What I Learned From 40 Days Sober
I’m almost at the end of my 40 days sober, and I feel incredible about to go into 2023. While it’s a culmination of the personal development I’ve been doing for years, 40 days of self-reflection and care have been transformative. I did this experiment to uncover more ways of creating joy in my life, instead of always reaching for a go-to glass of wine to spice things up. Below are some lessons I learned, which I hope will inspire you to get curious about your life habits, and start taking action toward the life you desire.
A Good Night’s Sleep is Everything
I thought that hungover morning feeling was from an evening glass of wine, but it turns out, I still feel it when I don’t have a restful sleep. Focusing on unwinding before bed, and good sleep hygiene has helped me feel energized and actually look forward to my mornings. Alcohol (especially) and cannabis really impact your quality of sleep, so going forward i’m more likely to prioritize sleep rather than a casual drink.
Get Curious
Getting curious about how I actually filled my time was enlightening. We live in a fast-paced hustle culture, but it feels incredible to slow down and simply be for a bit. Quiet and stillness are a gift. Alone time allows you to reflect on your life. During this sober time, I was able to notice my feelings and pay attention to how things, people, and activities made me feel, without outside distractions. I was better able to process hard things, instead of numbing them out, which felt extremely powerful. Also, my house is a lot more organized now that I had some spare time to kill!
Do What Brings You Joy
Pay attention to how you spend your time. I was extremely bored my first weekend of soberness, which helped bring awareness to how much more I could do in my life to create moments of pleasure. Yes, a great marg or a perfectly rolled joint with friends brings joy, but I also re-discovered my love of the symphony, art, long walks in nature, and in-person yoga classes. I also finally joined a meditation sangha that brings a sense of community and peace to my life. Now I prioritize these things weekly, adjusting my life around them, and not the other way around.
Eat Foods That Make You Feel Nourished And Grounded
A lot of times when we wake up even slightly hungover (or tired!), we reach for unhealthy foods, instead of craving the things that make us feel good. Removing hangovers and prioritizing sleep helped me realize just how much food makes an impact on the way we feel. This experiment allowed to me implement new healthy habits, such as meal prepping, and always having food ready to go, which made me feel so much more vibrant and stable.
It’s All About The Simple Things
Most of the things that I changed in my life are simple: sleep, food, alone, nature, and exercise. We think that we’re so far away from the lives we want, but these fundamental activities and functions can create so much pleasure in your life. Soaking up the sun on a walk, or drinking a cup of tea can surprisingly add a lot of joy in such an easy and quick way.
Even if you have no desire to try some sober time, I encourage you to get back to basics with your life. Start with more time alone, then add in things that make your body and mind feel good! I promise this positive energy will impact other areas of your life, and over time you’ll start to see the shifts.
If you don’t know what brings you joy, that’s okay, just start by spending more time alone, and trusting that your intuition will guide you to the next steps.
XOXO