6 Things All Sober Curious Moms Should Try

*Collaborative Post

Wine mom culture has become an increasingly pervasive part of American society, especially in recent years. While the “wine o’clock somewhere” and “mommy needs a drink” memes have been around since the mid-2010s, the jokes became a little too commonplace once the pandemic began.

As entire households went into lockdown, parents had no choice but to spend nearly every waking minute with their kids. Between housework, homeschooling and managing their personal and professional lives, it wasn’t long before more moms reached for the bottle to try and alleviate some stress.

Now, as daily routines resume, millions are trying to curb drinking or quit altogether. These so-called sober curious moms are ready to live their best life, even if it means defying social norms. If you’re ready to ditch champagne playdates and experience what sober life has to offer, try one — or all! — of the suggestions below. They’ll serve you well whether you quit cold turkey or are simply curious about minimizing your consumption.

1. Consider the Benefits

If you’re curious about going sober, you’re probably aware of how alcohol negatively affects your mental and physical health. Maybe it turns slight annoyances into infuriating problems or it zaps your energy when the kids want to play. Whatever consequences you face, it’s safe to assume they’d all but disappear if you quit drinking, or reduce your alcohol intake.

Consider other benefits like better sleep, weight loss, mental clarity and even a lower risk of cancer. These advantages likely outweigh the temporary stress relief that comes from sipping a cocktail.

2. Identify Your Patterns

When are you most apt to reach for a drink? Perhaps it’s at the end of a long day when the kids are finally in bed or maybe it’s when they go to school and you feel sad or lonely. Whatever your habits are, cultivate awareness around your behaviors and emotions. What triggers pop up in your day-to-day life?

Take note of these patterns, even if they’re infrequent, and ask yourself whether alcohol is enhancing or diminishing your routine. If you’re sober curious, odds are it’s more of a crutch than you’d like it to be.

3. Say Yes to the Challenge

Some people can choose moderation. However, if you want to give full sobriety a go, join a challenge for sober curious moms. Whether you give up alcohol for a week or a full 30 days, you’re sure to notice the plethora of perks first-hand. Plus, completing the challenge with like-minded individuals might give you the courage and confidence to keep going. Conduct a quick Google search to find virtual or in-person offerings and take the leap.

4. Try a New Hobby

Depending on how often you drink, you might find yourself with lots of free time once you give it up. Luckily, there are plenty of fun, sober alternatives to inspire and motivate you. For instance, you might revisit an old hobby or pick up a new one to fill your time.

Whether you enjoy baking, knitting, crocheting, coloring or hiking, the possibilities are endless, so you’re sure to find something you enjoy. Not only will it distract you from wanting a drink, but it’ll provide you with more opportunities to make memories with your friends and family. It’s a win-win situation!

5. Connect with Other Sober Curious Moms

Attending parties and gatherings after getting sober can be a little awkward at first. Perhaps the people you’re with will even take offense at your mocktail or glass of grape juice. In this case, you might experience shame for wanting to go sober. That’s why it’s important to surround yourself with other sober curious moms and friends who don’t make you feel bad about your personal decisions. Make connections on social media or find local groups that meet regularly and offer support.

6. Read Some Quit Lit

There are countless resources available to help people with alcoholism. However, you might struggle to relate to or use these materials if you don’t consider yourself an alcoholic. Luckily, there’s a whole section of literature available for the sober curious, too. Stock up on quit lit like Holly Whitaker’s “Quit Like a Woman” or Annie Grace’s “The Alcohol Experiment” to discover what life might be like without a drink in your hand.

Living Your Best Life

Maybe your best life is a sober one, but you’ll never know unless you try. And that’s just it: you do have the power to choose. All it takes is just one step in the right direction to start a chain reaction. Once you begin, you might be surprised at how easy it is to keep going. Before you know it, a week of sobriety may turn into a month — or even a year!

In the meantime, try to be patient with yourself. You deserve a happy, fulfilling life, regardless of how long it takes to get there. Besides, life’s all about the journey, and all the little mistakes and victories along the way. So keep on keeping on, mama. You’ve got this!

*This is a collaborative post. For further information please refer to my disclosure page.

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