I stopped drinking…my thoughts a year later.
A little over a year ago, I embarked on a journey I hadn't planned for: I stopped drinking alcohol as I entered my mid 40s. This wasn't a decision motivated by a desire for dramatic health transformations or significant lifestyle overhauls. Surprisingly, I never considered myself much of a drinker to begin with, enjoying perhaps a cocktail or a beer to wind down on a Friday night. Yet, as anxiety and hormone changes took hold, my body's reaction to even a single drink shifted dramatically. What was once a small pleasure began to feel like a burden, leaving me worse for wear and amplifying my anxiety.
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The decision to cut alcohol from my life was subtle, guided by the gentle nudging of my changing body and mind. It wasn't accompanied by any monumental health wins; I didn't shed pounds, nor did I wake up one day feeling like a new person. Instead, the transition was quiet, marked by a gradual disinterest in alcohol and a newfound preference for indulging in a Diet Coke with limes. (Why is this so good? And yes, I know it’s not good for me either! haha!) My tastes evolved, steering me away from the allure of alcohol without any sense of loss or deprivation.
The Quiet Benefits
During perimenopause, a period already tumultuous with its myriad symptoms like mood swings, hot flashes, and sleep disturbances, alcohol can exacerbate these challenges. In my journey, the benefits of reducing alcohol intake weren't loud or immediately obvious. I literally felt so bad that I was willing to give up or do anything to feel better. There was no dramatic weight loss or instant alleviation of symptoms. Instead, the advantages unfolded quietly over time:
- Enhanced Sleep Quality: Gradually, my nights became more restful, with fewer interruptions. Although I didn't notice an overnight transformation, the cumulative effect of better sleep improved my overall well-being.
-Stabilized Mood: The absence of alcohol's depressive effects led to more stable moods and a general sense of equilibrium, even amidst the hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause.
-Reduced Anxiety: Without alcohol to falsely temper my anxiety, I found healthier coping mechanisms, leading to a subtle yet profound shift in how I managed stress.
Tips for Navigating
For those considering a similar path, here are some gentle strategies that supported my transition:
1. Listen to Your Body: Your body communicates its needs in various ways. For me, it was recognizing that alcohol no longer served me, even if the message wasn't delivered through dramatic health issues.
2. Explore New Tastes: There are so many non alcoholic options. I love NA beer, but recently I’ve just been enjoying an icy diet coke with some lime. It’s fun to develop new mocktail recipes too.
3. Embrace Subtle Changes: Not all benefits of reducing alcohol are immediate or monumental. Embrace the subtle shifts in your health and well-being.
4. Find Support in Community: Connecting with others on a similar journey can provide encouragement and understanding. Sharing experiences can make the path less solitary.
5. Celebrate Every Step: Each choice to opt for a mocktail or to listen to your body's preference against alcohol is a victory worth celebrating.
Moving Forward with Clarity
My journey away from alcohol wasn't driven by a quest for significant health victories or societal pressures. It was a personal evolution, a shift in preference that mirrored the broader transformations of what was happening with my body. Today, the idea of a Friday night cocktail holds no appeal. This shift wasn't about what I was giving up but about what I was gaining: a clearer understanding of my body's needs and desires during a pivotal time of change.
If you're navigating perimenopause and find your relationship with alcohol shifting, know that you're not alone. The decision to reduce or eliminate alcohol from your life is deeply personal and can be immensely rewarding in unexpected ways. Here's to embracing change, listening to our bodies, and finding joy in the new preferences and paths that unfold before us.
XO,
Sarah