Suzanne
THE POWER OF JOURNALING FOR YOUR SOBER JOURNEY
BY KATE DRUMMOND
04 05-07 09 11 14 FROM THE EDITOR
MY 5 C’S TO LIVING AN ALCOHOL-FREE LIFE
BY SUZANNE SHAW
DEBUNKING MYTHS ABOUT ALCOHOL-FREE LIVING
BY CLAIRE ROBERTS
GIVING YOUR LIVER SOME MUCH-NEEDED LOVE
BY SHARAN VERMA
ANDY RAMAGE TOP TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL DRY JANUARY
15 16 17
MY JOURNEY TO TWO YEARS ALCOHOL-FREE
BY BECKI LANE
Welcome to The Sober Edit! I’m so glad you’re here. Whether you’re just starting to explore a sober or alcohol-free lifestyle, or you’ve been on this path for a while, this space is all about supporting and celebrating your journey.
With The Sober Edit, my aim is to create a fresh, approachable resource for anyone curious about sobriety Each month, we’ll share bite-sized inspiration, practical tips, and personal insights to show just how vibrant and fulfilling an alcohol-free life can be I hope you’ll find something here that resonates, sparks curiosity, or simply makes you feel less alone
Together, we’re redefining what it means to live well without alcohol.
I’d love to hear from you! Share your reflections, tips, or milestones by emailing hey@thesoberedit.co to get involved.
Warm wishes,
Becki Lane Editor, The Sober Edit
SuzanneShawisanadvocateforalcohol-freeliving andapassionatevoiceformentalhealthand wellbeing Bestknownforhercareerinentertainment, Suzanne’spersonaljourneyofgivingupalcoholhas inspiredmanytorethinktheirrelationshipwith drinking Throughherhoneststorytellingandpractical advice,sheshareshowsobrietytransformedher health,mindset,andoverallhappiness Suzanneis committedtoempoweringotherstoexplorethe benefitsofanalcohol-freelifestyle,provingthat choosingwellnessandself-carecanleadtoamore vibrantandfulfillinglife
SharanVermaisanutritionistandhealthcoach specialisinginreversingfattyliverdiseasethrough practical,evidence-basedapproaches Inspiredby herpersonalmissiontopreventothersfromfacingthe losssheexperiencedwithherfather'spassing,Sharan empowersindividualstotransformtheirhealthwitha balancedlifestyleandtheMediterraneandiet.Asthe founderofRenourishandahealthandwellbeing coachfortheNHS,sheofferstailoredprograms focusingonnutrition,mindset,andconsistency A passionateadvocateforliverhealthawareness, Sharansharestips,recipes,andinspirationwithher growingonlinecommunityandhasbeenfeaturedon BBCradio
AndyRamageisaleadingvoiceinthealcohol-free movement,renownedforhisinspiringworkin promotingmindfullivingandpersonaltransformation Asaformerprofessionalathleteandco-founderofthe globallifestylemovementOneYearNoBeer,Andyhas empoweredthousandstorethinktheirrelationship withalcoholandembraceamorefulfillinglife Heisan accomplishedauthor,motivationalspeaker,and performancecoach,dedicatedtohelpingindividuals unlocktheirfullpotentialthroughmindsetshiftsand healthierhabits Andy’sexpertisecombinesscience, psychology,andpracticalstrategies,makinghima trustedguideforthoseseekinglastingpositive change.
BeckiLaneisthefounderofTheSoberEdit,a platformdedicatedtoinspiringandempowering individualstoembraceanalcohol-freelifestyle Two yearsintoherownsobrietyjourney,Beckishares personalexperiences,practicaltips,andthoughtful insightstosupportothersontheirpathtomindful living Withapassionforwellness,sustainableliving, andtimemanagement,shecreatesengagingcontent thatresonateswithboththesobercuriousandthe sobercommunity BasedinOxfordshire,Beckiis committedtofosteringconnection,encouragingselfdiscovery,andcelebratingthebenefitsofanalcoholfreelife.
Kate Drummond
FounderofThePurposefulLife Self-Development Coach&MidlifeMentor Inspiringandempowering womentocreateandlivealifetheylove Plant-based, Alcohol-Free,SpiritualAdventurer
Claire Roberts
AccreditedCoach&Teacher Mindfulness|Meditation|SoundTherapy|Alcohol FreeLiving Spreadingkindness&happinesswhereverIcan
BY KATE DRUMMOND
Embarking on a sober journey is an empowering choice, but it comes with challenges As you transition into life without alcohol, the emotions and changes can feel overwhelming Journaling is a powerful tool to help you navigate this transformative path. It offers a personal way to stay accountable, reflect, and heal.
Journaling provides a safe space to process your experiences and emotions Sobriety often brings triumphs and struggles, and writing helps you unpack these moments. When life feels chaotic or old habits tempt you, journaling offers clarity and reminds you why you chose to be alcohol-free By documenting your thoughts, you can identify triggers and untangle complex emotions Often, it’s not the alcohol you miss but the feelings or situations tied to it Writing allows you to better understand yourself and reconnect with your deeper motivations.
Sobriety isn’t a straight path it has ups and downs When progress feels slow, looking back on your journal can highlight how far you’ve come From managing triggers to improving relationships, your growth becomes clear
Celebrating even small wins, like attending a social event without drinking, reinforces your commitment. Writing about these moments honours your strength and keeps you motivated
Addiction often leaves behind guilt, shame, and regret Journaling provides a safe, judgment-free way to confront and release these emotions. Writing can offer self-forgiveness and help you see painful experiences from a clearer perspective. This outlet becomes an essential part of emotional recovery, allowing you to heal at your own pace
Journaling also helps you set intentions and dream about your future What kind of life do you want to build without alcohol? Writing clarifies your goals and breaks them into actionable steps. By documenting your aspirations, you take ownership of your sober journey and create a roadmap for the fulfilling life you envision
Journaling is more than a growth tool; it’s an act of self-care. Whether you spend 10 minutes or an hour writing, it’s time dedicated to yourself. This moment of stillness allows you to check in emotionally and reaffirm your sobriety.
Morning journaling can help set intentions for the day, while evening entries provide a space to reflect and unwind
Sobriety offers the chance to reconnect with your authentic self, and journaling helps you rediscover your passions, values, and desires. Over time, this practice builds self-awareness and confidence, revealing hidden strengths and guiding you to live intentionally
Journaling is a powerful companion on your sober journey. It helps you process emotions, track progress, heal, and connect with your true self. Whether you’re just starting out or years into sobriety, writing is a tool for growth and self-care. So grab a pen, open your journal, and start documenting your sober story Your journey deserves to be celebrated
Embarking on an alcohol-free journey is one of the most empowering decisions you can make. It’s a choice to prioritise your health, clarity, and purpose and in 2025 this year can be the year you finally elevate your life and get everything you truly desire!
Here are five practical tips to help you thrive without alcohol:
1. Commitment
Firstly, get crystal clear on your reasons for living alcohol-free Is it for better health, stronger relationships, motivation, or improved focus and mental clarity? Write down your “why” this is a great way to make that commitment to yourself and when temptation strikes, revisits your declaration. A strong sense of purpose will keep you grounded and keep you going
Small steps are essential It’s very easy to jump ahead in time and want to be past the pain point In a year, in a month or a year but it can equally overwhelm you and hinder your progress The first two weeks are the hardest going alcohol-free so it’s important to just take on one day at a time Create new rituals! Replace the habit of drinking with something that excites or soothes you. Enjoy a luxurious herbal tea, try alcohol-free alternatives, or indulge in a creative hobby. Building fresh routines helps fill the void and keeps your life vibrant. Distraction is key - so when the mind chatter gets a little much, simply turn to your new ritual and after 10 minutes the urge will pass
Environment is stronger than will!!! Make sure you choose your social settings wisely! Surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage your decision Whether it’s friends, family, or online communities, having support is invaluable. Consider joining groups or connecting with others on the same path for inspiration and accountability.
Communicate with your friends and family members, making it very clear your new lifestyle. Don’t over explain, just keep it simple - “I'm not drinking because I’m prioritising my well-being’. Nothing more needs to be said. Plan ahead for situations where alcohol might be present Call the venue before hand, see what alcohol-free options are available If nothing, take something with you Have a go-to response for when someone offers you a drink, and bring your own alcohol-free options to social events Owning your choice with confidence sets the tone for others to respect it.
Every day alcohol-free is an achievement Celebrate your milestones, no matter how small Reward yourself with something meaningful, like a wellness treat, a fitness goal, or simply taking time to reflect on how far you’ve come.
Living alcohol-free is about rediscovering the joy and magic of life without the haze and anxiety By embracing this lifestyle, you’re valuing your precious time on this planet and creating space for your best self to shine
You’ve got this!
Big love, Suzanne
Myth 1: “It’s boring - you can’t have fun any
Media and society have a lot to answer for on this one We’re conditioned to think sobriety is boring Even the word ‘sobriety’ dredges up connotations of being sombre and serious But with all the time, energy and money you will have without alcohol in your life, you can start to do the things you’ve always wanted to but never had the time, energy or money Make a list today of everything you want to do
Myth 2: “It’s hard to relax”
The opposite is true After the first week or so of getting alcohol out of your system, you will sleep better than ever before Alcohol gives us the facade of relaxation as it depresses our system, but it leaves only stress and anxiety in its wake Over time without alcohol, your symptoms of stress will improve as your sleep and lifestyle improves. You begin to find ways to relax deeply, rather than numbing your day with the anaesthetic effects of alcohol If nothing else, do it for the feeling of quality sleep!
Myth 3: “It’s only for people with a problem - I can moderate”
Moderation is overrated We now know that alcohol causes 7 different types of cancer and the World Health Organization has declared that ‘no level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health’ What better reason to be alcohol-free? Even one drink impacts your sleep, judgement and wellbeing You don’t need a ‘problem’ to stop drinking.
Myth 4: “Your social life will be rubbish”
Quite the contrary - you’re present, aware, you genuinely listen to the people you’re with, and you go out because you really want to - not because you feel you should. Goodbye alcohol, welcome boundaries. You’ll also be surprised by how many new people come into your lives and how your relationships deepen
Myth 5: “You spend your life craving alcohol”
Again, not true You might spend your first few weeks cracking open the fake Prosecco every night until the habit fades But with today’s alcohol free alternatives, there’s nothing to miss! I promise you that in time, you just don’t want it anymore - you realise that the life you have without alcohol is the best you’ve ever had. You wonder why you didn’t stop drinking sooner.
Giving your liver some much-needed love
When was the last time you thought about giving your liver some much-needed love? Probably not often, right? Most of us don’t think about our liver, yet alcohol is the most common cause of liver disease in the UK In fact, up to 1 in 5 people drink in a way that can harm their liver, according to the British Liver Trust
Alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) develops when drinking too much alcohol damages the liver over time. But here’s the good news, even a 30-day break from drinking can make a big difference to your liver and overall health.
The Government guidelines recommend no more than 14 units of alcohol a week That’s about six pints of beer or 10 small glasses of wine (125ml) But let’s be honest, around the festive period it’s easy to go over this limit without realising it
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If you’ve overdone it, start small by having 2–3 alcohol-free days a week Or if you can try going completely alcohol-free for 30 days. This gives your liver the chance to rest, reduce inflammation, and start repairing itself. Alcohol causes fat to build up in the liver, but taking a break helps reverse this and restore its function.
After just a month, your liver can begin working more efficiently, and you might feel the benefits too better sleep, more energy, and a clearer mind Plus, you’ll be lowering your risk of more serious liver issues like fatty liver disease or alcoholic hepatitis
The longer you stay off alcohol, the more healing your liver can do It’s an incredible organ, capable of repairing itself, but it needs your help.
If you’re feeling unusually tired, noticing yellowing of the skin (jaundice), or experiencing any pain, it’s important to see your doctor and ask for a liver blood test.
Making even small changes, like drinking less, can make a big difference to your liver and your life So why not start now?
Dry January isn’t just about taking a break from alcohol for a month it’s an opportunity to reassess your relationship with drinking and discover the benefits of an alcohol-free lifestyle. Andy, a passionate advocate for sobriety, knows how challenging it can be to step away from societal norms and habits surrounding alcohol Drawing from his personal experience and insights, Andy offers five actionable tips to not only help you get through Dry January but to make it an empowering and transformative experience
Focus on the Wins and Benefits Instead of feeling like you're giving something up, focus on the positive outcomes of an alcohol-free life Reflect on the added time, increased energy, mental clarity, weight loss, or even improved skin. By highlighting these wins, you can reframe Dry January as a gain rather than a sacrifice
Shift Your Mindset A traditional Dry January approach might emphasise enduring a month without alcohol only to return to it afterward Instead, use the month as an opportunity to honestly evaluate your relationship with alcohol and recognise how your life might improve without it
Embrace Alcohol-Free Alternatives The availability and quality of alcohol-free drinks have improved significantly. Experiment with these alternatives to replace your favourite beverages while still enjoying social settings
Stay Social Without Alcohol Don’t isolate yourself during Dry January Instead of avoiding social gatherings, explore how you can enjoy them alcohol-free.
Celebrate Progress Track your successes and celebrate them, whether it's better sleep, improved productivity, or simply feeling more in control
BY BECKI LANE
As I celebrate two years of living alcohol-free a reality I sometimes still find hard to believe I want to share my journey and the lessons that have helped me stay on track
About 8 or 9 years ago, I became what’s now called "sober curious " I was drawn to the idea of a life without alcohol, tuning into podcasts like Home by Holly Whitaker and Off the Rocks I took breaks here and there, but I could never make it stick
My social life revolved around alcohol after-work drinks, PTA meetings that ended in the pub, or Sunday lunches that spiralled into all-day drinking sessions. Even when I swapped wine for tonic water, my friends gave me a hard time.
I don’t think I was an alcoholic, but I knew my relationship with alcohol was unhealthy. It was all or nothing, and drinking didn’t allow me to be my authentic self. In fact, my drunken actions often strayed far from the person I wanted to be
Looking back, there were countless moments that should have been wake-up calls:
Spending money on green juices and supplements to improve gut health, only to negate it with a bottles of wine
Injuring myself too many times to count losing half an eyebrow, fracturing my arm leapfrogging (yes, leapfrogging!), and blackening my eye falling off a curb.
One playlist on my phone, titled 13 Days Sober, still makes me laugh. I thought 13 days was a huge achievement one I celebrated by getting wasted.
In 2022, my daughter left for university, and I drank heavily to cope By December, after catching COVID and suffering severe acid reflux, I realised I needed a break
I downloaded the Dryy app, set a 30-day alcohol-free goal, and on the 28th December I celebrated two years alcohol free.
Initially, I only planned for a short break, but by the end of 30 days, I felt amazing my face was less puffy, I started losing weight, my sleep improved I loved waking up with energy on Saturday mornings instead of feeling rubbish on the sofa
Each milestone kept me going In February, I flew to Ireland to meet friends I’d connected with through Dryy. On a previous trip to Dublin, I’d have been doing snow angels at the Guinness factory (in the barley!) this time, I explored Dublin’s parks and made meaningful connections
Sobriety has given me more than I ever imagined It’s allowed me to grow into someone I’m proud of someone my kids can look up to I’m calmer, more present, and a better parent overall
Challenges arose, of course. Before a trip to Barbados last January, I briefly considered drinking again “just for the holiday.” My partner Sam reminded me of all the hard work I’d put in, and I decided to remain alcohol free on what could be the booziest place on earth!
Over the past 24 months, I’ve noticed countless changes here are just a few:
y g , g g , p p, and better digestion.
Mental: Greater confidence, creativity, and a brighter mood
Lifestyle: More energy, meaningful connections, and financial savings.
Emotional: Resilience, healthier coping mechanisms, and less stress
Herearesomeofmytipsforstartingyourjourney:
If you’re sober curious, here’s what helped me:
Educate Yourself: Explore books, podcasts, and sober influencers
Build a Community: Join a sober app or group for support.
Change Social Habits: Swap pub outings for coffee dates or walks
Find a Hobby: Replace drinking with something you love.
Define Your “Why”: Clarify your motivation to stay on track
If you’re considering changing your relationship with alcohol, you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain Sobriety has been the most transformative decision of my life, and I can’t recommend it enough Take the leap you might just find the best version of yourself waiting on the other side.
