5: I Quit Drinking Alcohol For 1 Year
What I Learned From Quitting Alcohol for a Year
Let’s talk about something that makes a lot of people uncomfortable—alcohol. Specifically, what happens when you stop drinking it?
For many of us, alcohol is tied to socializing, unwinding, and even identity. A glass of wine after a long day? Normal. A cocktail with friends? Expected. But what happens when you step away from it completely?
That’s exactly what I did—one year without alcohol. And let me tell you, the transformation was wild.
In this episode of Broads Podcast, I’m breaking down what I learned from a full year without drinking—how it impacted my body, my mind, my relationships, and even my workouts. If you’ve ever wondered what life would look like without alcohol (or if you’re just sober curious), keep reading.
Why I Quit Alcohol in the First Place
Before we get into the how, let’s talk about the why.
I didn’t quit because I hit rock bottom. I quit because I wanted to feel better.
I was tired of waking up feeling groggy.
I didn’t love how alcohol affected my training and recovery.
I wanted to see if I could function without using alcohol as a social crutch.
Maybe you’ve felt the same way. Maybe you’ve had moments where you wondered, What would happen if I just stopped?
The Unexpected Benefits of Going Alcohol-Free
The physical changes? Instant. The mental clarity? Game-changing. The social impact? A little trickier.
Here’s what changed when I ditched alcohol for a year:
1. My Energy Skyrocketed
No more sluggish mornings. No more dehydration headaches. I started waking up ready to take on the day instead of needing three cups of coffee to function.
2. My Fitness Progress Took Off
Alcohol messes with recovery, sleep, and even muscle growth. When I cut it out, I noticed:
✔️ Better sleep = better performance in workouts
✔️ Faster recovery times
✔️ Increased endurance and strength
3. My Mental Health Got a Reset
Alcohol can be sneaky when it comes to mental health. It’s easy to reach for a drink when you’re stressed, but without it, I had to actually sit with my emotions. Was it always fun? No. But it was worth it.
I felt:
✔️ Less anxious
✔️ More emotionally aware
✔️ Genuinely happier
4. My Social Life Shifted (In a Good Way!)
This was the hardest part—navigating social situations where drinking is the norm. But here’s the thing: I learned who my real friends were.
The ones who supported my choice? They’re my people. The ones who made me feel weird about it? Well, let’s just say it was eye-opening.
You don’t need alcohol to have fun. And the people who truly care about you won’t care if you drink or not.
Challenges & How I Handled Them
Not gonna lie, quitting drinking wasn’t easy. Here’s what helped:
Having an alternative drink – Sparkling water, mocktails, or kombucha made social settings feel less awkward.
Being upfront – Instead of making excuses, I just told people, “I’m not drinking right now.” Simple.
Focusing on how good I felt – Anytime I felt FOMO, I reminded myself why I started.
Would I Ever Drink Again?
Honestly? I don’t have a hard rule against it. But after experiencing a year without alcohol, I’ve realized that I don’t need it. I don’t crave it. And I definitely don’t miss the hangovers.
For me, this was about taking control of my health, my mindset, and my habits. And if you’re thinking about doing the same—even for a month—I highly recommend it.
Could You Go Alcohol-Free for 30 Days?
Here’s my challenge to you: Try it. Even if just for a month. See how you feel. See what changes. You might be surprised at what happens when you take a break from something that’s been part of your life for so long.
Drop a comment below—have you ever considered going alcohol-free? What’s holding you back? Let’s talk!
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