The Dry January reset isn’t about giving something up. It’s about liberating yourself, says sober coach Rebecca Forshaw. She gave her tips on how to go 30 days alcohol-free (and beyond!)
Words: Rebecca Forshaw. Images: Getty.
At 50, I thought wine was my way to relax, reward myself, and connect with friends. But when life became harder to balance, I realised alcohol was holding me back – and discovered that going alcohol-free is the ultimate reinvention.
Alcohol had always been part of my life. From ciders in the park as a teenager, to cocktails in bars, to girls’ nights in with wine. Later it became that midweek glass to unwind after a stressful day, or to celebrate a promotion.
It crept into everything. At first it felt fun, but over time, I realised I’d placed too much importance on wine. I’d do Dry January or the odd Sober October, but the wine always crept back in.
By 2023, life was full-on. Helping to care for my 94-year-old mum while juggling work left me exhausted, anxious, and my sleep was suffering. I couldn’t tell what was peri-menopause and what was alcohol.
I had health anxiety, I felt stressed all the time, and deep down I knew wine was part of the problem. When my mum sadly passed away in February 2024, something shifted. I knew I risked relying on wine more and more.
So that April, I decided to take a proper break. I read some “quit lit” (inspirational books about quitting alcohol), listened to podcasts, joined an accountability group – and it was the best decision I’ve ever made.
Thirty days became 60. Now, I’m over 18 months alcohol-free.
The surprising shift
Those first weeks weren’t easy. Cooking dinner without wine felt strange, and socialising was tricky.
But almost straight away my anxiety lifted. I was still moody at times, but I could see it was hormones, not wine. Sleep was the first real win. I felt exhausted at first, but soon I was sleeping deeply for the first time in years.
My productivity at work went through the roof. Evenings became about long walks with my partner, TV boxsets – and quite a lot of Minstrels at the start!
The biggest transformation? Confidence. I’d always thought alcohol gave me that boost. But the truth was, it was quietly eroding it. Now, I feel stronger, braver and more myself than ever.
Midlife, but better
I’ve just turned 50 and feel more alive than I did in my 30s. I wish I’d done this years ago. I’ve lost 11lbs slowly and enjoyably, I’m not constantly craving junk food (though I still love my sweet treats!), and I finally feel like training in the gym isn’t pushing water uphill.
But the most profound shift has been mental clarity. That awful noise in my head – ‘Will you, won’t you? Should you, shouldn’t you?’ – it’s gone. I’m fully present with my daughter, my family, my friends. I want to live long and smash the most out of my life.
And I see this same transformation in my community. Our eldest member is 70 – and she’s more active than all of us put together! It shows what’s possible in midlife and beyond.
From Instagram page to empowering community
What began as a simple Instagram page to share my journey has become a movement. I now run 30-day alcohol-free challenges for women in midlife. So many describe it as a mind and body reset.
And lots of the women wanted support afterwards, so I created a longer term community just for women. Today, that community is thriving. Some members are over 250 days alcohol-free.
We share laughs, tears and everything in between. It’s not that life suddenly becomes perfect – there are still highs and lows. But navigating them without wine makes all the difference.
My choice to keep it women-only has been key. It’s a safe space where women can talk openly without fear of being misunderstood. Watching them go from self-doubt to shining with confidence is the most rewarding part of this work.
The last word
If you’re sober-curious but scared to take the leap, think honestly about how much alcohol could be holding you back. Then imagine how your life could look if you had the courage to take a break.
Thirty days is nothing out of a lifetime – so what have you really got to lose? The bigger question is: what might you lose if you don’t? For me, alcohol-free living isn’t about giving something up. It’s about being free of it. It’s not restriction, it’s liberation.
And what better time than January to try it for yourself?
Want to go 30 days alcohol-free? Here’s how:
• Immerse yourself. Read the “quit lit”, listen to podcasts, follow success stories.
• Know your why. Write down what alcohol is costing you emotionally, physically, financially – and how life could look without it.
• Commit. Choose a date, track your 30 days, and ride out the first two weeks – cravings pass in 15 minutes.
• Find support. Tell a trusted friend, partner or join a group.
• Swap wine o’clock. Try baths, books, walks, or films/box sets.
• Plan ahead. For social events, check the alcohol-free options, rehearse what you’ll say, and don’t be afraid to leave early.
For more advice and support, follow on Instagram @_rebeccaforshaw
