10 Ways A Month Without Alcohol Gave Me A Lifetime Of Healthy Habits
I always tell myself, “Drinking alcohol borrows joy from tomorrow.”
I once was a social drinker.
What started as a 30-day no alcohol challenge turned into a permanent lifestyle change.
People often ask me how I changed physically, mentally and emotionally after discontinuing drinking.
So, I thought Id share my story.
For many years, Id enjoy a few quiet brews during the week and go harder most weekends.
There would be a good buzz, and Id get drunk.
It was part of being Australian( or so I thought ).
But, Id often fall into destructive habits after 1 am, including cigarettes, late-night pizza and more beer.
The rest of the weekend was a write-off.
Over time, I started to feel merely blah.
I was surviving , not thriving.
By March 2010, I was sitting in International House Of Pancakes( IHOP) in Austin, Texas for a Hangover Breakfast.
I was staring at the menu bold colours of greasy food and looking at everyone running wild over the unlimited flapjacks with every sugar-laden topping imaginable.
At that moment, I felt like I had hit rock bottom.
That inner voice was saying, James, make a change.
So, I decided to take a 30-day break from alcohol as an experiment.
Here are the things that happened 😛 TAGEND
1. The first seven days were tough.
My liver had a hard time flushing out the toxins from alcohol and the bad food I had devoured while drunk( late night burgers, fries and pizza ).
So, I ate soups rich in greens with anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric and ginger.
2. I was challenged.
Many people especially guys were incredulous about my lifestyle choice.
At first, it bothered me, which constructed it that much worse.
Some friends even tried to slip vodka in my soda.
3. Acceptance arrived eventually.
When I got challenged by friends, I eventually learned to chuckle, point to my head and give my stock answer, Im too strong in intellect!
Once I accepted my choice and owned my stock answer about not drinking, my friends and family accepted it.
I recently fulfilled up with childhood friends who were always big drinkers growing up.
They were totally cool with me not drinking, and they suggested we go out for dinner instead.
4. I slept like a baby.
Studies show that even a small amount of alcohol messes with your sleep.
I was now getting the initial REM sleep you usually miss when you drink alcohol.
I started wearing blue-light blocking glassesto get to sleep faster.
I woke rejuvenated , not tired and cranky like before.
Alcohol slackens your metabolism, as the body breaks down alcohol before the fats and sugars.
A pint of brew has around the same amount of calories as a slice of pizza.
After 30 days, Id lost an incredible 15 pounds.
This is likely due to three main things 😛 TAGEND
1. Alcohol contains a lot of empty calories.
2. Drinking attains you feed a lot more food, especially junk like fries and desserts.
3. Ceasing drinking gives you the energy to be more active.
My skin was glowing because the alcohol poison had left my system.
“Wow, have you been working out? ” people asked in astonishment.
I wasn’t.
It was just from not drinking alcohol, eating mindfully and sleeping better.
Before discontinuing drinking, Id always celebrate a big win like a undertaking promotion or product launching with drinks.
Now, Ill merely have a nice snack or take time out from my busy schedule to go for a nature hike.
But, I can still party like a stone star.
Despite not drinking, I still manage to have wildly entertaining nights out, even with my drunken friends slurring their words around me.
I gave up social drinking to achieve bigger objectives and tap into my potential.
I replaced drinking with jogging.
This changed how I ate, ran, sleep and saved money.
In “The Power of Habit, ” Charles Duhigg explains that one set of neurological patterns( old habits) can be overridden by new patterns.
By focusing on one keystone habit( not drinking ), I taught myself how to reprogram other routines in my life.
I was no longer going out with $ 120 in my billfold and waking up with $2.
I was no longer sleeping all weekend.
I was naturally waking up more quickly and taking charge of my life.
I felt so terrific after 30 days, and I thought, Bugger it, keep going.
The relationships in my life became so much better.
I started attracting a higher caliber of friends and met incredibly beautiful, smart girls I could be myself with.
Drunkenness never got me the girl of my dreams.
Plus, sobersex is style better.
One year later, I was back in Austin, Texas.
I ordered a brew to celebrate one year of not drinking. I set the brew to my mouth.
It smelt astounding. I wanted to drink it.
But, I thought of how far Id come.
I was still the life of the party, and no one thought I was boring.
Id achieved my childhood dream of hosting SportsCenter on ESPN.
The stars were aligning in my life because of one simple change: a 30 -day break from alcohol.
I was more considerate, and I started thinking about how I could help my friends, rather than how they could help me.
I started mentoring more people who showed potential and hustle.
Ive helped thousands of people reflect on their drinking patterns through the 30-Day No Alcohol Challenge.
I feel better, appear better, work better, act better, am better, have more money, have better quality friends and dont miss alcohol.
Water, ice and a piece of lime is perfect for me.
I can still party like a stone superstar without alcohol, and long-term friends tell Im substantially nicer and more agreeable.
It is sometimes awkward explaining to new friends or business associates why I dont drink.
But that initial awkwardness is mostly felt by them, and it soon dissipates if I dont make it an issue.
Plus, I cant control how they feel.
Although I took drastic measures, my story demonstrates some of the positive benefits of discontinuing alcohol, even for a month.
Feel better, seem better, lose weight, save money and have better relationships.
Now, thats a cocktail.
5. I lost weight.
6. I celebrated differently.
7. My perception shifted.
8. After six months, there was a noticeable shift.
9. I was still tested.
10. I started to help others.
10 Ways A Month Without Alcohol Gave Me A Lifetime Of Healthy Habits
10 Ways A Month Without Alcohol Gave Me A Lifetime Of Healthy Habits
10 Ways A Month Without Alcohol Gave Me A Lifetime Of Healthy Habits
10 Ways A Month Without Alcohol Gave Me A Lifetime Of Healthy Habits
10 Ways A Month Without Alcohol Gave Me A Lifetime Of Healthy Habits