Get ready for Sober October

Photo by Zino de Groot on Unsplash

Of the year’s two traditionally alcohol-free months, I much prefer Sober October to Dry January. (Yes, Australians, I know you do Dry July, but that is the worst of all months to attempt to cut down here in the UK, being as it is peak beer garden season.)

October feels like the lull after the summer and before the mood starts turning festive. It’s the month of new boots with bare legs, blustery walks and butternut squash in the oven. For me, September feels like a false start to autumn. This is where it gets real.

A month off the booze is a good idea for many reasons. In my book Mindful Drinking, I recommend a month of sobriety even though the book is about cutting down rather than giving up. It’s really effective as a reset and, to be honest, it can be good to have an alcohol-free period just to show that you can.

If you’re joining me in Sober October, here’s my advice for staying on track:

• Find your ‘why’. This is your reason for not drinking, and keepi…