Why I Don't Drink
A conversation at a Party/social gathering/any type of event where they serve alcohol:
Friend: Would you like a drink?
Me: Ooh yeah I'll get a {insert non-alcoholic drink here}.
Friend: Oh, are you not drinking? How come? What's wrong? Are you ill? OMG, you're not pregnant!?!?
Person: Oh, What are you drinking?
Me: It's {insert non-alcoholic drink here}
Person: Really? Are you not... oh wait... do you not drink? Is it for religious reasons?
Bonjour and Hello Beautiful Readers,
The two dialogues above are two over generalized but rather typical conversations I have had on nights out and many other social occasions. Whilst my family (including close friends) know and respect the fact I choose not to drink alcohol. We Live in a society where alcohol comes hand in hand with a lot of social situations, making it more difficult for others to understand why I put down the booze and walked away. Intrigued? Why not scroll down and read, What I've discovered and the reasons why I don't drink:
1. Mental Health
The big old MH is one of the most important factors in my life and it probably is one of yours too. A lot of Mental Health drugs and therapy steps include cutting out/down alcohol intake. Alcohol is a drug which alters your perception and mindset, which can negative side effects. Being sober you realize how people's personalities change after a beverage or two, both for the worse and better (we all know someone who is shy until they have a drink and then they suddenly become a social butterfly!). I'd rather be happy and healthy in myself than not, and to be able to have an amazing personality and confidence (still working on those two!) without an alcoholic aid.
2. Less Expense, Dollar Dollar bill ya'll!
We all know that payday weekend essentially becomes party weekend, where the guys and gals splash the cash to have a good time and dance those work week troubles away. However many wake up with their bank balance looking rather empty. By eliminating the alcohol, the price of a night out changes drastically; the price of mocktails is half of the cocktails, mixers are cheaper on their own and water is free! Whether partying in a high-end bar or in your local, your night becomes significantly cheaper meaning you have more dollar to spend or save for different activities, experiences...or shooooeeees.
3.More Productivity
Ever Woken up with a hangover? Guess what, so have I! I can honestly say no hangovers is probably one of the best benefits of not drinking. I get to use the day after a night out, sure I may be a little tired, but I don't spend the day ratty, groggy, feeling sorry for myself or trying to piece together what happened last night. I can Jump into writing a blog post, participate in a day out/activity, tackle my anxiety, and whatever obstacles come my way. I can easily grasp onto motivation, have more energy and get my creative juices flowing.
4.My Body is a Temple
Physical Health is just as important as Mental Health, and I feel like being sober has allowed my liver to give a sigh of relief and to heal itself from the damage I may have caused before. The morning after headaches and stomach aches are gone, as is the frail shakiness and fragility that comes after a binge sesh. Quitting alcohol or just cutting down could be the healthiest life option out there. My sleep has improved! (I love my bed and my sleep) Despite what some people believe you're actually less likely to get a good night sleep after a bevy. So a slightly earlier and sober night = sweet, sweet sleep.
5. Alcohol Poops
Yes, you read that right, Alchohol poops. We've all been there the day after and it can be grim.
6. Adventure awaits
Personally, I'm not someone who needs a drink to have a good time, (I know it's such a cliche line but please bear with...) my time without alcohol has been amazing so far, and I plan to continue this. I'm not trying to tell you that you're wrong for drinking, this is merely my experience. I have been to 'Salou Fest', on girls holidays, on nights out, summer barbecues, friends birthdays, hosted events, been to concerts, shows and done many more activities without drinking. (So for the people who will argue I'm missing out on all the fun? Yeah, I don't think so. I never feel out of place not drinking and if someone tries and make me feel otherwise, then that says more about them.) I also get to be a little more creative and meaningful with gatherings, rather than the safe 'let's go for a drink' option.
7. Being Present/letting go
I used to believe, like many others, that having a drink helps you to relax and let your hair down. After experimenting being sober, I began to gain confidence. I'm now the type of person who can dance like no-one's watching, laugh at myself and be myself in most social situations. If I can achieve that completely free feeling that you feel with drinking without the alcohol and added negative side effects, imagine how many other situations I will be able to feel that relaxed? This can help me improve my confidence, my anxiety, and pave the way to new experiences. Woohoo!
8. Memory
Ever been in that situation, where you can't remember what happened the night before? Unless I'm extremely tired, I will probably remember most nights, all the little funny moments and conversations. Being sober has also improved my day to day memory. (After being ill in 2011 I would have days where I would sometimes forget what I had for breakfast or even my words as I was speaking a sentence, it got rather frustrating!)
9. I'm Stubborn
One thing to know about me is that I am very stubborn, I usually know what I want and what I like. I feel as though I have a strong moral compass and If I believe in something I will stand my ground and defend it. This comes into play with my alcohol consumption or lack there of. If and when someone tries to encourage me to drink alcohol, it pushes me further to stay sober and not conform to social pressures. Don't get me wrong, never say never, you might have noticed that taste isn't on this list, because I do like the taste and if I decide to have a drink or toast cheers during a celebration, that will be my decision and mine alone. However, for the foreseeable future, my life is looking beautifully sober!
So There you have it; the main reason I don't drink: I don't really want to. This is a completely rational decision, It benefits me in so many ways. You don't have to be a recovering alcoholic, ill, pregnant or religious to be sober. I don't really understand why anyone would get offended or find it confusing? But if you have any questions, please comment down below. For those who drink sensibly and it doesn't affect their mental health that's great, bring on the Vino!! I'm in no way condemning people who drink alcohol and I certainly don't get offended if you drink alcohol in front of me, it's just not on my to do list.
xo
Friend: Would you like a drink?
Me: Ooh yeah I'll get a {insert non-alcoholic drink here}.
Friend: Oh, are you not drinking? How come? What's wrong? Are you ill? OMG, you're not pregnant!?!?
Person: Oh, What are you drinking?
Me: It's {insert non-alcoholic drink here}
Person: Really? Are you not... oh wait... do you not drink? Is it for religious reasons?
Bonjour and Hello Beautiful Readers,
The two dialogues above are two over generalized but rather typical conversations I have had on nights out and many other social occasions. Whilst my family (including close friends) know and respect the fact I choose not to drink alcohol. We Live in a society where alcohol comes hand in hand with a lot of social situations, making it more difficult for others to understand why I put down the booze and walked away. Intrigued? Why not scroll down and read, What I've discovered and the reasons why I don't drink:
1. Mental Health
The big old MH is one of the most important factors in my life and it probably is one of yours too. A lot of Mental Health drugs and therapy steps include cutting out/down alcohol intake. Alcohol is a drug which alters your perception and mindset, which can negative side effects. Being sober you realize how people's personalities change after a beverage or two, both for the worse and better (we all know someone who is shy until they have a drink and then they suddenly become a social butterfly!). I'd rather be happy and healthy in myself than not, and to be able to have an amazing personality and confidence (still working on those two!) without an alcoholic aid.
 |
| source: giphy |
2. Less Expense, Dollar Dollar bill ya'll!
We all know that payday weekend essentially becomes party weekend, where the guys and gals splash the cash to have a good time and dance those work week troubles away. However many wake up with their bank balance looking rather empty. By eliminating the alcohol, the price of a night out changes drastically; the price of mocktails is half of the cocktails, mixers are cheaper on their own and water is free! Whether partying in a high-end bar or in your local, your night becomes significantly cheaper meaning you have more dollar to spend or save for different activities, experiences...or shooooeeees.
 |
| source: giphy |
Ever Woken up with a hangover? Guess what, so have I! I can honestly say no hangovers is probably one of the best benefits of not drinking. I get to use the day after a night out, sure I may be a little tired, but I don't spend the day ratty, groggy, feeling sorry for myself or trying to piece together what happened last night. I can Jump into writing a blog post, participate in a day out/activity, tackle my anxiety, and whatever obstacles come my way. I can easily grasp onto motivation, have more energy and get my creative juices flowing.
 |
| source: Giphy |
Physical Health is just as important as Mental Health, and I feel like being sober has allowed my liver to give a sigh of relief and to heal itself from the damage I may have caused before. The morning after headaches and stomach aches are gone, as is the frail shakiness and fragility that comes after a binge sesh. Quitting alcohol or just cutting down could be the healthiest life option out there. My sleep has improved! (I love my bed and my sleep) Despite what some people believe you're actually less likely to get a good night sleep after a bevy. So a slightly earlier and sober night = sweet, sweet sleep.
 |
5. Alcohol Poops
Yes, you read that right, Alchohol poops. We've all been there the day after and it can be grim.
6. Adventure awaits
Personally, I'm not someone who needs a drink to have a good time, (I know it's such a cliche line but please bear with...) my time without alcohol has been amazing so far, and I plan to continue this. I'm not trying to tell you that you're wrong for drinking, this is merely my experience. I have been to 'Salou Fest', on girls holidays, on nights out, summer barbecues, friends birthdays, hosted events, been to concerts, shows and done many more activities without drinking. (So for the people who will argue I'm missing out on all the fun? Yeah, I don't think so. I never feel out of place not drinking and if someone tries and make me feel otherwise, then that says more about them.) I also get to be a little more creative and meaningful with gatherings, rather than the safe 'let's go for a drink' option.
7. Being Present/letting go
I used to believe, like many others, that having a drink helps you to relax and let your hair down. After experimenting being sober, I began to gain confidence. I'm now the type of person who can dance like no-one's watching, laugh at myself and be myself in most social situations. If I can achieve that completely free feeling that you feel with drinking without the alcohol and added negative side effects, imagine how many other situations I will be able to feel that relaxed? This can help me improve my confidence, my anxiety, and pave the way to new experiences. Woohoo!
8. Memory
Ever been in that situation, where you can't remember what happened the night before? Unless I'm extremely tired, I will probably remember most nights, all the little funny moments and conversations. Being sober has also improved my day to day memory. (After being ill in 2011 I would have days where I would sometimes forget what I had for breakfast or even my words as I was speaking a sentence, it got rather frustrating!)
One thing to know about me is that I am very stubborn, I usually know what I want and what I like. I feel as though I have a strong moral compass and If I believe in something I will stand my ground and defend it. This comes into play with my alcohol consumption or lack there of. If and when someone tries to encourage me to drink alcohol, it pushes me further to stay sober and not conform to social pressures. Don't get me wrong, never say never, you might have noticed that taste isn't on this list, because I do like the taste and if I decide to have a drink or toast cheers during a celebration, that will be my decision and mine alone. However, for the foreseeable future, my life is looking beautifully sober!
So There you have it; the main reason I don't drink: I don't really want to. This is a completely rational decision, It benefits me in so many ways. You don't have to be a recovering alcoholic, ill, pregnant or religious to be sober. I don't really understand why anyone would get offended or find it confusing? But if you have any questions, please comment down below. For those who drink sensibly and it doesn't affect their mental health that's great, bring on the Vino!! I'm in no way condemning people who drink alcohol and I certainly don't get offended if you drink alcohol in front of me, it's just not on my to do list.
xo
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