Help! I need some motivation
Not every day is an up day. So if you’re underwhelmed or even a little down, here are a few tips: 1 Check in with yourself Just why are you doing this? 2 Take a selfie Compare it with your day one photo. Can you see the difference in your eyes, skin and body? 3 Get social Check out forum groups and ask for help. 4 Get moving. Perform some physical exercise in whatever style you enjoy – walk, run, cycle, do a fitness class, swim or stretch, whatever works, but do it. 5 The ultimate motivator There is strong science to indicate that your actions will affect those you love. Remind yourself of all those people close to you who might be positively influenced by this challenge. 6 Do something that makes you happy This could mean making a nice cup of tea or going shopping or to the theatre. Arrange to do something that will make you smile. 7 Make sure you are eating well Quality nutrition is key to a healthy mental state. If you forget to eat well today, make some time to consume a healthy meal as soon as possible. 8 Remind yourself of the wins Take a few minutes to remind yourself of the little victories that have helped you reach this point.
Tips for big social occasions
OK, so you’re about to face a big social event. Don’t panic! Take a deep breath and read our
tips. This might sound over the top, but it’s key to know exactly what you’re going to drink. Phone the venue ahead of the event if you like, and have a back-up drink or two planned just in case your first choice is not available.
Use visualisation like a worldclass athlete would to prepare
In the same way an athlete would prepare for a competition, you should rehearse your alcohol-free evening in your mind.
Talk to the ringleaders
If you are unsure about how your friends and colleagues will respond to this challenge, consider talking to the ringleaders first.
Bring a goal friend
It always helps to have some back-up to hand, so why not bring a ‘goal friend’ along for some readymade support?
Use the excuse Be ready to whip out your excuse – “I am on a 28-day alcohol-free challenge and I’m loving it!”
Always have an escape route planned
While parties can be fun, most people drinking alcohol are on a different planet come midnight. So always have an escape route in mind to get you out early.
Turn the night into a micro challenge
The average night out lasts roughly five hours – that’s all you have to survive. So why not make a game out of it and have fun? Score a point for every drunken snog you witness, two points for how many times your best mate says ‘I love you!’, and so on. The jackpot – dancing sober! Get creative and turn your event into something fun.
Turn on the power of listening
Aim to find out something new about a friend. Take time to listen deeply to what they have to say in a non-judgmental fashion. You might be surprised at what you discover about them.
And then, mini fist pump time!
Surprisingly, many of the best challenge highlights happen after a big social challenge. So at the end of the night, celebrate with a mini fist pump and treat yourself to something nice – you deserve it. The best treat of all, however, is waking up the following morning full of life and ready to take on the world. Well done!