For many people, thats meant cutting back onalcoholor cutting it out completely.
I decided that the best way to take care of myself mentally and physically was to quit drinking.
I would drink a lot, including alone, and it was just part of my regular routine.
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It led to weight gain, financial issues, loss of friends and relationships, and general toxic traits.
I also have battleddepression and anxiety, which alcohol always made worse.
More than 10 clients stopped paying overnight.
I decided that the best way to take care of myself mentally and physically was to quit drinking.
I even dramatically threw away all of the alcohol I had in my apartment.
Tori A., 35
2.
I dont really love how it makes me feel the next day.
This has largely due to my spiritual journey during the pandemic.
Granted, I waspregnantpart of this time.
Nadia M., 41
3.
I was worried Id go down a slippery slope.
Idont love the taste of alcoholeither.
So cutting back let me figure out what I actually like.
I dont finish drinks anymore either.
Jocelyn R., 27
4.
It was one of the first things I did in mid-March to prioritize my health.
I really didnt miss it at all.
Around July, I started to lightly imbibe again, but not like I used to before the pandemic.
Lauren F., 31
5.
I decided to use my free time to control what little I could in a positive way.
Cutting back on drinking was part of that.
I now only have a drink or two on the weekend.
Ive found that I sleep better, which helps with athletic performance.
Any time Ive cut back on drinking I think my skin looks bettermore glowy and vibrant.
Amy H., 43
6.
I had way too much to drink and spent the next two days hungover.
Ever since the pandemic started, I was aware that I’d been drinking more often than usual.
I spent the next two dayshungover with major anxiety.
It took feeling that bad about myself to make a changewhich was to completely cut out drinking.
Mary P., 29
7.
Resets like this help me to remind myself to be moderate.
We were cooking way more, not ordering takeout, and spending plenty of time in our backyard.
My sleep improved, anxiety levels were lower, and energy was higher.
Throughout the holiday season, I went back to drinking, but knew I’d be participating inDry January.
It’s going fine, but I’m definitely ready to have a glass of wine.
I’m sure I’ll take another month off in two to three months!
Molly A., 36
8.
I’ve never regrettednotdrinking, but I have regretted drinking.
When 2020 kicked offbefore COVID-19I made a promise to myself to improve my relationship with alcohol.
There was no rock bottom or specific event that got me to this choice.
I just had an inkling that alcohol was holding me back and not helping me reach my full potential.
Also, there’s some family history around alcohol issues.
But the appeal and fun of alcohol had decreased significantly.
I’ve never regretted not drinking, but I have regretted drinking.
One thing I will say that surprised me was how much you feel when you’re not drinking.
As 2020 went on, I did my best to adopt a more mindful and intentional approach to consumption.
In December, I cut out alcohol completely again, and it’s so much easier this time around.
It’s just as easy, fun, and cheaper to order a soda water with a few limes.
Leslie G., 28
Quotes have been edited and condensed for clarity.
