137 reasons to be alcohol-free // One Year No Beer

When we say there are countless benefits to going alcohol-free, we really mean it.We asked our members what has changed for them since taking a break from drinking – and they didn’t hold back.

Whether you’re already on your alcohol-free journey or just thinking about it, let this list remind you what’s possible when alcohol is no longer calling the shots.

137 reasons to love an alcohol-free life

No alcohol means…

• I don’t wake up in random situations any more, in the same clothes I was in the night before

• I don’t need to worry about drink-breath

• I don’t feel guilty all the time any more

• I don’t make silly choices any more

• I don’t find random bruises any more

• I don’t experience inconvenient flashbacks mid-afternoon

• I don’t have a mental battle with myself every evening any more

• I don’t have to beat myself up for failing to only “have one”

• I don’t put myself in dangerous situations any more

• I feel safer, I don’t have so many accidents

• I’ve avoided sending any embarrassing texts to my entire contacts list

• I am not embarrassed by my stained red lips any more

• I can jump in the car any time

• I can read a book and actually remember the line before

• I remember watching films now

• I remember what I did the night before

Health and body

• I am healthy

• My blood pressure has dropped

• My blood sugar has levelled out

• My resting heart rate has improved

• My digestion has improved

• My immune system has improved

• I’m relieved to know I’m reducing my chances of developing health issues

• I have reduced my chances of cancer

• I find it easier to eat well

• I lost weight

• I feel as though my skin is glowing

• My face is less puffy

• My teeth and gums are healthier

• My hair is healthier

• My bloating has gone

• I don’t need sleeping aids any more

• I get great sleep

• I look less tired

• My sex life has improved

• I know I’m doing the best thing for my health, and for the best chance of falling pregnant

• My menopausal symptoms have improved

• I look and feel younger – even other people have said so

• I look ten years younger, without any expensive creams

• I am not ageing my body unnecessarily

• I like how I look now

• My skin is much clearer

• I am more physically fit

• I have fewer aches and pains

Time and energy

• I have more time

• I have freed up so much more time

• I waste less time

• I have more time to read

• I spend less time on my phone

• I spend less time in the bathroom

• My weekend feels so much longer and more restful

Family, friends and relationships

• I have better relationships

• I am ready and available if my children need me

• I am a better role model for my kids

• I can show my children they have the choice not to drink if they don’t want to

• I have repaired my relationship with my kids

• I know I’m a better parent

• I don’t nag my family as much

• My relationship with my partner has improved

• I seem to get along better with the people around me

• I can see the positive impact my decision has made on those around me

• I have made some amazing friends through OYNB

• My friends can see improvements in me

• I am a better friend

• I have more clarity about toxic relationships

• I truly listen in conversations now

• I think I am a kinder person

• I am more honest

Self-worth and identity

• I feel better about myself

• I like the person I have become

• I have genuine self-confidence

• I know now that I can be better

• I have an improved perception of my self-worth

• I have learned so much about myself and what I’m capable of

• I have discovered my true self

• I feel like the best version of myself

• I feel like I can look at myself in the mirror again

• I don’t feel like a cardboard cut-out of a person any more

• I have learned to love and accept myself

• I make time for self-care

• I feel so proud of myself

• I have become more daring

• I have a better relationship with myself

• I don’t slip back into bad habits

• I am more likely to choose to do the things that make me stronger rather than the things that make me weaker

Mental health and emotions

• I have better mental health

• I feel free

• I feel so much more content

• I feel happier

• I laugh so much more

• I feel so much joy knowing I don’t need alcohol

• I feel optimistic about the future

• I can be excited about tomorrow rather than worrying about the night before

• I feel curiosity again

• I am better at facing challenges

• My emotions are more stable

• I have a sense of inner calm

• I have more patience

• I have more resilience

• I can better handle life’s ups and downs

• I don’t feel stuck with the voice in my head any more

• I have no regrets

• My mental health has improved

• I have been able to deal with past trauma

• I don’t feel so anxious any more, and I don’t rely on alcohol to cope if I do feel anxious

• I haven’t experienced any “hangxiety”

• I worry less

• I am less angry

• I have nicer dreams

• I start every day on the right foot

• My perception of alcohol has totally changed

Motivation, goals and productivity

• I am more motivated

• I feel alive

• I have energy again

• I love mornings now

• I find exercising so much easier

• I never miss a workout any more

• I started running

• I can be more consistent with my goals

• I feel more capable of achieving my goals and performing at my peak

• I am more productive – I’ve even been able to write a book

• I have the strength and focus to put into my hobbies

• I am more creative

• I realised it’s never too late to make a change

• I am more clear-headed

• I have more focus and ability to concentrate

• I have a clearer head

• The brain fog has disappeared

• My mind is clear to make important decisions

• I have reprioritised the important things in my life

Money and lifestyle

• I have more money

• I’ve saved money – maybe even made more money

• I have less glass recycling

• Dinners out are less expensive

• I have better cash flow

• My bank balance has stabilised

• My business is booming

Life as a whole

• I have a better life

• I am living in the moment

• I am living my life more authentically

• I feel as though I have my life back

• I have more flexibility to take my life in new directions

• I am experiencing so much more of my life

• I feel like I have more life to live, not just in years but by making the most of each day

• I am living the life I have always wanted

All of these came straight from people who decided to change their relationship with alcohol.If you’re ready to see what shifts for you, an alcohol-free challenge is a powerful place to start.