‘Alcohol is the only drug you have to justify not taking’, when you stop smoking everyone says ‘well done!’ But if you stop drinking, people tend to look concerned and ask if you ‘have a problem’. I’d given up for short periods before, during pregnancies etc, but I had always counted the days till I could drink again. This time it was different, it was as if a light had come on, and I didn’t ever go back. I found that rather than giving something up, I was gaining my life back. If only someone had told me before how freaking fantastic life without alcohol is! The benefits of quitting booze include better sleep, regulated weight, better digestion, better sex, and better cognitive function, and many people report their anxiety reduces or dissipates, it took time, but eventually, all the benefits kicked in - and more. The overheating stopped no more hot flushes! My eyesight improved (really!) and I got shiny locks, and sober hair (who knew!) And I feel younger. Want the best anti-ageing secret ever? Ditch the booze! (You’re welcome!) As for the mirror in the bedroom, I smile at it now, if I remember. There are still some bulges and I’m far from perfect, but it’s not self-loathing anymore. I’m not quite there yet, but I am ‘self-love curious’. I am…dare I say it - Happy Healthy and Sober. Janey Lee Grace is a Radio / TV presenter, author of several books on holistic living and the founder of The Sober Club www.thesoberclub.com a platform offering a non-judgmental approach to wellbeing underpinned by sobriety, and hosts the Alcohol-Free Life podcast. She gave a TEDx talk Sobriety Rocks – Who Knew! Her book is Happy Healthy Sober – Ditch the booze and take control of your life
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker