What started as one glass of wine each night slowly became something I didn’t feel good about. This is what happened when I stepped away.

The 5 O’Clock Habit 

This is a tough one to share – especially as one of my very first blog posts.  It’s deeply personal, and it highlights some habits I’m not exactly proud of.  That said, my intent with this blog is to share real stories, be honest and open about my experiences, and build a community of women who appreciate candor.  So what better place to start than with the story of how I hit pause on my evening Sauvignon Blanc?

Like many others (or so I’ve heard!), I looked forward to the 5 o’clock hour, when I could head to the kitchen for my “happy hour.”  That evening glass of wine often turned into several more.  It was part ritual, part reward, and for a while, it felt harmless. But  somewhere along the way, it progressed from more than just a glass or two.  I enjoyed a glass of wine as I cozied up on the couch to watch a show.  When I had to pull a late night working – which was often – a glass of wine made the long hours tolerable.

At the same time, I wrestled with an ongoing internal dialog.  Deep down, I knew my relationship with alcohol – mostly wine – wasn’t healthy.

Many, many mornings,  I woke with regret and promised myself I would dial it back.  But as  evening rolled around, I could always find an excuse – a long day, a social commitment, something to celebrate, or just a quiet night at home.  I would break my promise to myself, and the cycle would continue.  I hated where I was.  Why couldn’t I kick a habit, and why was I so attached to the prospect of just “numbing” my mind each evening?  I was full of shame and remorse.

I’ve given a lot of thought to what brought me to this place, and I don’t have the answers yet.  (Something I plan to explore and may be the subject of another post.)  I  started asking myself: What would happen if I just… stopped?

It wasn’t easy. But it was worth it. As I write this, I’ve just passed 100 days alcohol-free.  It’s been eye-opening, empowering, and surprisingly positive.

Here’s what helped me get here — and what I’ve learned along the way.

Sober Curiosity

 At first, I just started reading stories.  People who gave up drinking entirely, or cut way back, and shared their experiences.   Some said they were done with alcohol.  Others said they have a new awareness and are more intentional when they drink.

Their stories are what first intrigued me, but I didn’t really know if I could do it.  Meet a friend for “a drink” and not actually have one?  Entertain guests without opening bottles from our collection?  Go on vacation and not explore the local food and wine scene?  Worse – would I still be fun?  Would I enjoy myself as much?  The thought that I might need alcohol to have fun made me cringe.

The more I read, the more curious I became. Could I feel better? Sleep better? Be better — without  wine shaping the rhythm of my evenings?  Would I be able to quiet that inner dialogue, and start to shake the feelings of weakness and failure?

Turns out, yes.

My Approach

My plan was simple – to give up drinking for 30 days and evaluate how I felt – physically as well as emotionally.

Here are some of the things that made a difference:

• Mindset: I started seeing my choice as a gain, not a loss. I wasn’t depriving myself – I was experimenting by giving up something that wasn’t making me feel good.
• Education:  I read everything I could find on the sober-curious movement and the effects of alcohol on the body and brain.  I found that keeping the “bad news” top of mind helped me focus on my experiment and want to stick with it.
• Community – I devoured stories of women and their alcohol-free journeys.  If they could do it, maybe I could too.
• Content: I followed a few sober-curious creators on Instagram and listened to informative, science-based podcasts.  (DM me if you’d like recs!)
• Journaling the Journey: I tracked how I felt, what changed, what challenged me and what worried me.  Looking back at my raw feelings at specific points in time helped me stay motivated.
• Key Tip:  I created alcohol-free alternatives for my 5pm ritual.  This was HUGE!  I found some zero-proof options to mix with sparkling waters – celebratory and refreshing!

Resources I Loved

     Podcast:

• What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain & Health – Huberman Lab

      Books:

• This Naked Mind by Annie Grace
• The Alcohol Experiment (Workbook) by Annie Grace

*I completed the workbook after my first 30 days and found the reinforcement of my experience very helpful.

AF Alternatives:

• Ritual Zero Proof
• Seedlip Drinks
• Athletic Brewing Co.
• Recess Zero Proof Mocktails 

The Surprises

• It wasn’t as hard as I expected!  I really looked forward to my evening mocktail!
• No shame.  I have proudly shared this journey with family and friends.
• Puffiness and bloating – gone.  The literature is true – I felt significantly less bloat, the puffiness under my eyes disappeared and I lost a few pounds!
• Mental clarity.  My mind is noticeably sharper.
• Social life?  Still intact.  Turns out, alcohol doesn’t make a bit of difference!  If anything, I am more engaged than ever.
• Sleep was a challenge.  This surprised me the most.  Everyone says sleep improves, but I still struggle.  That said, it’s not enough to tempt me back.

Final Thoughts

I’m not here to tell you what to do.  I just want to share what’s worked for me.

If you’re feeling that little nudge of curiosity, listen to it. Try a weekend. Then a week. See how you feel.

I set out with a 30-day goal, then 60, then 90.  My next milestone is 6 months.  Will I ever drink again?  Maybe.  But right now, I feel good. Clear. Grounded.

You don’t have to label yourself. You don’t have to do it forever. But you do get to feel good in your body, your choices, and your own skin.  And if you do try an experiment of your own, I’d love to hear anything you’d like to share!

Here’s to showing up fully — no buzz required.

Thanks for reading!