Breaking Up with Alcohol
Let’s talk about my side hustle: funding the wine industry one glass at a time. Most nights, you’d find me pouring 2-3 glasses of wine or whipping up a spicy margarita like a professional bartender—anything to calm my racing mind after a stressful day. It felt like the easiest (and tastiest) way to hit the pause button in life.
But let’s be real—the relief lasted about as long as a New Year’s resolution. The clarity I so desperately craved? Gone the moment I woke up groggy, unfocused, and already overwhelmed by the day ahead. It became a predictable cycle: drink, relax, wake up exhausted, repeat. My “quick fix” wasn’t fixing anything, and deep down, I knew something had to change.
When I left my 23-year corporate grind with its endless long hours, it felt like the perfect moment to hit reset. Suddenly, I had more time to prioritize my health and less money to splurge on fancy wines or cocktails. Cutting alcohol became an obvious first step—not just to save money, but to start building the life I truly want, free from sluggish mornings and wine-induced headaches.
Small Steps, Big Wins
Taking charge of my life started with one of many small (but powerful) steps: cutting back on alcohol. It was an easy choice once I realized that my nightly habit was holding me back from feeling my best.
Now, don’t get me wrong—I didn’t quit drinking entirely. I still enjoyed a glass of wine with Christmas dinner because, let’s face it, balance is key. But those nightly drinks? They’re history. Along with them went the foggy mornings, the endless fatigue, and the general feeling of being stuck in an unhealthy routine.
Letting go of alcohol wasn’t just about saying no to something—it was about saying yes to better habits and a clearer mind. Instead of pouring a glass to unwind, I’ve embraced healthier ways to recharge:
• Walking: Nothing beats fresh air to clear your mind—except maybe the challenge of convincing my boxer that not every rabbit needs chasing.
• Reading: Getting lost in a good story is much better than losing track of whether that was your third or fourth glass of wine.
• Writing: Sharing my journey has been therapeutic—and a humbling reminder that I really should’ve paid more attention to spelling and grammar back in elementary school.
These small changes have made a big difference, and honestly, I’m loving the little wins along the way.
The Immediate Wins
The first thing I noticed. No more waking up with wine headaches and wondering why I felt like I’d been run over by a bus. My sleep improved, my mornings got brighter, and my coffee tasted a whole lot better without dehydration in the mix.
Now, I’ll admit—I was secretly hoping my blood pressure would magically drop overnight, but that hasn’t happened yet. However, I’ve noticed major improvements in my gut health, so I’ll take the win where I can. I know that with consistent exercise and better nutrition, the bigger changes will come. Progress is progress, and every step counts.
The Perks of Drinking Less
Cutting back on alcohol has been a game-changer. Who knew saying goodbye to wine nights could come with so many benefits? Here’s what I’ve gained so far:
Physical Health Wins
1. Happy Liver: Less stress on my liver means it’s finally catching a break.
2. Healthier Heart: My blood pressure is finally on the path to improvement, thanks to ditching those nightly drinks!
3. Fewer Calories: Turns out, those sneaky liquid calories really add up.
4. Stronger Immunity: My body feels more resilient without alcohol dragging it down.
5. Better Digestion: Goodbye bloating and digestive drama.
Mental Health Gains
1. Improved Sleep: Cutting alcohol has brought me the best sleep of my life.
2. Clearer Mind: The brain fog is fading, and I’m slowly getting back to feeling sharp. With consistent exercise, I know this progress will only continue to improve.
3. Lower Stress: Walking and writing are surprisingly effective ways to unwind—and they come without the calorie count.
Lifestyle Benefits
1. Renewed Energy: Cutting out wine has me feeling more energized than ever.
2. Radiant Skin: Hydration is back, and my skin is loving the glow.
3. Budget Win: Skipping the wine aisle means more cash for things that matter.
What’s Next?
Cutting back on alcohol was a big step, but it’s just the beginning. My next goals include building a consistent exercise routine and adding weight training to the mix. This journey isn’t about being perfect—it’s about making progress, one small change at a time.
If you’re thinking about cutting back on alcohol, start small. Swap that nightly drink for a calming walk or save it for special occasions. Every little change adds up.
Life’s too short to wake up tired and stuck. Let’s ditch the wine headaches, embrace healthier habits, and prove that self-care can be fun. Cheers! (With sparkling water, of course.)
