Sobriety Is So In Right Now

Recently, during an episode of my favorite podcast, My Favorite Murder, Georgia Hardstark (one of the hosts) was talking about a book called "This Naked Mind" by Annie Grace. She swore that after she devoured it, the book changed her life. So I downloaded a copy of the audio book and then immediately forgot about it.

Last night I remembered that I downloaded it and started listening to it. I was hooked in the first five minutes. I fell asleep listening to it. And you know what? It has changed my life too.

So what is this magical book all about? "This Naked Mind" promises to give you freedom from alcohol which will help you drink less. From Amazon:

"This Naked Mind offers a new, positive solution. Here, Annie Grace clearly presents the psychological and neurological components of alcohol use based on the latest science, and reveals the cultural, social and industry factors that support alcohol dependence in all of us. Packed with surprising insight into the reasons we drink, this book will open your eyes to the startling role of alcohol in our culture, and how the stigma of alcoholism and recovery keeps people from getting the help they need. With Annie's own extraordinary and candid personal story at it's heart, this book is a must-read for anyone who drinks."

I am not an alcoholic although it does run in my family so I suppose I run the risk of becoming one. I do like to enjoy a drink or two every now and then though. I have completed "Dry January" in the past, and have been thinking about taking a break from alcohol lately to help me achieve my fitness goals. This book could not have come at a more perfect time. It totally changed my mind about alcohol. Truly.

Georgia and I aren't the only ones mulling over our drinking habits. According to a study conducted by Nielsen, roughly 50% of all American adults are making an effort to reign in their alcohol consumption. It you consider only millennials, that number jumps to 66%.

There is a "sober curious" trend or movement happening right now. Sober curious folks are interested in cutting back or stopping drinking completely. Why are people skipping the booze? I think the recent wellness boom has something to do with it. People are really starting to pay attention to and policing what they are putting into their bodies. So of course their alcohol intake is on their mind. The more time, money and energy that people spend tending to their well-being, the harder it becomes to justify the physical and mental health risks that are associated with consuming alcohol. Some of these risks are instant, like a hangover. Others are more long-term like liver disease.

So what happens to your body when you stop drinking? Within days or weeks your sleep will improve dramatically. You will feel more energetic during the day and your focus and concentration will be sharper. Your anxiety will take a dive and you will feel happier overall. The heavier your drinking habits are, the more pronounced the benefits will be. But even light drinkers will reap the health rewards of giving up booze.

If you look at alcohol as a way to decompress or relieve stress, there are so many other things that you can replace it with. Think yoga, meditation and CBD products. Even cannabis is devoid of the negative side-effects that comes with alcohol consumption.

If you are interested in exploring the sober curious trend, here are some books, influencers and products that can inspire you along your journey. Besides "This Naked Mind" of course. That is my number one recco.

Sober Curious: "The Blissful Sleep, Greater Focus, Limitless Presence and Deep Connecting Awaiting Us All On The Other Side Of Alcohol" by Ruby Warrington

Kin Euphorics- a non-alcoholic drink that contains adaptogens, nootropics and nourishing plants.

Heineken 0.0- a non-alcoholic version of the popular beer.

Seeplip Drinks- booze free distilled spirits.

Sober Girl Society- an online and in-real-life network of sober women who talk about the real struggles of living the sober life.