Summary

The author abstained from alcohol for a month, leading to improved sleep, reduced anxiety, and a heightened awareness of personal health and family history with alcoholism.

Abstract

The author decided to give up drinking for the month of October after a bourbon-heavy September and a family history of alcohol-related death. Despite a busy and stressful month, the absence of alcohol did not affect the author's enjoyment of weekends, which was instead filled with non-alcoholic beverages like Hop Water. The author observed significant health benefits, including better sleep quality, less anxiety, improved morning erections, and a leaner physique due to the absence of 'junk calories' from alcohol. The experience also served as a personal challenge to prove that alcohol is not necessary for relaxation or enjoyment. The author reflects on the fear of becoming an alcoholic like other family members and shares the positive outcomes of the alcohol-free month, inviting readers to consider their own experiences with abstaining from alcohol.

Opinions

The author acknowledges a personal connection between alcohol consumption and sleep quality, noting that their Whoop device indicates alcohol negatively impacts sleep.
Alcohol is seen as an unnecessary component of the author's weekend routine, which centers around cooking, grilling, and listening to music.
There is a concern about the potential for alcoholism, given the family history, and this challenge was a way to address that concern.
The author believes that even moderate alcohol consumption can have detrimental effects on health and well-being.
The experience of abstaining from alcohol has led to a reduction in general anxiety and an improvement in physical health, which is perceived as a positive change by both the author and their partner.

I Gave Up Drinking For The Month Of October. Here Is What Happened.

People asked me why I stopped drinking for the month of October.

I didn’t have a clear answer.

September ended with a wedding and me finishing an entire handle of bourbon in about a 4 day period.

My father drank himself to death in his 50s.

I felt like I needed a break.

I don’t drink to inebriation and hate the feeling of even being close to drunk, but I also know beer and bourbon don’t do anything good for me.

Alcohol for me is usually only a weekend thing anyway. And again, never in excess.

Still, my Whoop clearly lets me know that alcohol and sleep quality don’t mix.

Despite having a busy and stressful month, both personally and professionally, I didn’t miss alcohol.

I did find myself drinking more Hop Waters (carbonated water with hop oils) on the weekends, but I think that has as much to do with habits around being in the kitchen, preparing food, and listening to music while I cook and grill, more than anything.

The beer or bourbon is just a part of the experience.

My sleep and recovery were way up during October. I perhaps ironically had far less general anxiety or worry about things.

I had way more morning wood, much to the pleasure of the Mrs., and my already lean, fit physique looked that much better not having to accommodate all the extra, junk calories.

Do I sometimes worry I will become an alcoholic like my father or uncle (or grandfather)?

Maybe.

Was choosing not to drink in October a personal challenge, proving to myself I don’t need alcohol to unwind, relax, or enjoy my evening?

Definitely.

Have you ever abstained from alcohol for a planned period of time? What were your results?

Thanks for reading!

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