Stress relief is the major concern I have with my coming year of testing sober living. I think I use wine to escape my responsibilities. This is not a good thing, I know. It gives me a break from work and home responsibilities and lets my mind go free for an hour or two.
Those are the excuses I use, anyway.
So I’m trying to come up with other healthy ways to get to that same place. I know I would like to replace wine and use some of these for stress relief:
- Exercise
- Yoga
- Stretching
- Weight lifting
- Saunas
- Massages
- Epsom salt baths
- Pedicure
- Bike rides
- Walks on the beach
- Painting
- Drawing
- Cooking
- Reading
- Writing
The second concern is my friends. Most of them drink and drink often like I do. So, those relationships may be changing. I don’t know that I will want to hang around for the drunk talk and silly redundant talk that happens when we sit at a bar or at my pool bar and drink.
I’m curious what others have done to overcome “wine-o-clock”… and the circle of drinking buddies… what did you do to break this habit? Please share any successes in the comments. I look forward to any suggestions or comments!
I love my new life! 
This is inspiring me. I use to paint and it was a great stress reliever! I love yoga too. Have you heard of Ashwaghanda ? Spelling may be off but is a natural herb that takes the edge off. GNC carries it and it works for me.
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No, I haven’t tried that! I will
Check that out – thank you for sharing!
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With regard to that herb, I am going to try to find it on amazon now.
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I am now receiving an employee discount so they have disabled that link! But they have great promotions just google weight watchers on line and join that way.
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I had to give up one of my drinking buddies. Once sober I could see how pathetic the relationship had been. Someone phrased it as would you want your child or loved ones to hang with this person. As far as wine thirty, I try to either get outside on a walk or exercise. Also, sometimes I just chill with a decaf coffee or ginger ale and come out here to catch up and support others. Within your social group I’m sure there’s a few who don’t drink. Start planning more social time with them. Having a plan for those “times” is key and you’re ahead of the game for realizing that.
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Yes, I have one of those friends as well. This will be interesting for sure!
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I’m in early days- just 36 days sober today. What I’m finding to help is going to bed early with a book (this is number one) if I have to, allowing myself to do whatever I need to to not drink (including eating a bag of candy – I’m worrying about losing weight later. Sobriety first.), not putting too many social obligations or expectations on myself, and reading good books about sobriety every day (like Mrs. D or The Unexpected Joy of Bring Sober).
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I love the idea of going to bed early with a book. I know last “dry January”
I found myself watching stupid tv shows I would never watch to pass that time. I hope to be more meaningful in my choices this year and make new habits and desires. Thanks for sharing. I will check out those books.
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