The importance of a having a strong support network during a self-development journey

The Power of Support Networks When You’re Changing Your Life

Making lifestyle changes and breaking old habits is hard. But, like most things in life, the right support and encouragement can make the process a lot easier.

No matter what stage of life you’re in or what you’re trying to achieve, we all benefit from connection with others and having people “in our corner”. At heart, humans are pack animals. We thrive in close-knit communities. Beyond the basic need for social contact, a strong support network can be crucial to the success of any lifestyle change you decide to make.

Research shows that having a strong support system can:

• improve overall wellbeing

• help you develop better coping skills

• act as a powerful source of motivation

How the People Around Us Shape Our Behaviour

You’ve probably heard the phrase “you are what you eat”. There’s a similar idea about the people you spend time with.

There’s a theory that you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. In other words, you’re likely to share a similar:

• mindset

• way of making decisions

• pattern of behaviour

Of course, there are exceptions, but it’s a useful lens when you’re looking at behaviour change.

It’s very common for people who want to change a specific aspect of their lifestyle to surround themselves with others doing the same. For example, people who want to lose weight often join weight-loss groups. Why? Because they benefit from a built-in support network that offers:

• encouragement

• accountability

• motivation to keep going

When you decide to change, being around people who are still doing the thing you’re trying to stop makes it much harder to stick to your decision. On the other hand, spending time with people who support your choice or are on the same path helps you reinforce your new habits.

What Is a Support Network?

A support network is the group of people in your life who encourage you and help you move towards your goals.

This can include:

• friends and family

• colleagues

• trainers or coaches

• teachers or mentors

These are people you can rely on for:

• emotional support

• practical advice

• honest feedback

• celebration of your wins

They’re there both in times of stress and when things are going well.

The OYNB Support Networks

One thing we’ve seen again and again is that community is a cornerstone of an alcohol-free journey.

It’s the number one element our members mention as the thing that really cemented their habit change.

Having 24/7 access to like-minded people all over the world—people on the same journey as you—gives you a safe space to:

• share how you’re feeling

• ask for help when you’re struggling

• celebrate your progress and milestones

And it works both ways. As you become more established in your alcohol-free life, you become part of that support system for others just starting out. Helping someone else through their early wobble can be just as powerful for reinforcing your own lifestyle changes.

OYNB Connect – Your Core Community

When you join an OYNB alcohol-free challenge, you get access to the OYNB Connect Facebook Group, where you can:

• post updates about your challenge

• interact with members from all over the world

• watch exclusive content from the OYNB team

• join community events and live sessions with experts

  
  

For many people, this level of connection and accountability is exactly what they need to complete their challenge successfully.

Alcohol-Free Me (AFM) – Smaller, Deeper Support

Some people prefer a more intimate, private space with heightened accountability and support. That’s where Alcohol-Free Me (AFM) comes in.

AFM offers:

• a smaller, tighter-knit community

• access to up-to-date behaviour change resources

• guidance from expert coaches

• multiple weekly Zoom calls so you can meet “face to face” with others on the same journey

“AFM has delivered everything I was wanting and more – the community, coaches, support and care was without doubt a game and life changer. The inclusive environment allows everybody to find their own speed, engagement levels and comfort zone.”

— Andrew

Staying Connected After Your Challenge

When your initial challenge ends, that doesn’t mean your support disappears. You can:

• stay in the OYNB Connect Facebook group on a community-only subscription, or

• join the OYNB Challengers Facebook group, where many OYNB veterans stay in touch with the strong support network they’ve built

These ongoing communities help you protect and deepen the changes you’ve worked so hard for.

Ready to Make a Change?

If you’re curious about exploring an alcohol-free lifestyle—or you just want to challenge yourself to a period away from drinking—the OYNB communities are ready to back you all the way.

Come experience the power of an alcohol-free support network for yourself.