3 Tips to Get Prepared for Sober October!
Hey y’all!
Tomorrow marks the start of Sober October! Woohoo! Are you ready??
Perhaps you’re sober-curious but fearful now that it’s here… Can I really do it? What if I can’t do the whole 31 (or 21 if you’re following true RESTART) days? What if I miss sugar? What if I’m at a party and feel awkward?
If you can relate to any of these questions or feelings, you’re not alone! I feel them too! Sober October isn’t an easy challenge, but it is absolutely doable. I’m doing it! And you can too!
Over the month, you may experience some challenges and changes in your body as you transition away from sugar. The first week is often “the worst” for detox effects and may include headaches, fatigue, brain fog, mood swings, or changes in digestion, etc. Haha not really selling this whole thing, am I? 😉 Though unpleasant, I promise they all pass, AND once they do is when the good stuff happens. It's worth it! Not everyone experiences detox symptoms, but if you find yourself in that position, remember it is NORMAL, it is TEMPORARY, and that your body is RELEASING TOXINS which is a good thing!
The body is amazing. You can’t see all the work going on inside, but if you could, you’d be blown away. We’re not designed to take in processed foods, hydrogenated oils, or so much sugar, so your body stores them away until it has an opportunity to release them. When you nourish yourself with whole foods, you give your body the fuel to detoxify and clean house.
If the going gets rough (especially during the first several days), take care of yourself! Take a few deep, slow breaths in through your nose and sigh them heavily out your mouth. Keep water and herbal teas around, take baths, go on walks, do gentle yoga, get a massage, read a book, call a friend, write in your journal, take a nap -- whatever feels revitalizing to you! Eventually you’ll be rewarded with better energy, mental clarity, and great sleep! Cravings will diminish and maybe even a couple excess pounds will melt away too.
Here are 3 TIPS to help you get started with Sober October 2019!
1. Set an intention for the month.
Ask yourself why you want to take part in this challenge. How might your life change for the better?
Write an affirmation for yourself and post it places you’ll see it daily… perhaps in your fridge, on your mirror, at your work desk, etc. Mine this month is “I find sweetness in life.”
2. Hide or give away any booze/weed/sugar you’ve got in your home!
Honestly the easiest way to avoid caving (especially at night when we’re generally most likely to drink, smoke, and snack) is to not have access.
3. Plan ahead!
Don’t go grocery shopping on an empty stomach! It never ends well. Trust me. 😉
Wash and prep your veggies/fruits immediately when you get home from grocery shopping. This not only makes grab and go snacking easier but cooking as well.
Set up your breakfasts and/or lunches the night before if you tend to run late in the morning.