How many HSMers out there have ‘to quit smoking’ as a goal?

How many HSMers have actually suceeded in accomplishing this goal, and for how long so far?

Im curious to know how being sober affects the drive and liklihood of quitting the fags. My first HSM goal was to “Not have a cigarette for 24 hours”. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without HSM and wondering what other people’s experiences are. If they are similar to mine?

Namaste

Leticia Xo

I am staying at a friends’ house tonight and we catch up – with beer and wine.

I have been overseas for 3 weeks on my first trip, back at work 3 and a half days and OFFICIALLY just got depressed.

I was already worried about tonight and if I could not drink and now that I have looked through my photos, am back at work and not enjoying it, I really want to unleash in that all too familiar way that I know so well.

Fingers crossed I can. Argh.

Ominus title.  monday rolled round and for the first time in my HSM period I finally felt like just resting was the objective of the day.  after the epic 48hour film festival weekend I think it was the right decision.  Basically I took sunday off to stay home and catch up on much need sleep.  It felt like I had a hangover but this was from being to busy as opposed to being to pissed, what a trade off.  mental still feeling pretty solid sticking to it a few moments of temptation so far but on track and feeling good about it.  I had to get something out of this day, but what was the question.  Then chance came knocking at my door and for most of the afternoon I had friends just poping in to hang out and catch up….over tea and water.  was an awesome day of rest and another day not drinking. 

lesson learned – Rest and recovery -not drinking I have been taking up alot more in my days, which is a very good thing but I must remeber to take a break and let the body recovery even when my mind is ready to go.  starting to enjoy this way of thinking..

Does anyone know of some nice non alcoholic drinks that aren’t too sweet that would be good to take to social situations?

Made it through yesterday and it was a struggle. The usual work stressers settled in and all I could think about from about lunch time onwards was maybe I could just have one wine to unwind after the day. Luckily I had planned ahead and bought movie tickets so this made it almost impossible to fit in a quick drink with dinner. Feeling so good today and proud that I got over the hurdle!

This alcohol free journey sure has its challenges, especially this week.  Firstly a friend invited me to lunch.  She had bought a bottle of wine for us to share.  But I didn’t give in!  Secondly, our ukulele group got together.  We play our ukes, laugh and talk a lot and – of course – have a glass or two of wine.  But I didn’t give in!  Then husband and I went to lunch using a Grabone voucher (half price – 2 mains, 2 drinks etc).  But I didn’t give in!  So here I am at Day 10 – extra money in my wallet, losing a little weight, feeling proud.

On Friday night we are having friends over for dinner.  I have already bought the wine – and a bottle of sparkling mineral water for me!  And I will not give in!

Hi everyone! Hope you\’ve had a great day. Day 2 completed and ive jumped and cleared my first hurdle! Went for a big walk with my mum after work… All was lovely and the sun was great. We then got bk to her house and I knew she really wanted a glass of wine or a wee sherry together, which is what we usually do. I was so tempted to join her but I stayed strong. I knew she was wondering why I wouldn\’t have any (she probably thinks I\’m pregnant!) but I\’m glad I didn\’t. We still had a lovely time. I love spending time with her and alcohol free is just as good It\’s made me realise sometimes I drink just out of habit or to make the other person feel comfortable.

Chat tomorrow!

Jules x

To my mind the benefit of HSM can only really be assessed some months after your have completed your ‘course’. Has it really changed your relationship with alcohol in the long term? Or have you lapsed back into your old habits and re-engaged with regular hangovers. I started a 3 month HSM on Jan 1st this year. To be honest I had been drinking less and less over the preceeding few months but would still over indulge on occasion. Just habit really. Having said that, the step to no drinking at all was not a huge one to take. Before and during HSM I have relished the extra time, energy and money that a lack of drinking has provided. Multiple runs every week, more time and energy with my wife and kids, reading books in the evening, doing more private work and earning more money, playing my guitar, getting a promotion at work and generally being calmer, more considered, and with a much improved clarity of thought can all be attributed, in part, to the benefits of HSM. In short, it has given me control and the ability to do more things that I love doing. During HSM doing all of these things became habitual. To not do them now would actually take quite a lot of effort.

The only alcohol I really missed was really good quality beer (not that that will mean much to you Aussies!)So, two months on from HSM I have taken to really enjoying and savouring a limited amount of really good beer about once a week. Not enough to give me a hangover or in any way affect the next morning, but enough that I feel that I am not missing out. HSM has, in effect done its job. It has assisted in changing my relationship with alcohol and opened up a new world of mental and physical well being and achievement.

HSM – Fantastic idea. I really hope the launch in London goes well.

PS – When I started HSM I did intend to submit regular posts. Problem was, I was busy doing all the things that HSM had facilitated so I didn’t have time to write my Blog.

Hola…got through yesterday, just though. Didn’t feel like drinking but was annoyed in the late afternoon and had an almost zero tolerance level so was not good company. Have slept well since I started this HSM which includes last night but have awoken today feeling uninspired  I’m worried about having to go back to work next week overseas for 26 days in a huge drinking environment and how the heck I’m going to get through this HSM thing. Failure is not a option for someone like me as when it does happen I take it very hard. I’m certainly a “half measures avail us nothing” type of person. Anyway I’ll focus on today and see where it goes. Maybe the key is to focus on helping someone else so I’m not focussing on me…..could be a plan.  Bueno, vale, vale (Alright, ok, ok)…..I’ll go and learn some more Spanish have a session at the gymn, think who I can help out and take it from there. Kia pai tou ra (Have a good day) Adios 

Ginger beer and lime is quite tasty and it improved the pub quiz score.
My first social occasion in seven days and no problems with peer pressure in fact the kind client I invited changed to the same drink once I explained a bit about HSM.
I\’m making a point of eating early I used to poor a glass as soon as I got home sit down read the paper watch TV or phone a friend as it was a little joke I had that I wouldn\’t drink alone of course a wine or two into a system with no food didn\’t help and I wasn\’t eating well just rubbish food so that had been a wake up call and getting the energy mixture right before I start exercising again.
I\’m a women who has been sporty all my life but as you get older it does get a lot harder to hold the body shape this week I will get out a do walking somewhere getting started is the hardest part! and the very least I could do is dig out a DVD on Ab workout and get the body back in shape.
I do enjoy this site it has inspired me to get my act together all I needed was a little bit of personal belief to get over the hurdle of thinking \”God I could do with a drink\” at the end of the day.
HMS you are a kick start that I needed so much it is a small change that is leading me back where I should be a bit happier about my life seven days without a drink is a wonderful feeling 3 months will be amazing.