When the time comes to take a break from alcohol, there are a few simple steps you can take to make the process not only easier, but a lot more enjoyable.

Know you’re 'WHY'

When making any meaningful change that requires willpower, it’s important to keep the reasons WHY you are doing something crystal clear. Are you trying to lose weight, do you have diabetes, digestive issues or liver problems? Do you have problems sleeping, adrenal fatigue or perhaps something more personal? Being clear about the reasons why you want to change is critical, because when your WHY is big enough it's much easier to find your HOW!

Plan and prepare

When it comes to going alcohol-free, you have to expect the unexpected. There will always be the long-lost friend who wants to catch up over a drink or three and times when you are tired, stressed, bored or need company. Be ready for these moments and prepare non-alcoholic alternatives just in case. Playing on the front foot is the key to success.

Be resilient

Creating meaningful change in life requires patience and self-care. When things don't go to plan, take this opportunity to learn some key lessons about yourself, including both your triggers and the responses to those triggers. Dust yourself off, modify your strategies and keep going. 

Switch the bad for the good

Switching habits to work for you, instead of against you, is a great way to change behaviour.
Firstly, think about the trigger that sets off the urge to drink - what time, place, emotion, action or person is involved?
Secondly, uncover what drives that trigger - what outcome are you after? Is it stress relief? Companionship? Escape, etc,?
Once you know what triggers the habit and why, you can look at how to replace it with a healthy response. For example if companionship is motivating those after-work drinks, book a spin class with some friends instead. If stress relief is triggering the need to drink, take a bath with a book and turn you negative into a positive. Eventually the trigger will lose its power and all you are left with are positive life changes.

Join us in a health challenge

Joining a challenge where you meet like-minded people, is a great way to stay focused, increase your accountability and have some fun during your time off alcohol. 
Participating in a health challenge is also a great excuse (not that you need one), for all those people whose lives are apparently ending because you’re not their drinking buddy anymore. 
For more information on a range of health challenges starting soon, click below.