On 1st January 2019, I celebrated one year alcohol-free.
It was after a heavy night drinking at a Christmas party in 2017, followed by a wicked hangover that lasted 2 days. I finally stopped and thought “why am I putting myself through this?” I suffer from Crohn’s, an autoimmune disease which already leaves me with reduced energy, so adding a night of drinking into the mix would leave me wiped out for the rest of the week.
I didn’t want to cut out my social life, but thought the alcohol had to go.
Initially, I was worried: would all the fun go with it?
Going AF felt daunting, but after speaking with a friend, I was introduced to the OYNB Instagram page. From there, I found myself reading the testimonies of OYNB members on the website. I was so encouraged seeing so many people, young and old taking on the challenge and ditching the booze.
The results were inspiring and I just had to try it out for myself.
Thus, my One Year No Beer Challenge began!
To begin with, I found it slightly awkward on a night out, but that soon turned into me having such amazing memories of parties and dinners without feeling terrible the next day. I seriously do not miss feeling hungover! The awkwardness did not take long to go away.
I became more confident as I didn’t have to rely on a gin and tonic to loosen me up to start a conversation and I stopped being afraid of embarrassing myself on the dance floor!
My nights out on the town became so much better and I could stay out all night long.
Before I went AF I was appropriately nicknamed Cinderella, as after one glass of wine there was no way I could stay out past midnight without a struggle. I saved money, had a more enjoyable social life, more energy when I was traveling, clearer skin and overall became a lot healthier. I am so unbelievably proud of making such a positive change in order to better my life.
I feel like I’m glowing inside and out! For anyone considering giving up drinking, for whatever reason, it can be done!! I even managed Ibiza sober this year and had a ball! Trust me, it is so worth it. P.s. virgin cocktails and Heineken zero taste pretty good too!
An entrepreneur and former senior oil broker, Ruari gave up drinking after excessive consumption almost cost him his marriage, and worse, his life. Going alcohol-free improved his relationships, career and energy levels, leading to him founding OYNB to provide a support network for others.
