100 Days Alcohol-Free: Reflecting on the Experience
Earlier this year, I decided to take a break from alcohol. I’m in my mid-forties now, and after spending the past year focusing on my health, it started to feel out of place that I was still drinking. I wasn’t a heavy drinker, and alcohol was never a real problem for me, but it just didn’t seem to align with the healthier lifestyle I had worked so hard to build. The more research I read about the effects of even low levels of alcohol consumption, the more I began to question my relationship with it.
What began as a short-term challenge has since evolved into a test run for something more. I started to wonder what life could be like as a non-drinker.
Today marks day 100 of my alcohol-free challenge, so it felt like the right time to document some reflections and think about my next steps.
The Experience
Looking back on the past 100 days, I’m surprised at how easy it’s been to avoid alcohol. I think this is because drinking was never a deeply ingrained habit for me. I wasn’t someone who poured a glass of wine at the end of each weekday or lived for Friday night happy hours. My drinking was more sporadic and mostly linked to socialising, where alcohol often made things feel easier.
As a neurodivergent introvert, I don’t have a packed social calendar. However, during these 100 days, I attended several events sober, and they went much better than I expected. I hadn’t realised how much social pressure fades as others drink more. Plus, being sober gave me the freedom to leave whenever I wanted. Socialising can feel overwhelming for me due to a lack of control, but sobriety gave me that control back.
One thing that made the experience more enjoyable was the fantastic range of alcohol-free drinks now available, which helped me stay socially engaged without feeling out of place.
Another reason this challenge has gone so smoothly is the sense of community among non-drinkers. I’ve felt welcomed and supported by podcasts like Sober Awkward, the Dryy community, and friends who have also taken a break from alcohol or quit entirely. I was initially nervous about sharing my challenge so publicly, but the encouragement I’ve received has been incredibly reassuring.
That said, I do have one slight regret. Early on, I faced a tricky social situation and lied about why I wasn’t drinking, saying I was on medication that didn’t mix with alcohol. It felt like the path of least resistance, especially in a group that loves to drink. In hindsight, I wish I’d been confident enough to tell the truth, but I can be more open in the future – and I plan to.
What Have I Learned?
One of the biggest takeaways from this experience is that I can enjoy social situations without alcohol; I’ve felt more present and confident in myself as a result.
Another shift has been recognising that exercise is far more important to me than alcohol. Before, if I had a few drinks, getting up early to work out was a struggle. Now, without the fog of a hangover, I’ve established a more consistent exercise routine. This shift has improved my overall energy levels and contributed directly to my productivity – something that is central to my wellbeing-driven approach to life and work.
While I didn’t lose weight or notice changes in my sleep, I’ve gained something even better: a confident sense of who I am. I’ve never felt more present and more “me”.
What’s Next?
Right now, I don’t drink – and I like it. It feels great, so why would I change that?
While I understand the argument for moderation, I know I work best with clear boundaries – “moderation” feels too woolly for me. Of course, this is different for everyone, and I’m open to the idea that I might establish some healthy boundaries around alcohol in the future.
For now, though, not drinking is precisely what I need.
Have you ever considered taking a break from alcohol? Whether you’re thinking about it or have already started, I’d love to hear about your experiences. Share your thoughts in the comments, or contact me directly if you’d like to connect.
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