Letting go: My journey towards an alcohol-free life

Here is a picture of the first major music festival where I was completely alcohol-free. The ticket price included unlimited drinks, but I managed to have fun without a drop of alcohol! Imagine that! Red Bull (yes, definitely Not the best for the body, but hey, sometimes you have to choose the lesser evil!) and water kept me hydrated and going. The festival only lasted half a day, but it was a huge event and served as a good test to see if I could enjoy the electronic music I loved without alcohol.

Alcohol – The essential for a fun night out?

That’s what I thought. Before. The evening was not complete without a few drinks. A couple at home to raise the mood and a few more to avoid the high prices at the bar.

Ugh, why am I so tired? The sun is shining, I feel guilty for wanting to be outside… My breath stinks. Maybe another hour of sleep… Two hours later, I’m thirsty and hungry. What did we do last night? Oh yes, we danced like crazy and had fun!

Monday. I ran into a familiar face I hadn’t seen in ages—or so I thought. She mentioned that we met in the bathroom of the bar briefly. I don’t remember, but I saw so many familiar faces throughout the night. Maybe I just passed her. I supposed to start with a better diet this week. But maybe some treats today, and I’ll go to the gym tomorrow; It was such a hard day at work, even though I got home earlier than usual.

Sound familiar? This is a glimpse into my past with alcohol – sometimes controlled, sometimes not. It was my tool for relaxation, but how relaxing was it if it left me exhausted, unproductive, and even melancholic for days?

Reflections during the Christmas season

As the Christmas season approaches, have you ever wondered how to enjoy social events without alcohol? Maybe you’ve tried a dry January but slipped back into the old ways — a glass there, another here, and finally a bottle on Friday night. Or maybe you’ve been drinking on holidays only to find that you didn’t feel rested or recovered afterward.

Add to this smoking – which doubled at parties and offered solace during a hangover. A means of relieving stress, but in the end only part of a cocktail that burned a candle at both ends. The cycle continues – work, sleep, exercise – but it always feels like starting all over again when your lungs are out of breath and training is extra challenging. (Even the Finnish alcohol shop reminds this Alcohol and Sports )

Face the problem

A glass every now and then is not a problem in itself, but if it is due to external pressures and not supporting the direction where you want to go, it requires personal reflection. What is truly important to you? Are you ready to make changes despite the people around you? Sometimes fine-tuning to familiar habits is required. It’s not easy to break patterns, especially if others encourage you to drink and stay until the last sign of light. I know the feeling – I was often the one who drew others in a “one more” style.

But it’s not about judging—neither oneself nor others. It’s about being honest with yourself and exploring where your patterns and habits come from. Doing it gently and compassionately.

I’m not fully sober, but after years of reflection and gradual changes, drinking only rarely, I finally feel like I’m on the right path. If you need support on your journey, I’m here for you. Sayoga.life offers comprehensive guidance on lifestyle changes – whether it’s exercise, mindset, nutrition, or dealing with the causes of alcohol consumption. Everything is interconnected. 

Lastly Tips for an Alcohol-Free Evening

If you’re going out without alcohol, here are a few things that have worked for me:

• In advance: Decide what you want to drink. Choose a mocktail to blend in. Personally, I’ve found the ginger beer to be a nice option, and swapping vodka soda for flavored bubble water also works.
  Nowadays there are also good non-alcoholic wines if you want to keep the “wine glass in hand” feeling. Of course, at home, especially the wine glass can be filled with any drink – a picture of our Midsummer toast.
• Go by car: If possible, drive yourself. It’s one less decision and keeps the focus clear.
• Schedule a morning workout: Book a workout time or run with a friend for the next morning. It’s something to look forward to, and at the same time brings a touch of responsibility.
• Be prepared to answer: Think ahead about what you will say if someone asks why you don’t drink or prep a friend beforehand so that they can support you in this decision. When you know what to say, the evening rolls on easier.

Things tend to work out. Once you know what you want, everything else starts to fall into place. And remember, it’s not about giving up anything – it’s about building a life that truly feels like your own. Sayoga.life is here to help you on your journey towards a healthier lifestyle.

Thank you for reading. If this awakened anything in you, please share your thoughts below. I would love to read them!

With Love,
Saija

(Picture below from the Sober New Year 2023, after wild dancing)