Making the Most of N A Day

N A day refers to a day when you abstain from consuming alcoholic beverages. It can be just for a day, or as part of a longer commitment to sobriety. With the growing popularity of mindful drinking and “dry” months like “Dry January”, n a days are becoming more common. Here’s how to make the most of your n a day experience.

Why Take a Break from Alcohol?

There are many reasons why someone might choose to take a break from alcohol consumption

• Health: Drinking alcohol can hurt your sleep, immune system, weight, and other parts of your body’s health. Every day, your body has a chance to start over.

• Mental Health – Alcohol is a depressant and can exacerbate anxiety and depression An alcohol break creates space for clearer thinking and more stable moods

• Self-Awareness – An n a day provides an opportunity to notice how alcohol impacts your emotions, behaviors, and relationships. This self-reflection can lead to valuable insights.

• Moderation—If you don’t want to quit drinking completely but just cut back, drinking once a day can help reset your habits and lower your tolerance.

• Support – If you’re supporting a partner, friend, or family member who is limiting alcohol, joining them in an n a day shows solidarity.

• Finances – Eliminating alcoholic purchases for a day saves money that can be put towards other goals.

• Productivity – Alcohol can reduce focus and motivation the day after drinking. An n a day maximizes clear-headed productive time.

• Joy of Missing Out (FOMO): Instead of worrying about what you’re “missing,” find new joy in activities that don’t involve alcohol.

How to Spend An N A Day

Approaching your n a day with intention and structure will help you fully reap the benefits of time away from alcohol. Consider the following ideas:

Morning Rituals

• Wake up early to savor the clarity and energizing effects of an alcohol-free morning.

• Write down your plans for the day or thoughts about your relationship with alcohol in a journal.

• Incorporate meditative movement like yoga or qigong to center your mind and connect with your body.

• Prepare a nourishing breakfast packed with healthy fats, protein, and anti-oxidants to feed and support your system.

Afternoon Activities

• Get outdoors and move your body – go for a hike, bike ride, or walk around a new neighborhood.

• Organize your living space – the sense of order can create mental clarity.

• Dive into a new hobby like learning a musical instrument or starting a gardening project.

• Take care of errands that get pushed aside when weekends revolve around drinking.

Evening Alternatives

• Host an alcohol-free dinner party – create fancy mocktails and cook an elegant meal.

• Attend an evening fitness class – yoga, crossfit, spin, boxing, etc.

• Check out a thought-provoking speaker, performance, or art show.

• Cuddle up with a book, movie night, board games, or call a friend.

• Develop a new bedtime routine – take a bath, meditate, sip herbal tea, stretch.

Social Support

While n a days are ideal for indulging in solo activities, don’t shy away from social plans either.

• Let friends know you’re taking an alcohol break and most will be happy to still hang out sober.

• Suggest alcohol-free activities like hiking, playing sports, checking out a museum exhibit, or seeing live music.

• Attend dining out social events and order a nice mocktail or intriguing NA drink.

• Remind yourself that your authentic self doesn’t need alcohol to connect with others.

Helpful Resources

Tools and communities exist to support your n a day success:

• The I Am Sober app helps track alcohol-free days and provides inspiration.

• Join an online support forum like r/StopDrinking on Reddit.

• Read Quit Lit books and blogs from others navigating sobriety.

• Follow social media accounts promoting mindful drinking like Club Soda and Sober Girl Society.

• Stock up on fancy NA drinks like Seedlip Spirits, Curious Elixirs, or mocktail mixers.

• Listen to sober-curious podcasts like Seltzer Squad and Recovery Happy Hour.

An intentional n a day provides space for self-care, growth, and joy outside of alcohol consumption. With some structure and support, the experience can be rejuvenating and perspective-shifting. A single n a day may motivate you to experiment with more regular alcohol-free days. Or, an n a day could confirm that moderate drinking is your ideal relationship with alcohol. Either way, embracing the opportunity for self-discovery through ritual, activities, and community allows an n a day to be so much more than just not drinking.