Emily Syphas is a Sobriety Empowerment coach and runs sober community Sober & Social which supports, empowers and encourages those exploring or leading a teetotal lifestyle.
Here she shares the unexpected benefits she found in going sober to help those interested in a what sobriety means for your lifestyle. Focused on empowering people, Emily sees self-love and confidence as a core part of benefits that come with ditching the booze.
1. You have more confidence
There is a big misconception that alcohol gives you confidence, but I have never felt more confident than in my sobriety. Knowing I am putting my best foot forward at all times, being more present and showing up as the real me gives me a strong inner confidence I never had when I was drinking.
2. You become kinder
With alcohol fuelling your feelings, you think before you speak, don’t argue or cause drama unnecessarily. You’re able to walk away from situations that might normally escalate if you were drinking.
3. You care more about world issues
With the change in lifestyle came a change in mindset. Before I got sober, I didn’t care about what I was putting into my body, climate change or what Brexit meant. In my sobriety I make an effort to learn more, be conscious what I’m putting into my body and genuinely educate myself on how I can help our planet more.
4. You experience improved relationships
Whether you are single or reviewing your friendship circle, you create better boundaries, only date and become friends with people who are in alignment with you and you become aware of red flags sooner. If you are already in a relationship or surrounded by supportive friends, you feel more connected and argue less over the little things. Becoming a member of a community – like the Sober & Social membership can also connect you with many new, wonderful people on your same journey. There are no longer ‘friends’ who only show up when you’re drinking.
5. You have less regrets
Hangxiety isn’t a thing. Since going sober I rarely regret any of my decisions and never wake up with a feeling of dread knowing I did something embarrassing. My choices are well informed and if there is something that didn’t work out, I’m able to put it into perspective and figure out what I can learn from the situation, instead of beating myself up about it (or turning to drink).
6. You say “no” more
You are able to stand in your power, create healthy boundaries and have that inner confidence to say “no” to the things you really don’t want to do. You can be more aware of who and what drains your energy.
7. You find even more fabulous drinks
The alcohol free (AF) drinks market is booming and not drinking can actually be more exciting than drinking. You have amazing AF spirits such as @calenodrinks, @lyresspiritco, @seedlipdrinks, @threespiritdrinks, epic bubbles and wine like @jukescordialities, @wildlifebotanicals, @noughtyaf and delicious beers such as @bigdropbrewco and @luckysaintbeer. Sober drinks have never looked (and tasted) so good.
8. You achieve more
Think of all the days you waste hungover – and even when you don’t waste a day, how unmotivated you feel for days after. When you’re sober, you can get up early and take on that creative project, heavy gym session, or whip up a healthy breakfast. Plus you’ll also have the motivation and impetus to go out and achieve goals.
9. You realise you can have it all
The best thing about an AF life is that you don’t have to compromise yourself or your time. You don’t need to worry about whether you’ll be able to make your plans the next day or if you’ll be too hungover to go out two nights in a row. You can get out in the early hours and make it for your gym class, meet friends for the brunch you booked in and make the family lunch showing up as your best, shiny sober self!