Stop thinking about drinking alcohol. Play it forward

My Year No Beer (Week 14)

Here we are Week 14 of My Year No Beer. Not far from hitting the 100 days alcohol free mark and I can’t stop thinking about drinking alcohol.

I have spoken about Fading Affect Bias (FAB) before in a previous blog. FAB is the way over time humans have a trait to look back at past events with rose tinted glasses.

I’ve noticed that as the days roll by, the more I find myself romanticising alcohol, especially at this time of year.

Christmas time conjures up idealistic memories of being stood in a warm pub, whilst it is freezing outside Drinking a pint of special Christmas amber beer whilst having a laugh with friends. Or snuggled up by the fireside drinking spiced rum or Cognac over ice.

New Year’s Eve for me was alway lots of bubbles, Champagne or anything else cold and bubbly.

Stop thinking about drinking alcohol

Selective memories about alcohol

As I say I have caught myself recently reminiscing about drinking at this time of year, painting in my mind a ‘dream like vision’ of how the lead up to Christmas was.

I realised how I conveniently omit the bad experiences drinking caused me. Like the time I got so smashed I ended up falling over and really hurting myself.

The time I never even went home on Christmas Day leaving my partner worried out of her mind about what had happened to me.

And the numerous hangovers, headaches, and bouts of alcohol poisoning I’d inflicted on myself over the years.

Many a Christmas went by in a blur and left me feeling nothing more than tired and anxious. Certainly not merry or happy!

Play it forward (top tip)

So now when I find myself romanticising the good old times with alcohol, I play it forward. I imagine myself after I have had a drink.

I think about;

  • not remembering key parts of the day
  • not being present with my family
  • the broken, poor quality of sleep I’ll have
  • the splitting headache
  • feeling nauseous and possibly being sick
  • feeling anxious
  • possibly even feelings of regret, self-loathing and disappointment

Once I play it forward and bring all of that into my mind, you’ll not be surprised that the desire to have a pint, glass of Champagne or a cheeky fireside Cognac soon loses its appeal.

I have found this way of playing it forward really works wonders to keep those rose tinted idealistic thoughts about alcohol in check.

Let me know if it helps you in the comments below, I’d love to know.

Pillars of Positivity

Sleep

  • 6 hrs (4 x 90 mins sleep cycles)
  • Sleeping better in general but less
  • Getting up regularly at 5.30am
  • Continuing with my morning routine. (Journaling, exercise, meditation, self-development, business development, etc.)

Movement

  • Ran 50 Km in a week.
  • 10 Km run average speed 5:45 / Km.
  • Strength training 3 times during the week

Nutrition

  • 71 Kg.
  • Nutrition is still a bit all over the place
  • Nuts and chocolate seem to be very popular! Maybe it's because I'm burning more calories.

Connection

  • Maintaining good connection online.
  • Had quality time with family.
  • Party at the weekend and plenty of opportunity to connect with others. Although I didn't really.

Relax

  • Reading (20 mins / day)
  • Meditation (10 mins / day)
  • Running x 6 (stamina & speed improving)
  • Personal development
  • Business development

Clear Thinking

  • Feel like I am more consistent and focussed
  • Feeling positive, optimistic and happy
  • Motivation continues to improve. Achieved a lot this week!
  • Moving out of my comfort zone continually at present to grow and develop my coaching business