How to Stay Sober Curious for the Holidays
A few years ago, I started exploring a sober curious lifestyle—and it’s been one of the most transformative decisions of my life.
For years, partying felt like a normal part of life. Regular drinking was so ingrained in my routine that I never questioned it. But deep down, I couldn’t ignore the toll it was taking on my mental health, motivation, and overall happiness.
Weekends blurred into hangovers, and I’d wake up feeling unmotivated and stuck in the same cycle. Finally, in my mid-thirties, I hit a turning point. I decided to cut back on my drinking and live a sober life for 3 months. I couldn’t believe the positive impact it had on my health.
More Energy & Clarity: Suddenly, I had the motivation and focus to pursue passions I’d neglected.
A Sense of Belonging: Instead of escaping life, I found joy in being present and appreciating the world around me.
Deeper Connections: Social gatherings became about meaningful conversations and experiences, not just the next drink.
Newfound Fulfillment: I uncovered hobbies and interests that brought genuine happiness—things I didn’t even know I was missing.
The journey wasn't always easy, and choosing this path meant facing moments of loneliness and letting go of old drinking buddies. But in their place, I found a supportive community of like-minded people who aligned with my new values of wanting to live a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.
Sober curious lifestyle
The sober curious lifestyle encourages being intentional and accountable regarding your drinking habits. It’s about changing your relationship with alcohol—not necessarily cutting it out entirely—but approaching it with mindfulness and purpose.
Ruby Warrington, author of Sober Curious, challenges readers to reflect on how their lives could transform if they stopped drinking on autopilot or gave up alcohol entirely.
This movement isn’t about strict rules; it’s about empowering individuals to evaluate alcohol's role in their lives and decide if it’s truly serving them.
How to cut back on alcohol during the holidays
Due to festival events, drinking can amp up more than usual, but with determination and discipline, you can find ways to cut down and keep your lifestyle balanced.
Follow the sober curious movement on Instagram for added support.
Remove alcohol from your home and replace it with alcohol-free options, which you can also take to parties.
Reduce the time you plan to stay and drive your car so you will remain accountable and responsible.
Choose which events you will indulge in and cut out drinking for other events.
Use apps to track your drinking progress, such as Alcohol Control.
Journal your thoughts about why you drink in the first place and if it is benefiting you.
Once you begin this journey of sober curiosity, you’ll notice substantial benefits in your health. You won’t be on auto-pilot anymore, and you'll realize that spending days being hungover is a waste of time.
Instead, you’ll wake up feeling clear-headed, energized, and ready to tackle the day.
One of the most surprising shifts? You’ll realize that connecting with others doesn’t require alcohol. In fact, your interactions become more genuine and meaningful because you’re fully present.
No more anxiety over what you might have said or done after one too many drinks—just authentic connections and confidence in who you are.
Choosing a sober curious lifestyle isn’t about deprivation; it’s about rediscovering the best version of yourself without the alcohol—It’s not about what you’re giving up; it’s about everything you stand to gain.
