Friday

Welcome to Friday! As we cruise into the weekend:

• What to know about “intermittent sobriety”

• How to create a strategy to take a break from alcohol

• Be proactive about your health

• Fun activities that aren’t centered around alcohol

• Learn a new language in just 3 weeks

What Is “Intermittent Sobriety?”

You may have heard of a phrase called “sober curious.” In short, this term means "You might not be 100% sober, but you are interested in drinking less," Hilary Sheinbaum, author of the "Going Dry" workbook and guide to drinking less, told " Good Morning America.

While people choose to drink or not drink for a wide range of reasons, research shows an increasing amount of people are either drinking less or choosing not to drink at all.

Amid the rise in the sober curious movement, some people have taken interest in a term called “intermittent sobriety.”

As shared by Real Simple, this is when a person has temporary yet recurring periods where they don’t drink alcohol.

Experts say intermittent sobriety can be a great step to better your health by consuming less alcohol. It can also be a great way to consider your relationship with alcohol and consume more mindfully!

What’s more, the rise of mocktails and an increasing amount of zero-proof and alcohol-free drinks have made it easier than ever to still enjoy a fun drink!

Creating a Strategy To Take a Break From Alcohol

Regardless of whether you want to press pause on drinking to focus on your physical health, mental health, save money, or another reason, it can feel challenging and isolating.

However, know that it is possible and can be a great step for your well-being if you feel inclined to do so!

Make a plan: Consider your relationship with alcohol, and ask yourself what your ideal one would be. How does it impact you emotionally, physically, and so forth? Once you’ve taken some time to reflect, lay out what you’d like the break — whether short-term, long-term, or permanent — to look like.

Seek a support system: Whether it’s a friend, family member, therapist, or an organization, having support in your decision to step away from drinking can make it much less isolating.

Try to steer clear of scenarios where you might be tempted — or have an alcohol-free beverage on hand: Certain settings — like bars or parties — may make us feel more tempted to drink. Finding alternative hangout spots or a different drink to sip can help you stay committed to your goal. If there are people who you know may pressure you to drink, it might be best to keep some distance.

Be Proactive About Your Health

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Thank you to Legal Offers, LLC. for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Activities To Try That Don’t Revolve Around Alcohol

Whether you want to consume less alcohol or simply find some other activities that aren’t centered around drinking, here are some ideas to get inspired!

• A hike or walk in nature

• Volunteering somewhere in your community

• Pamper yourself with some extra at-home self-care

• Tap into your childhood with your favorite activities — think puzzles, board games, and forts

• Join a club or activity in your area

• Take a movement class or explore your mind-body connection at home

• Head to the library or bookstore and browse the shelves

• Challenge yourself to learn a new skill

• Host an ice cream party, movie night, or board game day

• Explore coffee shops around your town

Start Speaking a New Language in Just 3 Weeks

Thanks to Babbel for sponsoring Note to Self.

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: 38% of adults are sober from alcohol.

• 🎁 Our Holiday Self-Care Picks: Don’t forget to check out our 2024 gift guide, a collection of thoughtful, wellness-focused products that help you feel your best, inside and out.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ Snapshot Of The Day: We'd love to see moments from our readers lives that they are proud of! If you recently accomplished an achievement, experienced a joyful moment, or are proud of a picture you have taken, be sure to capture it on camera and send it to us for a chance to be featured next week! 

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: While it may feel isolating if you're on a sobriety journey, know you are not alone — and it can be a great step for health and well-being.

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!