Unexpected benefits
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 598
Unexpected benefits
When I quit drinking my aim was just that: to stop drinking. I did not consider any other aspects of my life or personality, I did not look at the bigger picture. Just not drinking was a daunting enough prospect which I was desperate to get right.
Now 5 months into sobriety and able to look around me a bit I am noticing different behavioral patterns in myself. Specifically in the last week three incidents happened where previously I would have lost my temper and retaliate immediately. I did not. Even more amazing, on two of those occasions I did not even feel the slightest bit angry or upset. I just shrugged off the incidents and moved on.
I am not sure if this is a permanent shift in my way of thinking and acting but I sure hope so. And for sure this control of emotions can only be the result of sobriety. Long may it continue and may I grow in this new way of life.
Now 5 months into sobriety and able to look around me a bit I am noticing different behavioral patterns in myself. Specifically in the last week three incidents happened where previously I would have lost my temper and retaliate immediately. I did not. Even more amazing, on two of those occasions I did not even feel the slightest bit angry or upset. I just shrugged off the incidents and moved on.
I am not sure if this is a permanent shift in my way of thinking and acting but I sure hope so. And for sure this control of emotions can only be the result of sobriety. Long may it continue and may I grow in this new way of life.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 405
There are a ridiculous number of unexpected benefits, I would like to share my favorite.
I was always an avid gym goer even while I was doing my daily drinking. It wasn't until only the very end of my drinking days that I had cut down on my regimen and eventually stopped going completely.
After detox I had lost all my muscle mass and was completely emaciated. As part of my recovery I joined a new gym and got back into my regimen. "Well I'm entering my 40s so I'm not going to be able to lift like I did when I was younger."
Do you have any idea how much more energy a person has when he's not in a perpetual hangover state? I was going through my sets like a man possessed. In the past I never cared about nutrition, I was content to eat garbage all the time. Now I started to eat balanced sensible meals and incorporate intermittent fasting into my routine.
I have abs at the age of 40. I was lifting weights in my 20s and I never had abs back then. The energy I have in the gym is ridiculous. Sometimes after an intense workout the testosterone will be in overdrive to the point where I want to get naked, run into the woods, and go kill a deer with my bare hands.
All I wanted in the beginning was to find something to occupy my time in sobriety and to prevent getting a dad bod (ugh). Now I'm in the absolute best shape of my life. All because of sobriety.
I was always an avid gym goer even while I was doing my daily drinking. It wasn't until only the very end of my drinking days that I had cut down on my regimen and eventually stopped going completely.
After detox I had lost all my muscle mass and was completely emaciated. As part of my recovery I joined a new gym and got back into my regimen. "Well I'm entering my 40s so I'm not going to be able to lift like I did when I was younger."
Do you have any idea how much more energy a person has when he's not in a perpetual hangover state? I was going through my sets like a man possessed. In the past I never cared about nutrition, I was content to eat garbage all the time. Now I started to eat balanced sensible meals and incorporate intermittent fasting into my routine.
I have abs at the age of 40. I was lifting weights in my 20s and I never had abs back then. The energy I have in the gym is ridiculous. Sometimes after an intense workout the testosterone will be in overdrive to the point where I want to get naked, run into the woods, and go kill a deer with my bare hands.
All I wanted in the beginning was to find something to occupy my time in sobriety and to prevent getting a dad bod (ugh). Now I'm in the absolute best shape of my life. All because of sobriety.
Community Greeter
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Upstate New York
Posts: 51,537
Callas - I know just what you mean. At the end of my drinking career I was on edge & confrontational. That's the opposite of the real me. It was such a relief to return to a calm & reasonable way of dealing with things. For me, it was a permanent change.
Congratulations on your 5 months.
Congratulations on your 5 months.
Member
Join Date: May 2019
Location: UK
Posts: 3,928
Ditto to WeThinkNot’s gym success. Well done.
I’m pleasantly surprised that I can go to an event or restaurant with my wife and not be hugely disappointed if there’s no alcohol there. It makes for a much nicer time for everyone.
I’m also on holiday now in a country where alcohol is very expensive. That didn’t stop me drinking here before, though. Now I don’t seem to be spending any money! I can come here for longer next time 😀
I’m pleasantly surprised that I can go to an event or restaurant with my wife and not be hugely disappointed if there’s no alcohol there. It makes for a much nicer time for everyone.
I’m also on holiday now in a country where alcohol is very expensive. That didn’t stop me drinking here before, though. Now I don’t seem to be spending any money! I can come here for longer next time 😀
Member
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 519
Tons of benefits and physical changes are noticeable too in me. I have tons of energy to workout and feel stronger every day. Skin is glowing and no more bags!!!
Emotionally, I am feeling more things for sure, but feel mostly content, grateful and genuinely happy most of the day. The days are long, productive and good.
Emotionally, I am feeling more things for sure, but feel mostly content, grateful and genuinely happy most of the day. The days are long, productive and good.
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