Fresh Start to Wellness in 2024!
New Year - New You!
“The Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step.”
- Lao Tzu
As we kickstart this brand-new year, it’s common to want to start the year with a fresh perspective, especially when it comes to our relationship with alcohol.
There’s a plethora of 30-day alcohol-free challenges doing the rounds on social media, which are fabulous for providing motivation and support and assisting with giving your body a break for a short time.
But what happens at the end of the month?
Some will try to keep going a little longer, and others will just get back on the wagon, congratulating themselves for lasting the distance, only to go back to drinking more than ever to make up for lost time!
For those seeking to commit to a sober lifestyle, learning how to manage their mindset and reset critical physiological responses in the body is crucial to successfully continuing this path and requires more knowledge and understanding.
The journey toward sobriety isn't just about a shift in mindset or trying to ‘white-knuckle’ it for 30 days; it's also rooted in the science of our bodies.
Let's talk about the physiology behind it.
Our bodies are incredible machines, and when we decide to give them a break from alcohol, some pretty amazing things start happening.
The Health Perks of Sobriety:
1. Better Sleep Quality:
Alcohol might initially help you doze off, but it disrupts the sleep cycle, particularly the restorative REM cycle. With sobriety, get ready for more restful, rejuvenating nights of sleep.
2. Mental Clarity:
Goodbye, brain fog! Without the influence of alcohol, mental clarity often improves, leading to sharper focus and increased productivity.
3. Improved Mood:
Alcohol messes with neurotransmitters, affecting our mood swings. Sobriety can help stabilise these, leading to a more balanced emotional state.
4. Physical Well-being:
Say hello to a happier liver and a stronger immune system! When alcohol takes a backseat, the body can focus on healing and boosting immunity.
Making Positive Changes: It's More Than Mindset…
It's not about deprivation; it's about empowerment.
This isn't a punishment; it's a self-love journey.
Sure, a fresh mindset is a game-changer, but understanding the physiological benefits is equally important when it comes to making positive changes. By giving our bodies a break, we're not just transforming our thoughts but nurturing our physical health, too.
Understanding the Nervous System
Alcohol often becomes a coping mechanism, providing temporary relief from stress or anxiety. However, this reliance can disrupt the body's natural mechanisms for managing stress, impacting the nervous system's equilibrium.
To counteract this, engaging in activities that regulate the nervous system becomes pivotal.
Techniques for Nervous System Regulation:
1. Mindfulness and Meditation:
Practices like mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can help calm the sympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
2. Regular Exercise:
Physical activity releases endorphins, which act as natural mood elevators, contributing to a more balanced nervous system.
3. Quality Sleep:
Prioritize a sleep routine to regulate the body's stress response and support overall well-being.
4. Nourishing food:
Good gut health is crucial to producing hormones, which can help reset neurotransmitters depleted by alcohol.
5. Nature:
Getting out in nature has a calming effect on the nervous system.
6. Connection:
Be it with loved ones, others on a similar path or playing with a pet, has been shown to reduce stress and help regulate your nervous system regulation.
7. Joy:
Adding in activities or hobbies that bring you joy, peace or relaxation, e.g. painting, dancing, singing, knitting, gardening, surfing, or any “ING” activity (just not drinking!)
8. Building Supportive Relationships:
Surround yourself with individuals who support your choices and engage in sober-friendly social activities.
Rebalancing Neurotransmitters through Nutrition
Alcohol consumption affects neurotransmitter levels, such as dopamine, serotonin, and GABA, contributing to mood imbalances and cravings. However, a healthy diet rich in nutrients can support the body in rebalancing these neurotransmitters, aiding in the transition to an alcohol-free lifestyle.
Nutrient-Dense Foods to Rebalance Neurotransmitters:
Complex Carbohydrates: Whole grains, legumes, and vegetables help stabilise blood sugar levels, preventing mood swings.
Protein Sources: Foods like lean meats, fish, tofu, and lentils provide amino acids necessary for neurotransmitter synthesis.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, these support brain health and neurotransmitter function.
Supplements: Like Ashwagandha, L-Theanine, Passionflower, Inositol, Holy Basil, & B- vitamins.
Transitioning to an alcohol-free lifestyle is a personal journey that requires patience, self-compassion, and dedication.
It's not about setting stringent rules or feeling restricted -
but opening up to new possibilities!
By incorporating nervous system regulation techniques, nourishing the body with healthy foods, and fostering a mindset of empowerment, the process becomes manageable and transformative.
Embrace the newfound freedom and opportunities that an alcohol-free life brings, discovering fulfilment and joy in every step of the journey. Remember, it's about gaining rather than losing, about living authentically and wholeheartedly and becoming the best version of yourself.
Let's welcome this year with open arms, open minds, and hearts full of determination. Here's to fresh starts, discovering the incredible benefits of sobriety and embracing a healthier, happier you!
As a Grey Area Drinking (GAD) Coach and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Practitioner, I can help you transition through this time of learning how to embrace alcohol-free living, offering support and guidance without obligation.
Book your free Discovery Call - Let’s do this together!
Cindy x
SUMMER MOCKTAIL OF THE MONTH!
Piña Colada Mocktail Recipe with Only 3 Ingredients
(Recipe courtesy of Nat from The Mindful Mocktail)
Check out more delicious Alc-free mocktail recipes at https://mindfulmocktail.com
This virgin piña colada tastes divine and is so easy to make. With only three ingredients, this non-alcoholic drink can be made for one or in a large batch for guests.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup Frozen pineapple chunks
• ⅓ cup Coconut cream
• ½ cup Pineapple juice
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Pour into a glass, garnish with a pineapple wedge and serve immediately.
Enjoy! 🍹
New! In-Person Services!
I am excited to have joined the team at the I Am Mind, Body, Soul Wellness Hub in Gerringong NSW as an Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Practitioner and Grey Area Drinking (sobriety) Coach.
You can book in-person or online sessions with me HERE
How EFT Can Help You...
As a Grey Area Drinking coach incorporating Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT or Tapping), I can help free you from what has been holding you emotionally captive.
I can help you address and release the emotional contributing factors that led to your unhealthy relationship with alcohol or other self-sabotaging behaviours.
Releasing these negative emotions can help make it easier to maintain your sobriety or reach other health goals, as you will have the tools required to successfully navigate the stressors of day-to-day life and challenging thoughts.
Book an EFT “TASTER” BUNDLE of 4 sessions and break free of limiting beliefs and what’s holding you back from living your best life.
GUEST PODCAST EPISODES
I’ve had the opportunity to share my story and connect with the community on podcasts and interviews. It’s been amazing!
You can listen here…
(click the buttons to watch on YouTube!)
HIGH VIBES DRINKS – 10% Discount -
Use Code: SOULSOBRIETY
Try some amazing non-alcoholic drinks and enjoy a 10% discount with our friends at High Vibes Drinks
If you, or someone you care about, would like to explore living alcohol-free, or learn more about EFT book a free call with me. I’d love to chat!
