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In aid of MacMillan Cancer Support -

Sober October began as a fundraising campaign in 2014 for MacMillan Cancer Support, a UK-based charity providing support for those living with cancer.

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Celebrity participants -

Over the past few years, it’s become a movement around the world. Even celebrities like Joe Rogan have taken part.

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It's pretty simple, but challenging -

If you’ve tried Dry January, then you know what it’s like. You simply don’t drink. If you spend your time at parties and bars on the weekends, then the challenge could be finding something else to do.

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It's not just for problem drinkers -

Maybe you’re not a problem drinker but just want to raise money for the charity by getting involved, which is encouraged, too.

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Evaluating your relationship with alcohol -

Maybe you just want to cut back a little and reevaluate your relationship with alcohol. Joining in on Sober October might be your opportunity.

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You can do some of it -

If you cannot commit to the fundraising challenge for the full month, there is also the option of 14 or 21 days.

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Alcohol's impact -

The idea is to consider the impact that alcohol has on your life. It may be insignificant, as not everyone who drinks has a problem with alcohol, so to speak.

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If alcohol causes concern... -

If alcohol drinking does cause concern in your life, then going alcohol-free for some weeks can increase your awareness of harmful patterns.

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Liver health -

Other than having no hangover, not consuming alcohol can affect health in plenty of other ways. You will avoid further liver damage by staying away from it, for instance.

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Immunity -

The risk of certain cancers will be decreased by cutting down on alcohol. Your immune health will indeed improve.

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Sleep and mental health -

You will generally sleep a lot better, be a lot less anxious, and be less likely to suffer from sleep with concentration.

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Diary keeping helps -

As the days add up and you are sober more and more, you will gain insight into your alcohol use. Keeping a diary can be useful.

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Problem drinkers -

Maybe deeper feelings will come up and you may even reveal to yourself why you’re drinking a little more than you should in the first place.

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You should be able to go without -

Perhaps you won’t miss alcohol much at all beyond a brief twinge. There is a buzz that comes with a glass of wine, and if you can go without then it sounds like you have a healthy relationship with it.

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Withdrawals -

Maybe you find yourself itching for a drink. This is when alarm bells should be ringing.

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It's nerve-racking -

You will likely feel nervous about handling social situations without a drink. Normally people will worry about not being fun.

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Commit publicly -

If you’re going to commit, then do it fully and tell your friends that you’re doing it. There are many benefits to this.

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Get by with a little help from your friends -

It can be motivational for people to check in with you and ask you how it’s going.

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Inspire others -

You might encourage others to give it a try. Anyone can benefit from cutting back on alcohol and exploring drinking behaviors.

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Good company shares the load -

Sharing goals and journeys with like-minded people you connect with is simply more fun and manageable.

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Plan ahead -

Showing up to parties without alcohol and then rejecting the offer of a drink is what might raise eyebrows and confuse people. It's best to plan and bring your own non-alcoholic drinks.

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Make a decision -

The social events will be the hardest part. You can bring your own beverages as previously mentioned, or perhaps even avoid going to certain events if you think the temptation will be too much. The decision is yours.

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Expect it to be challenging -

Know that it will get easier and easier. Like with any challenge, the first time you do it is going to be the hardest.

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Substitute your alcoholic beverage -

You might want to decide ahead of time what you’ll drink when you go to the bar (soda, water, alcohol-free beer?). Maybe a snack will help to keep your hands busy.

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Avoiding bars completely -

However, putting yourself in the line of fire of temptation might be unwise for some people. Some really should just avoid the situation of being in that environment completely.

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It's not all or nothing -

If you slip up and have a drink, then it’s important not to think in terms of all or nothing. We shouldn’t be too hard on ourselves. We should accept that we’re human, reset, and go again.

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The bottom line -

Overall, it's just a great way to get fit and healthy with a community of other people during October while simultaneously raising money for MacMillan Cancer Support and checking in on the relationship we have with alcohol as individuals.

Sources: (Macmillan Cancer Support)

See also: Celebrities who don't drink alcohol

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