Inspiring Women Who Are Rethinking Drinking Volume 22

Meet Megan - Founder, Sober Socials Ottawa

“One day is better than no days. No effort is ever wasted on this path”, says our latest Inspiring Woman.

Tell our readers about yourself!

My name is Megan Campbell, and I was lucky enough to heed the call to my purpose early in life. I started teaching yoga and movement classes at 25 years old! Now, I am a nationally known Yoga, movement, and meditation teacher who has been guiding classes, trainings, and workshops for over sixteen years. I am also the founder and lead teacher of Sacred Movement School Canada, a leadership and yoga training program exclusively for women.

I am also a passionate activist and philanthropist who has inspired over $350,000 in donations for organizations that support women and girls locally and abroad through yoga initiatives and service trips I designed. My work off the mat has presented me with a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal, an Agent of Peace award from Nipissing University, and being named an Amazing Person by CTV Ottawa.

Many years ago, I filmed ‘Megan Campbell’s Yoga for Women’ for Rogers TV, which still runs daily.

Currently, I am completing my degree in Pyschology and planning on becoming a Somatic Pyschotherapist. My continuing passion is movement, meditation, and finding ways to empower, heal, and transform my own life to gift others with the tools to do the same. Sober Socials Ottawa – movement, mindfulness, and mocktails is my newest venture in combining all things I love!

What was the moment you decided to rethink drinking?

I woke up on August 5th, 2022, which was my Nicotine Free and Clean five-year anniversary, and thought “today is the day!” I loved smoking and hitting five-years smoke free gave me the confidence and motivation to say goodbye to alcohol. I figured it was probably some cosmically aligned day in my charts and would help me get to 30 days, which was my initial goal.

Has it been easy or difficult to give up alcohol, and what do you think contributed to that for you?

The first 30 days was surprisingly easy. I had some cravings but became obsessed with tasting and testing all the alcohol-free options I could get my hands on. It became a hobby, and I used cravings to get excited about opening and trying a new NA option. It became fun! I noticed that month two was exponentially more difficult, but only for my mental health. Physically, I felt incredible, strong, healthy. I was down though, and although I didn’t want to drink, my habitual mind crept back in. However, from quitting smoking and my education, I knew it takes longer for the brain to heal than the body. I practiced lots of self-compassion, got loads of rest, and moved my body every single day in some way. After the second month, it’s been smooth sailing again and I am feeling fabulous – physically and mentally!

Have you learned anything about your health in relation to alcohol that was surprising or you wish you had known earlier?

Low-grade, or functional, depression has always been part of my reality. I believe it’s probably what (ironically) attracts me to substance use, like nicotine or alcohol. Yet, I didn’t really realize the depth that alcohol played into my mental health until going beyond 30 days. I had been sober 30 days before and felt better for sure but going longer let me come to know what my true outlook and feelings are, clear of any substances that may cloud my understanding. Turns out, the longer I go, the better I feel mentally and emotionally as my brain heals. I also have so much more energy to workout, meditate, take walks, and spend time with friends, which are also all conducive to better well-being. So there really is a cyclic effect of cutting it out - on lifestyle, well-being, and overall health.

What kind of tools/prompts/books/podcasts did you use?

I relied on plenty of yummy alcohol-free options for cravings. My favorite, and best tip I was given, was to eat whatever I wanted month one. I gave myself a total break and ended up drinking more coffee and eating more chips! And the coolest thing was that those cravings all fizzled out naturally. Again, I think it’s cyclical. You’re getting better rest, so why the need for as much caffeine?

I read some Quit Lit, but I am a firm believer in getting to the root of the problem. I prefer psych (or self-help) that will support your desire to stay quit. A great book is ‘How to Do The Work’ by Dr. LePera. Also, The Huberman podcast on alcohol changed my life, outlook, and view of alcohol forever. If I ever need a reminder, I just listen to it again. Woah….. it’s eye opening.

 My most important tool was and still is – movement. I find a way to move every day! Yoga, fitness, nature walks, online classes. Whatever I need to do, I move in some way every day. Meditation has been such a gift as well!

What are some benefits you have experienced since cutting out alcohol?

Too many to name here! But, Top Five: better mental health, better physical health, better sleep and feeling more rested, found (and built!) a supportive, loving, fun cOMmunity [sic], and feeling of internal validation and pride.

What were some common triggers you noticed that caused you to want to grab a glass of wine and what are you doing now to surge the urge when it hits?

My biggest trigger was a certain feeling. So, I emotionally detoxed too! If I noticed that a person, circumstance, or experience causes me to feel that certain feeling, I cut it out too. Not forever, but for now. We can get emotionally addicted to people/ things too. I gravitate instead towards what makes me feel loved, supported, hopeful, inspired. Over the months I have worked with the specific feeling through a slow titration of introducing it, breathing into it, then moving on to something else so it doesn’t overwhelm me or cause a trigger. It has worked really well. This same concept applies to triggers. When you notice one, notice the noticing, feel it for a breath or two, then move on (for now), and do something else. Read the book, take a bath, go for a walk, call a friend, etc.

How did removing drinking from your life contribute to your role as mom/caregiver/partner, etc.?

I am 100% a better student, friend, and teacher. I am much more present and positive.

What is the top piece of advice to someone who might want to rethink drinking?

If you say you can’t, you won’t. If you say you can, you might. If you try, you will (have at least one day!). One day is better than no days. No effort is ever wasted on this path.

Is there anything you wish you had known before you started this journey?

How many people are sober and sober curious in the community! You are not alone.

You can connect with Megan on her website or on Instagram @megancampbell.yoga. Be sure to also follow @sobersocials.ottawa to connect with her cOMmunity.