I’ve been to 21 countries, including my own.  I’ve had alcohol in 19 of them.  (The two alcohol free countries?  Japan and Luxemburg).  Alcohol has been part of my life—and probably yours—for a long time.  But not this October.

This year, I’m returning to the Sober October tradition.  If you come along with me, here is what will happen:

  • A week or so into the month, you will notice your sleep is much deeper and restful.  You will wake up refreshed, as sleep is supposed to make us feel
  • You will have more vivid dreams
  • You won’t be as hungry when you wake up.  You won’t have to “chase cheap carbs” to get the energy to get through the morning
  • You will also consume less food because you won’t lose your Impulse Control after a night of drinking
  • You will make less trips to the ATM and wonder why you have so much more money in your pocket
  • You will find you have more energy to get things done, especially early in the day

Sober October originated in England, as a way to raise money for a cancer care charity.  That’s ironic because the British use the term “underslept” for a person who didn’t get enough restful sleep, comes to work not fully involved and pushes the difficult tasks aside until later in the day when quitting time comes closer and they get “end of the day” energy.  The underslept Brits may have stayed at the pub a bit too long after having one too many pints.

One of the most difficult times for a person new to a sober month is the few hours after work.  You can substitute a trip to the local bar and happy hour prices for a trip to the gym, a bike ride (great riding weather in October) or a hike.  You may also start writing the outline for the book you’ve been talking about for years and boring friends and family—and anybody else who will listen.  You will also enjoy waking up clear headed on the weekends and be happy with the amount of productivity you have.

A major benefit to doing a sober month is that you may develop a healthier relationship with alcohol going forward.  

While the British started the Sober October idea, I first learned about it on a YouTube video of a Joe Rogan podcast.  Joe interviewed sleep expert Matthew Walker (who is British).  I’m attaching the same 8-minute video for your review and education. One last note:  no binging on September 30th or November 1st.  No way to start Sober October or to end it.