on in advance.
Celebrate your successes: When you reach a milestone, take the time to celebrate your success. This will help you stay motivated and on track.
Be sure you’re physically ready: If you're a heavy drinker, it may not be realistic to quit alcohol cold turkey - and it could actually be harmful. Start by setting a goal to reduce your drinking and talk with a physician about your situation.
Sober October is a great way to take a break from alcohol and see how you feel without it. It's also a great opportunity to raise money for cancer research or support other charitable causes. If you're thinking about participating, be sure to set realistic goals, find a support system, and be prepared for challenges. We are here to help you find all the alcohol replacement beverages you need too - check out these options and have some on hand for when you’re craving something refreshing that isn’t alcohol. Cheers!