It’s my two years of sobriety: what I’ve gained by living sober

I recently celebrated my second sobriety, and like any big milestone, it spurred me to do a little reflection. I asked myself how much my life has changed in the past two years and what sober living has taught me. The answer is a lot. And in some pretty unexpected ways.

10 Things I’ve Accomplished By Living Sober

When I first thought about going alcohol-free, I had the same belief as many people: that by eliminating something from my life, I would inevitably miss out. But I soon discovered that the opposite is true. Instead, I gained so much.

1. Real fun

Fun is the main thing I really thought I would miss if I gave up booze. I mean, what fun events don’t involve alcohol? But the kind of fun I have is completely different. It’s authentic. Sincerely. Like the fun you had as a child when you jumped up to your favorite song or laughed so hard your stomach hurt.

2. Improved coping skills

I discovered quite early in my sobriety that I was using alcohol as a coping mechanism. So instead of reaching for a drink, I grabbed my journal and dissected the “Why” behind my craving. Mostly it was to numb my fear. With this knowledge (and the help of a mental health professional), I was able to replace it with healthy coping strategies like nature, exercise, and breathing.

3. Better tasting food

No, this isn’t the “You’ll have a greater appreciation for food” kind of thing. Studies show that drinking alcohol can damage the taste buds, so when you stop, the food actually tastes better. Serious.

4. Mo’ money

We all agree that alcohol is expensive. Not so much if you drink it at home, but if you order a glass of wine during dinner and then get a few cocktails in the lounge next door, that certainly adds up. Not to mention all the Ubers and tipsy online shopping that followed. I was able to put that money in my pocket, but a lot of it goes to non-alcoholic beer and mocktail fixes.

5. Clarity in the mind

Goodbye hangovers, hello mental clarity. The headaches and brain fog that come with a hangover are unbearable, but it was really the hangxiety that got to me. Hangxiety is the wave of anxiety you feel the morning after drinking as your brain tries to balance your neurochemicals, and it’s a bear. Now I wake up hydrated, clear and without a pounding head.

6. Time

There have always been 24 hours in a day, but you gain more time when you stop drinking because you have all those late nights and early mornings back. Friday evening 8 p.m. yoga class? Let’s do it! Is there a farmer’s market on Sunday mornings at 7am? I’m here.

7. A happy feeling

Alcohol can cause acid reflux and disrupt your gut’s natural bacterial flora, so it makes sense that I noticed a profound improvement in my gut when I stopped drinking. Could that have something to do with all the kombucha I drank instead of my usual Prosecco? It’s certainly possible, but I’m going to give some credit to the fact that I don’t drink alcohol.

8. Lighter periods

Aunt Flo isn’t nearly as obnoxious as she used to be, and I’m here for it. This is because alcohol affects hormones, namely estrogen. Quitting the booze can improve your PMS symptoms and even change your blood flow. It’s not like that for everyone, but I certainly consider myself lucky.

9. Friendships

I have met so many incredible people over the past two years. While sobriety may have been the common thread or topic that sparked our friendship, we have so many other interests in common. If you’re new to sober living, find a community of alcohol-free people, in person or online. There are dozens of sober communities outside of traditional AA, such as The Luckiest Club or Wildly Sober, or check out local Meetup groups.

10. Presence

Being sober, I feel like I can finally be present. Instead of feeling like I’m tipsy or hungover because of celebrations or events, I let it all soak in. And there have been many important moments in the past two years. I never dreamed that I would toast my wedding day with a glass of water, but that’s exactly what happened, and it was perfect.

Celebrating sobriety can help break the stigma

More and more people are choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t still a stigma surrounding sobriety. That’s why I feel called to talk openly about my sobriety. It’s a big day and worth celebrating. Not to mention that the rewards I have and continue to reap from living sober are endless. Do I think I’ll ever drink again? Probably not. Do I feel like I’m missing something? Heck no.