#1 – Make a list of all the reasons you’d like to drink less (or not at all)
This can be a long one, but take some time to really contemplate why you want to take a break from alcohol. If and when the urge comes on to drink, try to refer to your list and maybe that will be motivation enough to either not have one or not continue with another.
#2 – Eat something when the urge to drink comes on
When the urge to drink comes on, sometimes it is just low blood sugar levels. This was a game changer for me. Even if I didn’t have hunger, around 3:00 p.m. I craved a beverage. Instead, I would eat something high in protein or healthy and the urge would go away instantly for me. It was amazing. This may not work for everyone, but maybe it can for you as it did for me.
#4 – Drink a non-alcoholic beverage instead
Keeping some non-alcohol beers in my refrigerator also helped a lot when the urge came on. One usually was enough and then the urge was over. There are a lot of great beverages that are not drenched in alcohol so if the NA beverage market is not for you, experiment with other beverages to replace your traditional alcohol drink.
#5 – Sit with the discomfort of the urge to drink
This is a new concept for a lot of us, to feel the urge, notice it, let it pass or find something else to do to distract it. The urge will not last forever and when you do get past the urge without succumbing to alcohol, you’ll be so proud of your win. It keeps getting easier, to the point you won’t even think about drinking, truly!
#6 – Go for a walk!
Exercise is a great distractor as well as mood elevator so if you have the gumption to get out there and walk or do some form of exercise, this can really alleviate the mood to drink. And I found that when I returned from a walk, I no longer wanted to drink.
#7 – Remember your why
The decision is yours the moment you open your cupboard or refrigerator. And, if you do succumb, try not to beat yourself up, but instead notice why. How were you feeling? And then the next day ask yourself, was it worth it? Great thing is, we get another day usually to start again and try to get it right. Practice makes perfect!
You can reach me at Colleen@purepotential.health with more questions or book a free Discovery Call.
