My decision to quit alcohol over 15 years ago was a significant turning point in my journey toward better health, particularly in managing the severe pain associated with endometriosis. By adopting a holistic approach, I recognized the negative impact alcohol had on my body, skin, mental well-being and relationships. I made a conscious choice to eliminate it from my lifestyle, save for one or two glasses per year.

How alcohol was affecting my life

Exacerbated Endometriosis Symptoms: Alcohol can increase inflammation, which is a major concern for anyone dealing with endometriosis. By cutting it out, you likely reduce the inflammation in your body, leading to less pain and discomfort during your menstrual cycle.

Weight gain, Inflammation and Pain Relief: The decision to stop drinking likely contributed to a reduction in painful periods, weight gain, water retention, and bloating—all of which can be aggravated by alcohol consumption.

Mental and Emotional Effects: Alcohol is known to be a depressant, lowering your vibration and energy levels and possibly contributing to feelings of depression and anxiety. By removing it from your life, you can uplift your mood and overall energy, helping to avoid the dreaded "hangover" effect.

Physical Appearance and Health: Alcohol can accelerate the aging process by drying out the skin and causing wrinkles. Without its dehydrating effects, you will notice improvements in your skin, such as increased hydration and a more youthful appearance. I promise you will age far less.

The Positive Outcomes after Quitting

Less Pain: With reduced inflammation, you will likely experience significant relief from the chronic pain associated with endometriosis and painful periods.

Better Sleep: Alcohol can disrupt sleep cycles, so abstaining from it may lead to more restful and restorative sleep.

Heightened Awareness and Intuition: Without the clouding effects of alcohol, you will have increased mental clarity and awareness, enhancing your ability to engage with the world around you and make better decisions. You will be more in tune with gut feelings and intuition.

Healthier Relationships: Alcohol can sometimes create barriers in relationships and make us attracted to people who aren’t healthy for us. By not drinking, you can cultivate deeper and more meaningful friendships and connections. You will begin dating differently also, as most of the time we drink on dates to take the edge off or to ignore red flags.

Weight Loss: Cutting out alcohol reduces excess calories and helps manage weight and bloating more effectively.

Ageless Skin: Improved skin health from better hydration and reduced exposure to alcohol's aging effects.

What to do in place of alcohol?

Over time your social activities will centre less on events that involve drinking, and more on activities that bring a different feel good vibe. Here are a few things that I found worked for me:

Exercise: Create a workout routine - not only do you get those endorphins pumping around your body, but your alcohol-free nights mean you have additional time to focus on your health in the evenings with a workout, and it’s much easier to get to a morning class too.

Supplements: If you used to rely on alcohol to calm your nervous system, look into supplements, adaptogens and herbs instead, like calm (beauty), magnesium, lemon balm, kava, ashwagandha, taurine and calming floral essences.

Mocktails: Plenty of places now offer a mocktail menu - they look just as fun to drink, taste great, and choosing a delicious mocktail like Kin can have a euphoric effect.

Home Comforts: Enjoy sober dinners and cozy nights at home in place of bars. Ordering in healthy food will feel like a treat, or preparing a home-cooked meal yourself can be really therapeutic.

Play board games: They’re extremely popular these days and you can set up your table with soft drinks and cute little snacks for your friends.

Music: Listen to hz frequency music according to the vibration you want to set. Read more here about the benefits.

Most of all, be gentle with yourself. When we stop drinking our entire life changes as well as our relationships. Allow your new life to unfold patiently.