What Does it Mean to be Sober Curious?

When some of us hear words like ‘sober’, we may associate this with either recovery from alcohol abuse or a boring life choice that restricts our ability to enjoy ourselves. However, there is a growing trend in the UK, especially amongst Gen Z and millennials who are experimenting with lowering their alcohol consumption. It’s known as ‘sober-curious’ or ‘mindful drinking’. ‘Sober-curious’ drinkers are particularly interested in new products and lifestyle choices that create ‘wellness’ in an individual’s life which is why drinks such as real craft Kombucha are becoming ever more popular in this respect. 

• What is sober curiosity?
• The Benefits of following a ‘sober curious’ lifestyle 
• Top tips to becoming sober curious 

What is sober curiosity?

But what does the phrase ‘sober-curious’ actually mean? The term was first coined by Ruby Warrington in her book Sober Curious, published in 2018. She describes the phrase as being conscious of how we each use alcohol to create feelings of bliss, euphoria, and connection, but to start to become aware how these feelings and associations can be created from other, healthier habits, too. ‘Curiosity’ implies an experimentation with a new idea or way of life. Being ‘sober curious’ means that we gently start to explore how we consume alcohol and investigate other alternatives that promote inner and outer wellbeing. 

The benefits of following a sober-curious lifestyle

The benefits of exploring a sober-curious way of living are varied and range from bettering our physical health by reducing the toxic load to our internal systems, to improving our mental wellbeing as we find different ways of feeling good that do not hinge upon drinking alone. 

Improve Your Physical Health

It’s well known that regular alcohol consumption can contribute to physical ailments, such as weight gain, liver damage, increased blood pressure and increased risks of stroke and heart disease. By becoming sober-curious, you can experiment with alcohol alternatives (such as Kombucha!) and reduce your overall intake. By drinking ‘mindfully’ and in moderation (between 1-2 standard drinks /16-20g of alcohol a day) you will lower the risk of these illnesses. These changes can be seen in just one alcohol-free month.

 Boost Your Mood

Of course, there are many benefits to our mental health from reducing our overall intake of alcohol. For instance, alcohol is known to have a short-term positive impact on our mood but can have long-term negative effects, contributing to increased feelings of depression and anxiety. I know for me, alcohol seriously affects my sleep, and by reducing the amount I drink, I immediately improve my quality of sleep which helps me to become more productive throughout the day. 

Enjoy a Balanced Lifestyle

At Equinox, we believe in balance. Balance between light and dark (the Equinox’s are the days when we have an equal balance of day and night). So, for us, being sober-curious is right up our street. It’s much easier to maintain than cutting out alcohol altogether, and it gives you the freedom to drink in moderation without any guilt. It’s also a great option as a gateway into going completely sober (if you so choose!), helping to make the transition easier.

Top tips for becoming sober-curious 

Our top tips for exploring mindful drinking are:

• Finding tasty alternatives to alcoholic drinks, such as Kombucha or mocktails. You can try some of our delicious Kombucha cocktails.
• Only drinking on the weekends or on special occasions.
• Measuring your drinks to know exactly how much you’re consuming.
• Removing alcohol from your house and making it a treat when you go out. 
• Inviting your friends or family to join your journey for support!

Whether it’s for Dry January or simply because you are detoxing for a month or two, exploring a sober-curious lifestyle is a great way to begin! Why not start your journey with some of our Kombucha that makes a great alternative for bubbles and celebrations?