I did it! I successfully abstained from alcohol for a little over four weeks now! In one of my previous posts, I mentioned that I decided to quit drinking alcohol as I entered my forties, focusing on taking better care of my mind and body. I can hardly believe I’ve come this far! During the first week or two, I did experience some withdrawal symptoms, with frequent headaches being the main issue. However, I managed to power through. I’ve also noticed a slight reduction in my weight. Although it’s not very apparent, I can sense it, which is quite motivating.

One thing I forgot to mention earlier is that when I quit alcohol, I also cut out soda from my diet. I used to be a devoted Coke Zero consumer, often downing an entire bottle in a single day. I was obsessed with that first icy sip of the day, which felt heavenly to me. I can’t quite explain why that sensation meant so much to me; I guess I’m just weird.

Instead of soda, I’ve switched to flavored water, known as “lemonade” in the Netherlands. It’s essentially a sugar-free syrup that you mix with water, and it comes in various flavors like strawberry, raspberry, and orange. I’ve been drinking plenty of it over the past few weeks, especially on hot summer days. I always enjoy it from a large jar, which you might recognize from my Twitch streams!

I’m not a fan of drinking tap water directly; it’s just a personal preference. I have this notion that tap water might not be super clean, but that’s my own quirk. So, I’ve started reusing large mineral water bottles. When I empty one, I refill it with tap water boiled in my water cooker, which I let cool for a few hours. It’s a great way to save money and avoid unnecessary waste.

Ah, the money-saving aspect is quite satisfying. I used to spend a maximum of €25 per week on beer and soda, which amounts to around €100 per month! It’s so much wiser to put that money aside for a rainy day, and it’s something I’m actively working on, saving money. Right now, I’m spending it on other things, mostly stuff I don’t even need. But still!

I’m genuinely proud of myself. I never thought I could stick to this change. No alcohol, no soda! I’ve come to realize that when you set your mind to it and you have the willpower, you can achieve it! As I’ve mentioned in my previous posts, it doesn’t mean that I won’t have an alcoholic drink ever again. I may indulge on special occasions or the like, but always in moderation. Perhaps I’ll have a bottle of wine once a month for a relaxed weekend evening when I feel like watching a movie or series on Netflix or Amazon Prime. Who knows? But for now, I don’t really have the urge.

Before I stopped drinking alcohol, I used to consume a couple of strong (10% alcohol) beer cans every single night for a few years! I enjoyed the buzz, to be honest. Sometimes, I would go beyond just feeling a buzz. I’d have a can or two while streaming on Twitch to relax and become more talkative and cheerful. Looking back, it seems quite ridiculous, doesn’t it?

Now, after a month without alcohol, I feel more energetic, sleep better, lost a bit of weight, and my skin looks and feels significantly better. I feel fantastic!

If anyone out there is considering quitting alcohol, I encourage you to do it! Set your mind to it! Aim for a month and give yourself a cleanse. It’ll do wonders for you, believe me! If you’re struggling or contemplating quitting, please leave me a comment. I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.