Everyone has their own relationship with alcohol. The more conscious you are about your drinking and how it makes you feel, the more in control you can be of your body and your choices, one of which may be elective sobriety. Learn more about elective sobriety, including what it is, why it's trending, the advantages of living a sober lifestyle, and how to quit drinking.
What Is Elective Sobriety?
Elective sobriety is when you choose to live alcohol-free even when you don't have a drinking problem. Many people would not call themselves alcoholics, but they feel better when they don't include alcohol in their diet. You may notice that alcohol makes you feel tired and bloated, causes dry skin, and may even make you more irritable. When this happens, many people turn to elective sobriety to feel better, heal their bodies, and maintain positive relationships with others.
Why Is It Trending?
Elective sobriety is trending now because it's easier than ever to live a sober lifestyle. Not only are a lot of people doing it, meaning you'll have plenty of support, but bars and restaurants realize how important this sobriety rebranding is to so many people. Because of that, it's much easier to find tasty non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy, like mocktails and kombucha.
People are also trying out this sober lifestyle because they can see the difference it makes for them. The health and wellness sector is exploding because people want to look and feel their best. If alcohol can't help them do that, then it's out.
What Are Some Advantages for the Sober Lifestyle?
Once you understand the benefits of living a sober life, you may be more inclined to practice elective sobriety yourself. Here are the biggest advantages:
Improved physical health: Alcohol can make you feel great in the short term, but inside, your organs are trying to keep you healthy. When you're sober, you'll have better liver, cardiovascular, and kidney health.
Better mental health: Since alcohol is a depressant, it can affect your mental health as well. Some people drink to escape from their stressors, but this can make you feel even more stressed and anxious than you were before.
Higher energy levels: Alcohol is known to deplete your store of B vitamins, which are responsible for giving you energy.
Quality sleep: Without alcohol, you may notice that you sleep much better. That's because alcohol can disrupt your valuable REM cycle.
Better skin: Alcohol is dehydrating and can cause your skin to look dull. If you drop alcohol from your diet, you should notice softer and more supple skin, no matter your age.
How Can I Quit Drinking?
If you're ready to quit drinking, congratulations! Here are some steps to take:
Surround yourself with people who support you.
Write down your sober living goals.
Keep a journal to document the changes you notice.
Get rid of the alcohol in your home.
Find a mocktail or other non-alcoholic drink that you love.
Elective sobriety is rising in popularity, and we think it'll stay that way for a long time. When you feel powerful and healthy, there's almost nothing that can hold you back.
