Finding Balance: My Journey to Halving Alcohol Consumption
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Chapter 1: My Drinking Journey
Navigating through a challenging phase in my marriage led me to develop a habit of drinking more frequently. It became a way to cope—celebrating alone, enjoying a glass of wine while watching funny movies, or dancing around the kitchen with some chardonnay.
“Cheers to you, Jan!” I would say, raising my glass.
As I continued this routine, my tolerance for alcohol grew, meaning I needed to consume more wine to feel the same effects. I even started misrepresenting my drinking habits to doctors. When asked about my alcohol intake, I can’t recall exactly what I said, but it certainly wasn't, "I drink at least a couple of glasses every night."
While I didn’t consider myself an alcoholic and knew I could quit if I wanted to, the truth is, I wasn’t inclined to stop. They say that alcohol doesn’t provide real solutions, yet it offered me a sense of relief.
However, I began to worry about the impact of my wine consumption on my health and weight. I respect those who manage to quit drinking, but I realized that I might not possess the same level of motivation.
Instead, I devised a straightforward plan two weeks ago: I would only drink on weekend nights—Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. That’s the entirety of my strategy.
On the other nights, I still indulge in a delightful drink from a wine glass—whether it’s Sprite, Naked Juice (which sounds more appealing than it is), or perhaps some orange juice.
Making Decisions Easier
This weekend-only rule simplifies my choices. I no longer have to struggle with the question, “Should I drink tonight? I’ve been consuming a lot lately.” While I could technically drink any night, the wine is reserved for the weekends. This ensures that my alcohol intake is halved compared to before.
My Life Didn’t Instantly Improve
Implementing this change hasn’t magically resolved all my issues. I haven’t lost five pounds or started sleeping better. However, I feel confident that my body is benefiting from the reduced alcohol intake, and I take pride in having cut back.
I still grapple with how to manage my wine purchases to make this plan more sustainable. If I buy just one bottle on Friday, I feel cheated by the small amount left by Sunday. Conversely, if I purchase two bottles, I either have leftover wine tempting me throughout the week or I end up consuming a lot on those three nights.
Nevertheless, I’ve taken a positive step forward.
A Slip from My Plan
Recently, I had a tough night and thought, “Forget this ridiculous ‘no drinking on weekdays’ rule.” I ended up drinking quite a bit. But the following evening, I returned to my Naked Juice cocktail, reminding myself that it was still Thursday. Ultimately, I believe my average alcohol consumption is now half of what it used to be.
Have you tried a similar strategy or found another method to moderate your drinking without quitting entirely?
This first video discusses how David managed to quit alcohol for 11 months without relying on AA, willpower, or rehab, sharing insights that might be helpful for anyone looking to cut back.
The second video offers practical tips on how to reduce your drinking in a manageable way, making it easier for viewers to find their own balance.