500 Days Alcohol-Free
This is the final article in a series that began when I decided to take a break from alcohol back in 2023. After that first post, I shared my reflections at 100 days and one year (in both an article and a podcast episode).
This milestone feels quieter than the others; not because it matters less, but because this is who I am now. I don’t drink. And that’s why this is my last official update (…and there you were thinking I had decided to start drinking again!).
How Does it Feel?
So how does it feel to have not had a drink for 500 days?
It feels great.
The best thing is that I don’t think about drinking anymore. I don’t have to make a choice. When I was drinking, I’d find myself deciding whether or not to drink, and if I did, how much. I was never really clear on my hangover threshold, so I’d think about the following day and plan a contingency. Then there were taxis, arrival times, leaving times... so many decisions.
That decision fatigue has gone, and things feel easier.
Being a “non-drinker” can sound a bit negative, as if something has been taken away. For me, it’s the opposite. The only thing I’ve really lost is the opportunity to taste alcohol and experience its temporary uplifting effects. However, I’ve replaced the taste of alcohol with delicious alcohol-free alternatives, and the “lift” it gave me with far healthier, longer-lasting habits. So I have lost nothing and gained so much.
Energy and Mood
Life without alcohol isn’t a cure-all for tiredness or low mood. But it is one of the reasons I can live, work, and train the way I do.
I’m preparing for a half-marathon next year—something I’d never have imagined two years ago. I wouldn’t have the consistent routine or energy for this kind of training if I were still drinking, even occasionally.
What I’ve learned is that moderation works beautifully for many things, but not for alcohol—not for me. Removing it entirely has made everything else easier: sleep, nutrition, focus, exercise, and stress management.
Social Life: Still Me
Social situations have become easier, too, though I’ll always be an introvert who finds big gatherings draining. Sobriety hasn’t changed that, but it has made me steadier. I feel more in control and more able to show up as myself without the highs and lows that alcohol brings.
Keeping Track
At 500 days, I’ve decided to stop counting. As of today, I’ve removed my “Days Since” widget from my home screen and replaced it with a recurring event in my calendar to mark my “sober birthday”. It’s a simple reminder of how far I’ve come.
I might not be counting the days, but I’m still reflecting. I’m proud of the way this decision continues to support my wellbeing and productivity.
Are You Sober-Curious?
If you’re sober-curious, I’d encourage you to experiment. Take a month, pay attention to how you feel, and see what changes. You don’t need to make a permanent decision.
And if you’d like to explore this as part of a coaching journey—to see how giving up or moderating alcohol might support your wellbeing and sustainable productivity—let me know. I’d love to talk to you about it.
All Posts in this Series:
