My Sober Glow Journey

Staying sober during the summer can be challenging, especially with the numerous social events, parties, and gatherings that often involve alcohol. However, a sober summer can be incredibly rewarding, providing you with clarity, health benefits, and the opportunity to create meaningful memories. Here are ten tips to help you enjoy a sober summer:

1.Plan Ahead

Identify Triggers: Recognize situations or events that might trigger the desire to drink. Whether it’s certain people, places, or emotions, being aware of your triggers can help you prepare for them.
Set Goals: Establish clear, achievable goals for your summer. Whether it’s staying sober for a month, attending a specific number of events sober, or achieving personal milestones, having goals can keep you motivated.
Develop Strategies: Plan how to handle situations where you might feel pressured to drink. This could include having a definite answer in place when asked why not drinking, bringing your own non-alcoholic beverages, or having a friend you can call for support. And don’t forget I’m here – sometimes a simple “you can do this” reply is all you need!

2.Find Sober Activities
Explore New Hobbies: Summer is a great time to try new activities that don’t involve alcohol, everyone is at the gym or trying to get healthier in the summer so that’s a fab place to start. So look for new classes, maybe wild water swimming or walking groups, yoga, the list goes on!
Join Clubs or Groups: Look for local groups or clubs that focus on sober activities. Whether it’s a book club, a sports team, or a volunteer organization, being part of a community can provide support and keep you engaged.
Attend Sober Events: These are definitely getting more and more popular – many communities offer alcohol-free events such as outdoor movies, concerts, and festivals. Check local listings for sober-friendly events.

3. Stay Active
Warmer and brighter days encourage us to move more and do more so have an exercise plan in place and stick to it – make that your focus. Physical activity can reduce stress and improve your mood, making it easier to stay sober. Find an exercise routine you enjoy – that’s key to sticking to it. I always feel like I want to do more in the house too when its summer, have a declutter or a deep clean if you feel the wine witch calling, especially in the evenings.

4. Build a Support Network
Reach Out to Friends and Family: IF (big IF) your family are supportive let them know about your commitment to staying sober. Their support and encouragement can be invaluable. When I initially quit I didn’t tell anyone apart from my husband as I didn’t want the added pressure and negative comments from people who didn’t think I could do it. So don’t feel like you have to tell the everyone, maybe just a chosen few. Instagram and social media is amazing for this, as you find your people – people who are getting sober who are sober just like you – like all my sober glow gals, all encouraging one another.
Join Support Groups: Organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offer meetings and resources for those looking to stay sober. Connecting with others who understand your journey can provide strength and inspiration. See what is available in your are, you might just be pleasantly surprised!
Find a Sober Buddy: Partner with a friend who is also committed to staying sober. You can support each other, attend events together, and hold each other accountable.

5. Create a Sober Sanctuary
Design a Sober Space: Dedicate a space in your home to relaxation and sobriety. Fill it with items that bring you peace and joy, such as books, candles, or plants. This could be the bathroom for a long lovely bath, a quiet place in the garden or just in your bedroom. Somewhere you can escape and be away from any temptation to drink.
Remove Temptations: If possible, remove alcohol from your home or create a plan to avoid areas where you keep it. This reduces the likelihood of impulsive drinking. As I quit in November this wasn’t really an option for me as we had all the seasonal booze in the house, I remember moving it out of the kitchen and into the garage for a few weeks. But I found taking myself upstairs and not sat on the settee downstairs helped me a lot, as you know I spent a lot of my drinking time sat on the settee.
Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness practices such as meditation or journaling. These activities can help you stay grounded and focused on your sobriety.

6. Stay Hydrated
Drink Plenty of Water: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially during the summer. Don’t let yourself get confused it’s an alcohol craving when really its just being thirsty. Plus you want that glowing sober skin so water and staying hydrated is a must.
Explore Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Experiment with different non-alcoholic drinks like sparkling water, herbal teas, or mocktails. Personally I love a V&T (ACV and tonic water) in the warmer months, refreshing and looks just like a G&T, plus super healthy too! Having a tasty alternative in your hand feels like a comfort blanket, and it can make it easier to refuse alcohol.
Attend to Nutrition: Don’t let yourself get HANGRY – I found this a huge trigger for me. Eating a balanced diet can help stabilize your mood and energy levels, reducing the temptation to drink.

7. Develop New Traditions
Host Sober Gatherings: I know, I get it Summer is hard – bbq’s, daytime drinking and just being more sociable! But why not plan and organise your own social events that don’t involve alcohol. This could be a lovely walk and stopping off for tea, an outdoor movie night, a pamper and selfcare evening with the girls ( I can help with this!) Sobriety opens up a whole new world!
Celebrate Milestones: Mark important milestones in your sobriety with special, alcohol-free celebrations. Recognizing your achievements can boost your confidence and motivation. I always took time out to celebrate even just the small days when I first got sober, do it, treat yourself – you are worth it!! Plus look how much you are saving now sober!.

8. Focus on Personal Growth
Set Personal Goals: Use the summer to work on personal development. Whether it’s taking a course, reading more, or improving a skill, focusing on growth can keep your mind occupied and away from thoughts of drinking.
Reflect on Your Journey: Take time to reflect on your sobriety journey. Journaling about your experiences, challenges, and successes can provide insight and motivation. This could become your new evening routine if you feel like it’s the evening time that you struggle, and there is nothing better than seeing how far you’ve come.
Seek Professional Help: If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to seek help from a therapist or counsellor. There is so much help out there these days and professional guidance can provide you with tools and strategies to maintain your sobriety.

9. Prepare for Social Situations
Have an Exit Strategy: If you find yourself in a situation where you’re tempted to drink, have a plan to leave. Being able to drive home when you want plays a huge part in this! And don’t feel like you have to say bye, people will persuade you to stay – but in all honesty they are probably too drunk to notice you have gone. So if its easier just do a back door boogie!!
Practice Saying No: And remember that NO is an answer. It’s okay to decline a drink or leave an event early. Practice saying no politely but firmly, and remember that your sobriety is more important than social pressures.
Bring a Friend: Attending social events with a sober friend can provide support and reduce the temptation to drink, or even just let whoever you are with know your plans and that you might be leaving if its all too much and you need to escape.

10. Celebrate Your Sober Summer & Play It Forward
Whenever you are struggling or start doubting yourself, remember to play it forward. Its September, the kids are back to school, you are feeling A-MAZ-ING, you are glowing after a summer of looking after YOU, you aren’t bloated from all the wine, you have been exercising and practicing self care and just feel amazing! You feel confident in your sobriety and ready for a sober Autumn and Christmas and next thing you know it’s a whole sober year done! Bring on the next!

Reflect on Your Success: At the end of the summer, take time to reflect on your accomplishments. Celebrate the progress you’ve made and set new goals for the future.
Share Your Story: Consider sharing your sober summer experience with others. Whether through social media, a blog, or in a support group, your story can inspire and encourage others.

A sober summer can be a transformative experience, offering you the chance to explore new activities, develop personal growth, and build lasting memories without alcohol. By planning ahead, finding supportive communities, staying active, and focusing on personal growth, you can enjoy a fulfilling and enjoyable sober summer. Remember, each day sober is an achievement worth celebrating.

I have also done other blog posts that focus on summer vacations and holidays which you might find helpful, so make sure you check those out too.

Plus there are some fab summer reads that I highly recommend, check them out on my Amazon link https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/soberglowgetter/list/2BG5CCMRN0E7O?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfsoberglowgetter_APDECG8WRCFG2YS1QJA0

If you are looking to add more selfcare and skincare into your life then I can send out a sober selfcare pamper pack for you (free if in the UK) just send me a message or comment below. Or click on the link to and browse my shop http://www.tropicskincare.com/angiefairclough

As always I will be sharing daily sober inspo over on my Instagram page so remember to connect with me there too http://www.instagram.com/soberglowgetter/

Lots more Bali photos to come too, I’m just back from a week there with work and it was amazing! Keep a look out for more!

Big Love

Angie xxx