Embracing Sobriety: Discovering a New Lease on Life
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Chapter 1: Rediscovering Vitality
After quitting alcohol, I've truly experienced what it means to have energy once again.
Photo by author, taken on 5th July 2024
I used to enjoy drinking, believing it made social interactions easier and helped me unwind. In some ways, it did provide that illusion. However, I failed to realize how draining alcohol actually is. Mornings after a night of drinking would leave me feeling exhausted, attributing it merely to late-night conversations with friends. While that contributed, the alcohol was the real culprit.
Last night, I only managed five hours of sleep due to a persistent cough. Yet, I woke up feeling revitalized. It’s 10 AM on my day off, and I've already accomplished a workout, studied German and Norwegian, done my laundry, and cleaned my windows.
This isn't to portray myself as some sort of superhero but rather to emphasize that had I consumed a bottle of wine the night before, I would likely still be in bed, waiting for my headache to subside.
When I made the decision to stop drinking, I immersed myself in literature about alcohol and its impact on health. This was my way of combating the cravings that whispered to me that a little wine wouldn’t hurt.
One crucial lesson I learned was how alcohol disrupts sleep quality. Reflecting on my past, I now realize I was navigating life in a fog. While I didn’t drink daily—at least I tried not to—the fatigue I experienced was something I now recognize thanks to my newfound clarity.
Another concern that arose before I quit was my struggle with memorizing piano pieces. I had attributed it to aging rather than considering the role of alcohol.
Fast forward a year, and my cognitive abilities have returned. I feel sharper and my memory has greatly improved. My motivation for learning has skyrocketed, leading me to pursue various studies, including a computer science degree, all while managing my writing and day job.
It’s not that I was idle while drinking; rather, I find myself achieving so much more now, and my performance has improved.
One of the most significant benefits of sobriety is the gift of time. My lifestyle has transformed completely. Previously, I would collapse in front of the TV with a glass of wine, often dozing off on the couch. Now, I spend my evenings reading, allowing me to wake up earlier and dedicate more time to studying.
I recently began an exciting morning routine of watching episodes of Star Trek Voyager in German while exercising. It feels fantastic to multitask, making my workouts enjoyable rather than a chore.
This energizing start to my day far surpasses the time spent scrolling through social media while waiting for a hangover to fade.
Whenever I hear that inner voice suggesting I’ve been sober long enough to indulge in wine, I remind myself of the dreadful hangovers and the joy I currently experience in my life.
At 45, I recognize that my future days are fewer than my past. I refuse to waste any more time feeling miserable from a substance that serves no purpose in my life.
Sobriety is empowering.
While I occasionally miss drinking, the cost is simply too high. My life holds far greater value, leading me to discover healthier ways to cope with stress while remaining sober.