January 25 2020
Let’s take a challenge involving alcohol. And this doesn’t have to be specifically alcohol, but anything that alters your mind. This can include medications to help you sleep (not medications that are needed, but when you take a Tylenol PM every night just to ‘help’), marijuana, or really anything that you are doing to your mind to help you relax, be fun, calm your mind, whatever reason you have. Alcohol is the most common and the most legal. How often are you having a drink at night? Is grabbing a glass of wine a habit or are you trying to relax after a long day? Let’s grab your 30 Day Challenger and set a goal to not consume alcohol for 30 days. This is, for a lot of people, a social occurrence. For some people, this might take some planning and looking at your social calendar. For example, for me, this goal would not work during the holiday season months. A glass of something at various parties is enjoyable.
How does this goal look? If this goal seems easy to you, definitely try it. (if you are a recovering addict or have social circles that are completely exclusive of alcohol, obviously this goal is not for you.) It is amazing to me how many social events subconsciously push the alcohol. Most restaurants have only the alcohol menu at the table, formal occasions call for a toast with Champaign, plus all the billboards (if those are allowed in your state), advertisement, sports endorsements, etc. Let me be clear here and state that I am not a prohibition fan. I think anytime you absolutely restrict something, it becomes more valuable and desirable for us. It becomes the rare ‘diamond’ for some. But think of this challenge as a way to give yourself more power for 30 days. Here are some challenge goal ideas:
I will not drink alcohol for 30 days.
I will write down my emotions right before I drink for the next 30 days.
I will drink a glass of water for every glass of alcohol for 30 days.
I will write down how I feel the next morning after I drink alcohol for 30 days.
Throughout this challenge, use the journal to jot down notes about your emotional journey on this. For example, were you pouring the glass automatically at dinner? Is there a trigger (making dinner) that you can identify? Can you insert a different reward (fruit in water) for the next 30 days? Were you feeling awkward and self conscious right before you took a drink at the party? Are there any alternative ways you can relax prior to or during the party? These are just some of the examples of how using the 30 Day Challenger can assist you in accomplishing the goal of not using alcohol for 30 days. Grab your Challenger and start!!
Until the next time,
Heather