In this episode of Life Intended, host Kelly Berry interviews Sarah Williamson, a coach, mentor, and author of the bestselling book Drink Less; Live Better. Sarah shares her journey to living alcohol-free and her approach to helping individuals reconsider their relationship with alcohol without needing a "rock bottom" moment. They discuss the societal narratives around drinking, the power of mindfulness, and practical strategies for creating healthier habits.
Sarah was a guest on the Life Intended Podcast: Drink Less, Live Better: Exploring Our Relationship with Alcohol with Sarah Williamson
Sarah shares how her relationship with alcohol changed over the years, from youthful binge drinking to mindful experiments in sobriety. She highlights that you don’t need a dramatic story to reexamine how alcohol fits into your life. Small experiments, such as going alcohol-free for a month, can lead to profound insights.
Mindful drinking starts with understanding the "why" behind your cravings. Sarah recommends pausing before reaching for a drink to assess if you're hungry, angry, lonely, or tired (HALT). This simple self-check can help you address the underlying issue instead of using alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Sarah suggests removing alcohol from easy reach, tracking your progress with apps like "Try Dry," and replacing habitual drinking rituals with alternatives. For example, swap out alcohol with mocktails or sparkling water to maintain social rituals without the downsides.
The decision to drink less can affect your relationships, but Sarah emphasizes communicating your intentions with confidence. While some friendships may change, deeper connections can form through intentional activities like walking or engaging in meaningful conversations.
Sarah encourages embracing the creativity and celebration in alcohol-free living. Mocktails, alcohol-free beverages, and a shift in focus from drinking to connecting can lead to richer, more fulfilling experiences.
