Most people who sign for a 40-day alcohol-free challenge are expecting to experience some degree of difficulty. Our annual Alcohol Free For 40 challenge entails giving up all alcohol from Ash Wednesday until Easter, establishing baseline health metrics that include certain labs, body composition, blood pressure and close-up photo, which are then repeated at the end of the Challenge.
Giving up alcohol completely for 40 days is harder for some than others, and at times, feels nearly impossible for many, as participants may struggle with decades-old habits of self-sabotage and self doubt.
But one thing is absolutely certain: Not a single person who signed on for the 2020 Alcohol Free For 40 Challenge was fully prepared for what was to come.
Less than two weeks in, the first case of Coronavirus was identified in our state. One week later, all bars, theaters and fitness centers were shuttered, and restaurants either closed or transitioned to takeout and delivery only, followed by the statewide stay-at-home order.
Nearly all of the usual distractions that we turn to as replacement behaviors to help break the habit and curb the desire to drink – trying out new hobbies, different workouts – even movies or shopping – were, for the most part, immediately off-limits.
We were left with ourselves and our quarantine-mates. Our thoughts, our anxieties, our fears all swirling in our heads.
We had to truly dig deep within ourselves to discover our strengths and our coping skills to help turn down the noise in our own minds, to bring forward a calmness, serenity, and a level of peace with all of this. And we had to do it on our own, without the external influence of alcohol to help us numb out.
It’s hard to put into words just how proud I am of our Alcohol Free For 40 crew.
Some did choose to throw in the towel early, and this is understandable. Everyone is in a different place along their journey, with varying levels of importance or value placed in their commitment to go alcohol-free.
Many, however, stayed the course through Easter, and more than a few strong souls are still in it till the end so that they can see the before and after comparison of their labs, body composition, blood pressure and close-up photo (whenever that may be; at press time we are still awaiting the greenlight to host the events for post-challenge metrics).
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
Here’s a look at some of their experiences, in their own words.
“In spite of it all, I realized that I feel quite grounded. I do crisis management for my job, so we’re frantically trying to figure out how we continue to work through all this and keep the global supply chain moving. You can’t get groceries to the store without us.
But as I lay in bed falling asleep one night, I realized that I feel incredibly grounded. As if the alcohol kept me blowing around like a snowflake in a storm. When I stopped drinking, the wind stopped blowing. Eventually, I have rocked back and forth on the currents as they calmed until I came to rest on the ground. Ah. Calm.” – Kalisa Hobbs Hyman
“I’ve had a much better time managing my stress since starting this challenge. It’s crazy how the thing I thought was stress relief at the end of the day seems to have been priming my brain for higher stress and anxiety in the long run.” – Rose Landry
“This is my fourth year taking the Alcohol Free For 40 Challenge, and each year I’ve experienced better sleep, clearer skin and eyes and, best of all, clarity. Clarity is the best weapon in these times, along with what I know is an improved immune system. Many, many thanks to you and your team, Molly.” – Letty Nelson
“I love that I was able to do this challenge during the Pandemic and have held strong. In the middle of it, I lost my sweet Dad and I want to feel every emotion without the numbing effects of alcohol. I’ve got this and love all of the support and tips we’ve received during the challenge.” – Joanne Dornak
“Being a caregiver to a Stage IV COPD spouse, I cannot even fathom adding alcohol during this present journey. Having a clear mind to make healthy decisions is paramount at this time.” – Sandy Courvoisier
“Amazing that my almost-85 year-old husband and I, both daily wine drinkers, have not looked back! We eat earlier and sleep better. Getting bucket list Items accomplished as our day doesn’t stop at 5 o’clock wine time.” – Rita Lynn Jackson
“I am so thankful for this challenge. My head is clearer, my morning jogs are peppier, and my appreciation for mocktails has grown exponentially!” – Irene Evans
“Thank you Molly and the AFF40 crew. I am not sure how I will re-enter the world of drinking when this is over, but I know I can always use this experience as an anchor. It’s nice to notice that it’s not that much different, drinking or not. I still manage to enjoy life.” – Dottie T.
“I love that I sleep like a brick.” – Susan H.
“The fact that I have been able to be alcohol free during what has got to be the worse piece of history in my life is amazingly powerful. Living in NOLA that carrot is always dangling in front of our faces. But this is like a nuclear carrot. This is an extremely depressing situation for our society and alcohol may have just thrown me over the edge.” – Cyndi Migon
“No one thought I would stick to it – Actually it was quite easy, and I feel great!” – Janet Reed
“While this is my third successful year of AFF40, this year holds the most meaning for me, as unlike past years, I didn’t feel the urge to mocktail it. I won’t deny that it has been difficult to modify my behavior but I’m looking forward to next year!” – Sonny Cathey
“I find it is never a “good time” to give something up if it is your crutch for coping with stress. These past alcohol-free weeks have forced me to find different ways to relax: I exercised, I learned Wim Hof’s breathing methods, I attended Ochsner’s mental mindfulness sessions each day, I learned to ask for help when I needed it. I also drank tons of mineral water, became a mixologist of the mocktail, and prayed. There is always an excuse to not succeed when abstaining from something not great for your health. Quit making excuses and do it! As for me, I am still hanging in there like a hair in a biscuit until the end!” – Lucinda L’Enfant
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Molly Kimball, RD, CSSD is a registered dietitian + nutrition journalist in New Orleans, and founder of Ochsner’s Eat Fit nonprofit initiative. Tune in to her podcast, FUELED | Wellness + Nutrition and follow her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @MollyKimballRD. See more of Molly’s columns + TV segments at www.mollykimball.com.