Tips and Tricks for Surviving the Sober October Challenge (EXCLUSIVE)

Dry January is not the only alcohol-free month you have to worry about anymore. Now, there is the Sober October Challenge to get you ready for the holidays and the copious amounts of alcohol you will probably be drinking. 

However, that doesn't necessarily make the challenge any easier. Even Joe Rogan is hesitant to partake, writing, "I’m still on the fence as to whether or not I’m doing Sober October... I have to say there’s probably going to be some nights coming up soon when I’m gonna wanna spark up a joint and take a sip of whiskey." 

Luckily, author Hilary Sheinbaum is sharing some of her own tips and tricks for surviving the Sober October Challenge from her upcoming book, THE DRY CHALLENGE: How to Lose the Booze for Dry January, Sober October, and Any Other Alcohol-Free Month, exclusively with Distractify.

So, if you are trying to go substance-free for the next 31 days, take some notes!

If you're a planner, mapping out a schedule of non-alcohol related activities can be helpful, according to Hilary. 

"Not only can you design a calendar with fun things to do, but these adventures will also keep you occupied and you might learn a new hobby in return," she explained. "Having extra time in the evenings and mornings (read: no hangovers during dry months!) can help you find a few hours to learn guitar, finish that book you've been putting off, or establish a workout routine."

Sure, we've all heard about non-alcoholic beer, but Hilary suggests doing some more exploring and trying flavorful drinks like booze-free Prosecco from Gruvi, non-alcoholic Spritzes from Kin, or gins and distilled spirits that have 0% ABV. 

The more, the merrier when it comes to Sober October. 

"As a group, you can come up with fun outings that don't revolve around alcohol and keep each other up-to-date on progress, new findings, and even frustrations," Hilary shared. 

"Journaling, logging notes in your phone, or even blogging about your experience can help you maintain consistency and even track how life without alcohol positively impacts your day-to-day life," Hilary continued. "On day one, you can write about how you're feeling physically, mentally, and emotionally, and compare that to day 31."

Tell the world about your dry challenge with excitement! Not only will it hold you accountable, but it might also inspire your friends and family (see No. 3).  

Plus, as Hilary points out, these connections can in turn become your Sober Month Support Squad, and you can be there for each other for questions and encouragement. 

For even more tips and tricks — and a fun forward by Lo Bosworth — be sure to pre-order Hilary's book The Dry Challenge before it is released on Dec. 29, 2020.