Sober October is done... Now what?
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When I gave up alcohol over 2 years ago, it wasn’t a grand plan to live a lifetime alcohol free. Instead, it was just a natural progression from a question I asked my husband, having completed a three-month break from drinking that felt so good I wasn’t ready for it to end.
My question? Simply, “Now what should I do?” And his answer: “How about four months?” Not a lifetime, and nothing dramatic. Simply a recognition that I could keep going if I wanted to
Because whether you found Sober October a breeze or a struggle, whether you are toying with the idea of a longer break or are planning to start drinking again, Sober October doesn’t need to be the end – it can be the beginning of a journey where your well-being informs whether and how you choose to drink, rather than the reverse.
But in case that’s too vague a question for you, here are 10 others you might want to think, journal, or chat about as October draws to a close.
1. What did I achieve?
Whether you sailed through Sober October with ease or faced challenges along the way, it's essential to celebrate your achievements. You took on a challenge and saw it through, and that is worth acknowledging. What else did you achieve? Did you notice positive improvements in your fitness regime or sleep habits because of this break? Did you save money? Regardless of how imperfect your journey might have been, recognize and appreciate the positive achievements that a month away from alcohol allowed you to enjoy.
2. What was the impact?
Reflect on how the month without alcohol affected you physically, mentally, and emotionally. Did you experience any positive changes, such as improved sleep, better focus, or increased energy? Take the time to consider the benefits of changing your relationship with alcohol. This reflection can help you make better decisions about your well-being going forward.
3. What’s my next goal?
This doesn’t have to be an alcohol goal (although it might be), but you may consider continuing with the healthy habits you may have established during Sober October. If you were eating healthier, exercising more, getting better sleep, or practicing improved self-care, maintaining, and building on these habits can lead to better overall well-being. Additionally, if you found new ways to manage stress or socialize, why not continue them through November and beyond?
4. How do I want to consume alcohol going forward?
Use your Sober October experience to inform your future decisions about alcohol consumption. Whether you plan to continue abstaining or return to drinking, consider whether different drinking habits might serve you better. The break from 'drinking as usual' that Sober October provides offers a window to make more mindful, conscious choices. Remember that no choice needs to be forever; you can always adjust as needed.
5. Do I need support?
If you enjoyed being alcohol-free but found some aspects difficult or perhaps realized you are more dependent on alcohol than you thought, there are numerous support resources available. Connect with the alcohol-free community on social media for inspiration and tips. In more serious cases, seek out support groups or consult with a healthcare professional to determine the help you need to make better choices going forward. In my opinion, the answer to “do I need support” is always yes – because every human being does. Giving some thought to what that support might look like for you can help you build a network to rely on going forward.
6. What other healthy challenges can I do?
If you found the structure of Sober October helpful, remember that there are many challenges to participate in throughout the year. For example, Annie Grace's 30-day alcohol experiment is a great option. Like me, you might decide to try three months without alcohol instead of just one. Also, don't forget that Dry January is just around the corner. There are various fitness, healthy eating, yoga, or meditation challenges, as well as events like long-distance runs that require training and preparation, which can motivate you to continue with healthier drinking habits.
7. What other goals do I want to achieve now?
For some, alcohol-free living is a means to feeling healthier and more energetic, allowing them to accomplish other goals. You've already proven to yourself that you can take on a big goal and succeed. Now, consider what other goals are on your bucket list. Leverage the positive momentum you've built during Sober October to set new goals, whether they are professional, financial, health-related, or in any other aspect of your life. The benefits you've likely experienced, such as better sleep, reduced anxiety, and increased energy, will support you in achieving the next big thing. And a healthier relationship with alcohol will help, too!
8. What more can I learn?
During Sober October, you may have witnessed the short-term benefits of eliminating alcohol from your life. Now that you have some distance from this pervasive substance, it's an excellent time to educate yourself about the long-term risks associated with drinking. Make informed decisions that align with your values, goals, and well-being in the short and long term. Understand the risks and rewards of drinking, knowing that you have the capacity to live your life without alcohol if you choose to do so.
9. What changes do I want to sustain for the long term?
Remember that the end of Sober October doesn't mean you have to return to your previous habits. It's an opportunity to make positive, sustainable changes in your life based on what you've learned and experienced during the challenge. Whether you choose to continue your alcohol-free journey or modify your drinking habits, use this experience as a stepping stone toward a healthier and more mindful life.
10. What assumptions did I have about alcohol that I’ve unlearned?
For me, this was a big one. I drank alcohol to socialize, but I quickly learned during my sustained drinking hiatus that it was completely unnecessary for me (in fact, personally I feel more confident socializing sober because I feel in greater control of what I’m saying and doing). My assumption that alcohol was necessary to a social life was plain wrong. What assumptions have been challenged by your break. Perhaps you’ve realized that you can destress without wine, that a nightcap hinders rather than helps sleep, or that non-alcoholic beer is just as good as the full-strength stuff. Calling out your assumptions and seeing how they may be false is a powerful tool is enabling you to make conscious decisions about your consumption going forward.
Sober October is a 30-day challenge, but it can be so much more if you want it to be. It's an opportunity to reassess your relationship with alcohol, make healthier choices, and set new goals for yourself. Use the lessons learned during this month to embark on a path of improved well-being and self-discovery and remember that your choices are always within your control. And maybe, just maybe, your answer to ‘what’s next’ might be like mine – why not another month?
