HOW DO I START A ONE YEAR SOBER CHALLENGE?!

Starting a One Year sober challenge can be a big decision and commitment, but it can also be a very rewarding, transformative and empowering experience. Here are some steps you can take to get started:

DEFINE YOUR REASONS / GOALS

Start by setting a clear and specific goal for your one year sober challenge.

• What do you want to achieve by going sober for a year?

• Is it to improve your health, save money, improve relationships, or just as a Challenge?

• What benefits do you hope to experience?

Write down your goal and keep it somewhere visible to remind yourself of why you are doing this.

SET A DATE AND CREATE A PLAN

It could be a meaningful day, like a birthday or anniversary, or simply the first day of the month. Once you have your goal in mind, create a plan for how you will achieve it. This could include strategies for managing triggers and cravings, finding support and accountability, and identifying healthy coping mechanisms.

Plan ahead- Look at your calendar for the year. Identify potential challenges such as parties, holidays, or stressful periods where you may be tempted to drink. Think about how you will handle these situations sober. In social settings, I now opt for Soda and Lime, it's a great decoy drink!

BUILD A SUPPORT NETWORK

Having a strong support system can be crucial to staying sober, especially in the early stages. Inform your family and friends about your decision. You don't have to do this alone, and the support and understanding of others can be extremely helpful.

I encouraged my friends to support me along the way, by picking a month to go without something, alongside my challenge.

For example- my Mum went without chocolate for the first 3 months with me.

Join a social scene to meet new people- like meetup, untoxicated.com.au (which is a social sober Community) or join a Social Group through Facebook

MAKE LIFESTYLE CHANGES

Change your habits and routines- This could include avoiding places or activities that trigger cravings, finding new hobbies or interests to fill your time, and prioritising self-care and healthy habits like exercise and good nutrition.

• Take care of your mind and body- Introducing a daily meditation or exercise routine is a great way to implement discipline and routine. Onegame.com.au is a great website/ app for getting back into sports.

• Find new activities without alcohol, you will likely have more free time. Use it to explore new interests and activities. This can also help take your mind off drinking. I learnt how to play Chess and now carry around a magnetic travel Chess set for challenging people and improving my game. I have also found it a great way to meet new people.
  

TRACK YOUR PROGRESS AND CELEBRATE THE MILESTONES

Stay committed, Remember that everyone's journey is different, and it's okay to seek help and support along the way. With dedication and perseverance, you can successfully complete a one year sober challenge and experience the many benefits of sobriety.

I recently celebrated my 6 month sobriety by rewarding myself with a mini holiday and doing some personal self reflecting by journalling how I feel 6 months in, and what improvements I have noticed.

I remember thinking at the start, how overwhelming it was to think of all the 'what if' moments- but so far, I have received nothing but support and encouragement from Family, Friends and complete strangers. I hope this article helps you find some structure to working out your best way forward.

I wish you all the best!

Get help if needed- If you find it hard to stay sober, consider seeking professional help. This could be a counsellor, therapist, or rehab program.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organisation, company, or individual. The author's opinions are based on personal experiences, research, and subjective interpretation of various sources of information. The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Readers are encouraged to seek professional guidance or conduct their own research for any specific topic or issue addressed in this blog. The author will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in the information provided or for any actions taken based on the content of this blog.

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