I have had a brilliant time alcohol-free – Rachel Oldridge

The merging of self-determination, peer support and the “I’m on a challenge” excuse

When I decided to go alcohol-free in July 2019, it was after many small and half-hearted attempts to reduce or cut out alcohol from my daily life. I wasn’t a really heavy drinker, but I was exceeding the 14 units a week which seems to be the accepted upper limit in the UK for women.

I was a fairly fit, health-conscious 51-year-old. My diet and exercise routines were good, and I didn’t smoke. My weight and blood pressure were within healthy ranges, but my one vice was wine. I was a regular drinker, probably two glasses per night, sometimes more at the weekend. I was hardly ever drinking to get drunk, just taking what I saw as a little reward for getting to the end of another day.

When socialising with friends and family I would drink more, and sometimes I would feel the effects for the next day or two. For most of my adult life this approach seemed okay, but in the few years leading up to 2019 I had started to think I needed a break. I felt tired, jaded and had lost my usual enthusiasm for life. I knew something had to change.

Discovering OYNB

On 20 July I felt particularly worn out with life. I sat down and wrote a journal entry that included a promise to myself: I would quit for a year and document the changes. A mini experiment on myself.

At that point I hadn’t signed up to OYNB, but I had seen the ads and watched many of Andy’s morning videos as he walked through the woods. I remember thinking, “I want to feel like that – full of energy, vitality and zest for life.”

A week later my husband decided to join me on my one-year experiment. I also realised that a bit of moral support and accountability would help, so I signed up for OYNB’s 90-day challenge. I have never looked back.

The merging of self-determination, peer support, and the ready-made excuse of “I’m doing a challenge” when people asked why I wasn’t drinking turned out to be a winning combination. After many previously unsuccessful attempts, this one worked. I committed fully and, with the help of quit-lit recommendations, alcohol-free alternatives and daily inspiration from others on the challenges and in the OYNB emails, I had a brilliant year alcohol-free.

I got involved with the OYNB Spartan group, made some great friends, had a lot of laughs, and collected some medals (and a few bruises) along the way.

My alcohol-free benefits

Over this time I gained much more clarity about what I would like to do with my life. I sleep so much better now, and it’s deep, restorative sleep. My skin and hair are healthier, and my energy levels have improved massively.

About three months into my journey I signed up for a part-time master’s degree. I’m pretty sure this is not something I would have found the time or energy for if I had still been drinking. I’ve learned a lot about behaviour change, and the OYNB emails have been instrumental in that. I upgraded from the 90-day challenge to the 365, and the emails kept coming, each containing little pearls of wisdom.

Many small things have shifted for me, and I feel that my relationship with alcohol has changed for good. I’m in no hurry to drink again, but I know that if I do, it won’t return to the everyday habit it was just over twelve months ago.

Looking ahead

I would absolutely recommend OYNB to anyone who wants to change their relationship with alcohol. For me, the mix of my own decision, the structure of a clear challenge and the support of a like-minded community has been life-changing.