- I slept better:
My first booze-free night was a Friday and I awoke the next morning astonished to find I'd had a full eight hours of sleep – this almost never happens. Sadly, my improved sleep didn't last but I found I did get more sleep throughout the month overall, because when I was sober, I didn't spend as much time procrastinating, making snacks and trying to drink water before I went to bed.
- Soft drinks are boring:
Until I gave up my beloved sauvignon blanc, I'd never noticed the way wine is moreish, whereas soft drinks aren't, because once you've quenched your thirst, you don't really want any more.
- Sober dating is better:
I was worried dates would be difficult without a bit of 'Dutch courage', but on the contrary, being sober made it easier to figure out if I actually liked someone.
- Not having a hangover is great:
As someone who suffers horrendous hangovers, going sober meant I didn't waste entire days in bed, so I got more done, nor did I have a cloud of 'hangxiety' hovering over me. Don't underestimate how going dry for a month – any month – could improve your mental health.
- It's made me drink less now:
Forcing myself to give up booze for 31 days has made me realise that even when I only have one or two glasses of wine, it negatively affects my sleep and my mood, so I'm now more likely to stick to non-alcoholic drinks if, say, I'm going out for dinner during the week.
