Ready to get healthier? Sober October is your chance to experience life without booze for a whole month.
Let’s get into the health benefits and explore the “benefits of Sober October” for a successful and fun experience.
Key Points
- Sober October has physical and mental health benefits like better sleep & clearer skin.
- Avoid temptation, find alternative drinks, consider CBD drinks for relaxation & get support to make the most of it.
- Reassess your relationship with booze to develop habits that will last beyond Sober October.
Sober October: The Health Benefits
Taking on the Sober October challenge gives your body and mind a break from the booze. The possible health benefits of going sober for a month include:
- Better sleep
- Clearer skin
- Weight loss
- Better mental health
- Reduced cancer risk
Charites like Macmillan Cancer Support rely on fundraising events like Sober October to provide care and support to those affected by cancer.
So by taking part in the official challenge, you get to benefit from less booze and make a difference to others, too.
Sleep Improvement
Did you know reducing booze during Sober October can improve your sleep? Here’s why:
- Booze has a negative impact on sleep, suppressing REM sleep, which is essential for learning, memory and overall well-being.
- Stopping booze results in a REM sleep rebound, leading to better sleep.
- Reducing booze also (obviously) reduces hangovers.
Imagine waking up feeling refreshed and energised, ready to take on the day without the grogginess of a hangover.
Sober October is your chance to experience better sleep, more energy throughout the day, and better overall health and well-being.
Clearer Skin
You may notice a big improvement in your skin and immune system during Sober October.
Booze can dehydrate and have other negative effects on the skin, but these can be reversed when you stop drinking.
Cutting down on booze helps boost skin hydration and gives it a healthy glow. You can also try non-alcoholic drinks like lime juice to stay hydrated and support your skin health during the month.
Weight Loss
Not drinking during Sober October could help you lose a few pounds and maintain a healthier weight.
Booze is high in calories; a pint of 5% beer is 222 kcal, and a glass of wine is 158 kcal.
No surprise that cutting out these calorie-dense drinks will lead to weight loss and reduced heart disease.
Also, not drinking during Sober October will help you reassess your relationship with booze and prevent substance abuse in the long run.
Choosing healthier alternatives will give you the immediate benefits of weight loss and set the stage for long-term positive change.
Mental Health Boost
Taking part in Sober October may improve your mental health and help you cope with stress better.
Regular booze can negatively impact mental health by messing with the brain’s chemistry, potentially leading to depression and anxiety.
Going booze free for a month may bring:
- Better mental well-being
- Reduced risk of mental health disorders
- Better sleep
- Sense of achievement and control
- Better emotional regulation
Sober October is a great opportunity to put your mental health first and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Reduced Cancer Risk
The long-term benefits of reducing booze go beyond Sober October. Cutting back on alcohol reduces your risk of several cancers, including bowel cancer, breast, liver and mouth cancer.
Taking part in the official Sober October challenge not only supports a good cause but also your own long-term health by reducing cancer risk and promoting a healthier lifestyle.
Tips for a Successful Sober October
To make the most of Sober October, you need a plan and strategies for success. Here are some tips to help you:
- Set realistic goals
- Avoid temptation by removing alcohol from your home and socialising in booze free environments
- Find non-alcoholic alternatives to your favourite drinks
- Consider CBD drinks for wellbeing and relaxation
- Get support from friends, family or support groups while sober
By following these tips, you can make the most out of Sober October.
Having a clear idea of what you want to achieve during Sober October and developing healthier habits will not only make the journey more enjoyable but also increase your chances of success.
Don’t be too hard on yourself. Sober October is a journey of self-discovery and improvement so be kind to yourself and flexible as you go through the month.
Keep a journal to write down your daily progress and experiences, track your goals and celebrate your wins along the way.
Avoiding Temptation
Avoiding temptation is crucial to sticking to Sober October. Recognise the common triggers that might make you want to drink:
- Exposure to alcohol related cues.
- Being around people who are drinking.
- Feeling stressed, anxious or down.
- Having booze easily accessible.
- Develop a plan for relapse and assess situations for risk.
Here are some strategies to consider:
- Surround yourself with sober friends who can support you.
- Avoid parties or happy hours that might tempt you to drink.
- Get rid of all temptation by not having booze in your house.
- Remember the health benefits of being sober and try something new to take your mind off cravings.
Finding Alternative Drinks
Consider non-alcoholic drinks such as:
- Non-alcoholic beer
- Sparkling water
- Kombucha
- Cannabidiol Drinks
These alternatives will help you stay on track and support your wellbeing throughout Sober October
Get creative with your drink choices and enjoy the taste of booze free drinks as you adopt a healthier lifestyle.
Could CBD Products Support Your Wellbeing?
For those who feel like they might need some extra help during Sober October, cannabidiol products could be a useful tool.
Millions of people rely on these hemp-derived supplements to help with mood, relaxation and general well-being, so they could be a valuable addition to your Sober October routine.
There are many different types of CBD products available in the UK. Full spectrum cannabidiol oil drops can be applied under the tongue for fast-acting relief.
Transdermal cannabidiol patches are another option that can deliver CBD through the skin for up to 24h.
If you do decide to buy cannabidiol oil for your well-being, always choose a reputable supplier who undertakes testing of their products for CBD content and safety.
Reevaluating Your Relationship with Alcohol
After Sober October, take time to reevaluate your relationship with alcohol. Reflect on your experience, take stock of your drinking habits and set new goals and limits for the future.
Seek help if needed and consider other alcohol free challenges to maintain your progress and continue to reap the benefits of a healthier lifestyle.
Being aware of the risks of alcohol consumption and reevaluating your relationship with alcohol can lead to long-term positive changes in your life.
Embrace the lessons learned during Sober October and continue to make conscious choices that put your health and well-being first.
Sober October is a great opportunity to improve your health, support a good cause and reassess your relationship with alcohol.
With the right strategies, support and determination, you can make Sober October a successful and life-changing experience that goes beyond the month itself.
So are you ready to take on the challenge and reap the rewards?