Feel Empowered: Christmas Without Alcohol
Episode Overview
Reverse engineer your desired feelings for Christmas. Identify non-negotiable actions for emotional stability. Prioritize experiences over materialism with family. Overcome social pressures to drink during holidays. Build self-confidence by keeping promises to yourself.
A year from now, if you were to phone me and tell me that you were the happiest and healthiest you’ve ever been, what did you do differently?
In the latest episode of 'How I Quit Alcohol', host Danni Carr is joined by Sarah Rustbach, a renowned sober coach, to discuss navigating the emotional complexities of the festive season while maintaining sobriety. As the holiday season approaches, stress levels can soar due to various triggers, potentially leading to poor choices. Sarah shares her insights on how to manage these challenges by focusing on how one wants to feel during Christmas and taking proactive steps to achieve those feelings.
Sarah emphasizes the importance of 'reverse engineering' one's desired emotional state. This involves identifying how you want to feel on Christmas day—whether it's energized, calm, or joyful—and then determining the actions that will support these emotions. For many, this means eliminating alcohol, which often disrupts sleep and increases anxiety, detracting from the joy of the season. Throughout their conversation, Danni and Sarah discuss the significance of creating non-negotiable habits that support mental and emotional well-being.
These might include getting adequate sleep, exercising, or taking moments of solitude, even amidst family gatherings. The focus is on experiences over material gifts, highlighting the importance of spending quality time with loved ones. The episode also touches on the courage required to resist social pressure to drink, especially during festive occasions where alcohol is prevalent. Sarah reassures listeners that the initial challenges of a sober Christmas can lead to more profound and rewarding experiences in subsequent years.
She notes the empowerment that comes from staying true to oneself and keeping promises, which builds self-confidence and fosters personal growth. Ultimately, Danni and Sarah convey an encouraging message: by being intentional about how you want to feel and aligning your actions accordingly, you can enjoy a fulfilling and joyous holiday season without the need for alcohol.