A Breath of Fresh Air: 6 Surprising Sober Self-Care Practices

Back when I was still drinking wine every night, I thought I was an expert at self-care. I had my monthly massages booked out quarterly, treated myself to regular online shopping hauls, and considered Sundays on the couch with a bottle of my favorite Cab from Trader Joe's, a perfectly suitable "recovery day" from my very busy life. During that time, self-care to me, was something that involved spending money, day trips to the spa, and a bottle of something bubbly.

I know it may seem silly, but I didn't know what I didn't know. And it wasn't until I stopped drinking - what has turned out to be one of my biggest acts of self-care - that I learned what it was.

What Is Sober Self-Care?

Sober Self-Care includes all of the things we do in our daily lives to take care of ourselves physically, emotionally, and mentally, to support maintaining a healthy alcohol-free life. Some examples of sober self-care are exercise, journaling, meditation, sleep habits, hydration, and connection with community.

While I was very happy to continue my spa days in sobriety, I realized I was missing some simple, consistent, sober self-care practices, that supported this new version of myself. So, I started experimenting with dozens of new sober self-care practices and integrated many of them into my alcohol-free life.

Here are six surprising self-care practices that turned out to be some of my favorites.

1. Embrace Slow Mornings as Sober Self-Care

   
   

   Create a morning ritual that you fantasize about at the end of the day. For me it's a consistent wake-up time that gives me the space I need to wake up, reflect, and enjoy some quiet time to myself before I get to my busy work day. This means no rushing, no missed workouts, and no last-minute drive-through breakfasts. It's my protected time each morning, whether I am at home or on vacation, that provides me with a solid foundation to move through my day.

2. Start a Simple Skin-Care as Sober Self-Care Routine

   
   

   I'm not suggesting you become a "skinfluencer" (but by all means, do!) but as someone who used to go to bed most nights without washing my face, in early sobriety I decided to reclaim the actual experience of going to bed, with a few simple steps. What had previously been a time of day riddled with shame and guilt, was now an opportunity to spend five minutes of very intentional self-care. Nothing wild - some cleanser, moisturizer, and on some nights a serum, but I go to bed every night knowing I am taking care of my skin, and that feels good.

   
   

   I spoke more about the connection between skin care and self-care on the podcast with beauty wellness founder, Jess Jackson.

3. Experience Bed Time as Sober Self-Care

   
   

   Imagine bedtime not just as your sleep time, but time set aside for you to be in bed, to relax and unwind, before your head hits the pillow. This was a major mindset shift for me. I used to climb into bed and lights out. Now it's this beautifully cozy bed time, perfect for some reading, or even journaling, before I snooze. I invested in nice bedding, started using a pillow spray (which was important for me l when I first quit drinking), and now it's a whole vibe. Most importantly, no phones allowed. Create your own dream la la land.

4. Daily Journaling

   
   

   This is my favorite self-care practice to recommend to everyone because I know how impactful it is. But I've got to be honest, it is also one of the hardest for me to be consistent with. That being said, what helped me was to realize that I didn't need to write in perfect form (or perfect grammar), but instead just make sure I spend a few moments each day getting my thoughts on a page. Some days it's bullet points, other days its an essay - or even a voice memo. But journaling is a deeply powerful self-care practice for our minds. I also treat myself to a new journal fairly regularly - I swear it helps...

   
   

5. Time Block Your Calendar

   
   

   I used to go entire days without taking a minute for myself. When I was leading a large global team across timezones, it was not uncommon for me to spend my day in back-to-back meetings, with only enough time for an occasional sprint to the bathroom. Too much info, but also, relatable? But then I learned the power of building in time into my work calendar with non-negotiable (or mostly non-negotiable) breaks. It's incredible what scheduling in 30-minute blocks for lunch did for my well-being. Figure out for yourself how to carve out time amongst the busyness to stay hydrated and well-nourished.

   
   

   Learn more about time management in sobriety, in my conversation with Time-Management Strategist, Kelly Nolan.

   
   

6. A Breath of Fresh Air

   
   

   If you are reading this, take this as a your sign to take a fresh air break. I really try to prioritize taking short breaks during my day for a little bit of outside time. I don't always have the space on my calendar for a 15-minute walk in the afternoon, but I usually can find 3 minutes here and there to pop outside, take a few deep, cleansing breaths, and go back to work. It fills me up, literally and figuratively.

And you know what? I've even figured out an self-care practice in sobriety that includes something bubbly. This Blackberry-Lemon Social Tonic from Hiyo is a bright, happy and perfectly bubbly NA drink. It includes organic adaptogens, natural nootropics, and functional botanicals for a stress-busting, mood-boosting effect. Save 15% off your first order!

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