Now that the first month of the new year is firmly in the rear mirror, it’s time to reflect on how things went during my very first attempt at avoiding alcohol (and other legal adult substances) for 31 days.
As far as experiments go, I’d have to say that this one was a bit of a fail, in terms of results. I had hoped that my ability to sleep would be improved and that I might lose a few pounds. Neither really happened. The frequency of interruptions to my sleep remained pretty consistent, as in never sleeping more than 4.5 hours consecutively. It’s possible I may have fallen back asleep a little more quickly than what had been my usual nocturnal wakefulness and I suppose I may have also felt marginally more rested in the morning. It wasn’t a dramatic change by any means.
As for my weight, it’s pretty much where it was when I started the new year – and that’s with me challenging myself to attend 20 60-minute hot yoga classes during the month of January. This challenge was a far greater physical feat than simply not having wine with a meal or a social cocktail. I managed to take 23 classes during the month and I definitely saw gains in strength and my yoga practice, but I was hoping for a diminished number on the scale, too.
No worries. I was able to rationalize that my weight must be exactly where it’s supposed to be. At least, that is, until I hear differently from my endocrinologist at my annual appointment next week. The consistency of my weight is also, to my optimistic mind, an indication that my alcohol consumption isn’t much of a factor in how much I weigh, which is a good thing, right?
Since turning the page on the calendar, I’ve visited Las Vegas for a mini, three night vacation. While there, I had wine with dinner and really enjoyed it. In all honesty, I think my favorite part of alcohol is the taste, not the buzz. I love pairing wine and food because it enhances the flavors and experience. I missed having a full bodied glass of red with tomato sauce or beef and was happy to have those sensations again. A crisp white with oysters is a dreamy combination, as is dark chocolate with red wine. There’s something innate and natural about it that I appreciate.
Overall, I found a month of complete sobriety to be an excellent way to begin the year. Clarity and full awareness are not so bad, despite the abysmal situations playing out around the globe. Cheers, my friends.
DelSo 