The presents are unwrapped, the decorations are packed away, and the holiday festivities are over. Welcome to the new year! Over the holiday season, did you find yourself victim to one too many hangovers? Are you questioning the way alcohol affects your mind and mood? Have you wanted to try giving up alcohol?

If this sounds like you, then you might be sober curious. Sober curiosity is a popular movement that encourages us to experiment with a sober lifestyle.

The new year is the perfect time to explore sober curiosity. During the first month of the year, some of the sober curious community participates in “Dry January,” an entire month of not drinking alcohol. Curious? Keep reading to learn more about sober curiosity!

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE SOBER CURIOUS?

What does it mean to be sober and curious? The phrase “sober curious” is intentionally ambiguous, as it can mean something different for everyone. Generally, “sober curious” refers to an individual who is starting to question or reevaluate their relationship with alcohol. It is a way to explore a sober lifestyle without giving up drinking entirely. Sober curiosity reflects a shift towards mindful drinking, with the hope of creating intentional drinking habits. 

Let’s be honest - most of us make resolutions we don’t keep. Why? It’s difficult to make drastic lifestyle changes. The sober curiosity movement allows you to try a sober lifestyle but acknowledges that alcohol may not be removed entirely from your life. 

THE SOBER CURIOUS MOVEMENT

The sober curious movement began in 2018 when Ruby Warrington released her book, Sober Curious: The Blissful Sleep, Greater Focus, Limitless Presence, and Deep Connection Awaiting Us All on the Other Side of Alcohol. The book discusses how even those who aren’t dependent on alcohol may still have doubts about their relationship with drinking. The movement quickly took off due to its flexibility and inclusivity. 

Today, the sober curious movement continues to create an open community for those interested in mindful drinking. Sobriety challenges such as “Dry January” are an excellent opportunity to try a sober curious lifestyle. 

SOBER VS SOBER CURIOUS

So, how exactly is sober curiosity different from sobriety? One of the main distinctions is the level of commitment. Sobriety is typically a lifelong commitment, while sober curiosity reflects a decision to temporarily or occasionally abstain from alcohol. You may decide after trying sober curiosity to fully adopt a sober lifestyle! 

In social settings, sobriety may require adjustments to avoid triggering environments or situations. Sober curiosity allows for a more significant amount of flexibility. Sometimes, you may choose to have alcohol-free choices, but you are free to choose to drink!

For some sober individuals, drinking alcohol can feel like a setback on their sobriety journey. Drinking isn’t seen as a relapse when you are sober curious. Instead, individuals are encouraged to experiment and explore the benefits of a sober lifestyle without giving up alcohol altogether. 

AM I SOBER CURIOUS?

Being sober curious means that you are curious about experimenting with a sober lifestyle. Are you aware of your drinking habits? Do you ever question your alcohol consumption? Have you wondered about taking a break from drinking? If so, you might be sober curious. 

Sober curious individuals tend to drink socially but don’t have an alcohol addiction. You might be sober curious if you are thinking about cutting back on alcohol but aren’t looking to give up drinking entirely.

BENEFITS OF SOBER CURIOSITY 

Sober curiosity is becoming more and more popular due to its many benefits. One of the main benefits of a sober, curious lifestyle is improved health and well-being.

Additionally, a sober, curious lifestyle provides mindfulness benefits and enhanced clarity. You may discover greater self-esteem, self-awareness, and emotional clarity. Alcohol can cloud your judgment, so mindful drinking helps you to make better decisions. 

Sober curiosity allows you to see what life is like without alcohol. Social benefits include improving relationships with those around you. You also can positively influence your friends and encourage them to try mindful drinking as well! Whether you’re celebrating a significant milestone or hanging out with friends, sober curiosity allows you to enjoy the moment - and remember it the next day. 

EMBRACING A SOBER CURIOUS LIFESTYLE

So, what does a sober, curious lifestyle look like? Here are some ways to start your sober, curious journey. 

Practice Mindful Drinking - Before you grab a drink, take a moment and pause. Ask yourself, “Why do I want this drink?” Think of the reasons you want the drink. Are they positive or negative? Are you drinking to combat boredom? Are you drinking to avoid feelings? Once you know your motivations, you can then make a rational choice if you still want to indulge. 

Practice mindful drinking in social situations as well. Consider if drinking is going to enhance your experience. What would your night look like if you didn’t drink? How is drinking going to impact your tomorrow?

It’s easy to get caught up in the drinking atmosphere or resort back to old habits. Sober curiosity encourages you to slow down and practice mindful drinking. 

Reevaluate your relationship with alcohol - When starting your sober curious journey, take some time to reevaluate your relationship with alcohol. Track your drinking habits to see how often and how much you drink. Do you notice any patterns? Consider asking yourself the following questions:

• When did I start drinking?
• Why do I continue to drink?
• How does drinking make me feel?
• What kind of person am I when I drink?
• Does alcohol make my life better?
• What would my life look like without alcohol?

Asking yourself these questions will help you assess your relationship with alcohol. Afterward, you may find yourself feeling sober curious, and ready to try giving up drinking for some time. 

Find sober activities you enjoy - Drinking isn’t the only way to have fun! There are so many different sober activities to try instead of drinking. From having a solo self-care night to hosting a sober dinner party with the perfect mocktails, there are endless possibilities for you to choose from. 

Explore non-alcoholic alternatives - Even if your friends aren’t sober curious, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun! Non-alcoholic alternatives are the perfect solution to ensure you still have a fun night - without the hangover the next day. 

Floral Beverages are responsibly-portioned, sessionable beverages that allow you to enjoy your night without sacrificing your morning. Our THC-infused seltzers provide you with a consistently pleasant buzz within 10-15 minutes of those first sips. And unlike alcohol, our drinks have zero calories and leave you feeling hangover-free the next day.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

Starting a sober, curious journey may come with some challenges at first. You may feel social and peer pressure from your friends who still want you to drink. Choosing not to drink can also stir up feelings of FOMO, the fear of missing out. 

To overcome these challenges, remind yourself why you choose to live a sober, curious lifestyle. Surround yourself with people who will encourage and support you on your journey. And don’t forget - sober curiosity is a flexible lifestyle. Take the time to explain to your friends your boundaries and how they can respect them. 

CURIOUS TO TRY IT OUT?

Think a sober, curious lifestyle is right for you? Follow these tips to help you get started. 

• Set personal boundaries - Determine your drinking boundaries. Remember, you can be as flexible as you want to meet your needs and personal goals. Create boundaries that will enhance your life. 
• Participate in a challenge - Challenges like Dry January are a perfect place to start if you’re sober curious. These challenges provide a specific timeline for you to follow. After completing the challenge, you can then evaluate the impact of not drinking on your physical and mental health. Implement what you enjoyed about the challenge into your everyday lifestyle. 
• Build a supportive network - If you’re sober curious, finding supportive peers who want to understand your journey is essential. Find friends who will not only support you but help hold you accountable for your own goals. You might not even know that your friends are sober curious, too!
• Practice Self-Care and Compassion - Don’t forget to take care of yourself! Giving up alcohol, even for short periods, can be tricky—practice self-care by listening to what your body needs. Also, remember to be compassionate towards yourself. Sober curiosity looks different for every person, so don’t compare your journey to anybody else’s.

SOBER CURIOUS? TRY FLORAL

Floral Beverages is here for you whether you’re sober, sober curious, or just looking for a great drink. Shop our collection of THC Cocktails, THC Seltzers, and CBD Sparkling Waters to find the perfect non-alcoholic drink. 

Overall, the sober curious movement is popular for several reasons. Instead of an all-or-nothing approach, sober curiosity encourages you to explore non-alcoholic options and make healthier choices for yourself. The sober curious lifestyle benefits your overall wellness and helps you practice mindful drinking. Sober curious? Try Floral!