At just over a week in, the Sober October challenge really kicks in! You’ve smashed week one so well done, but with so many temptations around it’s important to stay on track. So, we’ve pulled together some top tips on surviving and thriving through Sober October – and, possibly, beyond …
RECRUIT YOUR BUBBLE
While the temptation to go out to pubs and bars has been restricted, with boredom inevitably setting in at home, you might be more susceptible than usual to have a tipple in the house. They say strength comes in numbers, so why not get the other members of your household involved, and tackle the challenge together?
MOCKTAIL MIXOLOGY
Long gone are the days where low or no-alcohol drinking needs be dull. With tasty and complex alternatives like Amplify, creating your own mocktails at home is a fun activity with delicious results. Remember, it’s important that the experience of enjoying the mocktail is the same as that of the ritual of having a cocktail. Make sure you’re serving in the right glassware whether that’s a Martini, a Highball, or an Old-Fashioned glass for example. Then add a bit of theatre with garnishes and drinks accessories like straws – everything you’d expect in a cocktail!
TRY A NEW HOBBY
If ever there was a time to try a new hobby, it’s now. With hobbies largely being replaced by ‘side hustles’ in recent years, it can often feel like we only ever really stop working when we have a drink. But with more time being spent at home with housemates or family, something as simple as picking up a puzzle, tackling a crossword or forming your own book club can all be surprisingly enjoyable and relaxing alternatives to having a few drinks.
PLAN AHEAD
Even during these strange times, there are plenty of activities – particularly outside in the fresh air – that you can enjoy, so plan for a Saturday or Sunday morning that you won’t want to risk missing out on for a hangover. Knowing you have to get up in the morning for something you’ve been really looking forward to is a great reason for both yourself and others as to why you’ve chosen not to drink.
NO EXPLANATION IS GOOD ENOUGH
To help normalise not drinking, first you need to make it feel normal for yourself. Sometimes, simply saying ‘no’ to a drink is good enough. All the other stuff is great to help you on your way but ultimately, you don’t need to explain why you’re not drinking if you don’t want to. It really is that simple!
CHOOSE MODERATION
If you do decide to have a drink, there are plenty of smaller-volume alternatives. For example, instead of buying a bottle of wine, get a can or two and supplement it with non-alcoholic drinks in-between – it will help you curb your alcohol intake without completely cutting it out!