Febfast and fabulous – 28 ways to nail going booze-free

Febfast is a chance to set the tone toward healthier drinking habits this year. Here’s how to stay on course for a fresh and fabulous new you.

Every year thousands of Australians pledge to ditch the booze in February.

But for many, this is no easy feat.

“Four weeks off is really hard,” professional sober coach Angie Dowling says.

“For some people, even one week without drinking is challenging.”

What makes quitting booze hard?

It’s well documented that one of the breaking points when changing our drinking habit is dealing with the sudden urge or desire to drink alcohol – which can strike at any time.

“Often, you might be hungry, thirsty or tired and think you want alcohol,” Angie explains.

Emotional highs or lows can also trigger cravings.

Typically, once the urge strikes, we begin having vivid imagery of alcohol, such as imagining a nice, chilled beer or glass of wine.

This gets our pulse racing, we start to salivate, and we have intrusive thoughts that reinforce drinking as a good idea.

“The cravings can be really strong, but the top thing to remember is that they typically only last 20 minutes, so you have to keep busy to get through that,” Angie says.

“It doesn’t matter what busy is; it could be cleaning a kitchen drawer or taking the dog for a walk, whatever gets you through.”

• Skipping booze: Are alcohol-free drinks the answer?

How to set your febfast up for success

For many, the secret to beating a craving is to be prepared.

Mindset coach and founder of The Happiness Hunter Fiona Redding says before you begin your fast, it’s a good idea to clearly define the reason why you’re doing febfast.

“It might be that you’re curious about it, or you’re sick of having a hangover,” Fiona explains.

“This’ll help you keep focused when the temptation strikes.”

Another tip is to have a list of activities at the ready that’ll help distract you when thoughts of booze pop into your mind.

“Try starting a new hobby or a project, or even going back to something you loved at another time in your life,” Fiona suggests.

“Start going for walks, taking an art or a dance class, reading that book you’ve been putting off forever.”

Finally, don’t do it alone.

“Suggest to friends to meet for a coffee or a movie rather than dinner and drinks,” Fiona says.

“It’s also really useful to have an accountability buddy who also shares the same goal.”

• Staying dry: Benefits of giving up alcohol

28 ways to beat alcohol cravings

1. Go for a walk.
2. Write in your journal.
3. Do sit-ups and push-ups.
4. Head to the supermarket to buy some non-alcoholic drinks.
5. Drink some water slowly and appreciate the act of sipping.
6. Put some music on and dance around your living room.
7. Clean your bathroom or kitchen.
8. Do that job you’ve been putting off forever.
9. Read a book.
10. Cook dinner.
11. Call a friend.
12. Write a to-do list.
13. Take a shower or bath.
14. Play with the dog, or the kids.
15. Learn some new words from the dictionary and commit them to memory.
16. Clean your car.
17. Watch cute videos online.
18. Listen to an engaging podcast.
19. Write a gratitude list.
20. Play a solo card game.
21. Start a puzzle.
22. Apply moisturiser or a face mask, or enjoy your self-care routine.
23. Stretch, or do yoga or breathing exercises.
24. Scroll through job ads that interest you.
25. Research new recipes to cook.
26. Go to a movie.
27. Build or make something.
28. Sort your old clothes for charity.