Top Tips from the Ladies.  

When I want to know something, or need help, I google it and I ask my female friends.

When you get a group of women together there is a lot of wisdom there.  I am not being sexist, I am sure it’s the same if you had a group of men. 

I run a super supportive online community for women who want to change their relationship to alcohol.  So, I and the ladies have access to 2500 ladies with a wealth of knowledge and experience with life. 

Women from all walks of life, all over the world, different backgrounds and different struggles.

But we all come together to support each other to make healthier choices.  Because when we feel good everything else is easier and everyone else wins.  Our kids, our partners, our families, work colleague’s, friends and animals. It’s a win, win.

I recently asked them what their top tip for living was?

This is what they said:

• Each morning I wake up and say today is going to be a great day, because I chose not to drink, followed by 30 squats and 10 minutes with my dumbbells.
• To rip off Nike, Just do it! Start, whatever it is.
• Do some conscious breathing.
• When you feel as if it’s all too much, just remove yourself from the situation. Grab a coat and go for a walk or just change the scene as quickly as you can.
• Bring your mind into the present a few times a day.
• Even if it’s sticking on your favourite song and dancing round the house. It’s amazing what it does for those ‘feel good’ hormones!
• Once I’ve started really living my life again there have been many Eureka moments, Monday’s was to sign up to the weight Watchers app, just for the recipes. I always get stuck when the season changes, kids hate lettuce etc. So, I’m reinvigorating with a bean and chicken sausage summer stewey type thing and a great looking frittata for tonight.
• If you do a little bit of weight-lifting (as well as aerobic exercise) you’ll lose weight and keep it off easier. This is because if you build more muscle your metabolism increases so burns food quicker (even when resting!!). It can also prevent things like osteoporosis and keep your body moving and agile as you get older 🙂
• Always remember everything passes. Find something you want and fight for it every day. Every day! It might not look like what you originally wanted or thought but you will get there.
• My motto is "say yes. Try everything at least once. If you don't like it you don't have to do it again, but you'll never regret missing out, and you might find a new skill, passion, hobby, or a new friend.
• Use Audible, I love it, I listen to so many books, in the car, ironing and cooking.
• Yoga and meditation. I do yoga with Adrienne on YouTube she's upbeat and funny she's does a 30-day routine and lots of other fun things. Her routines are only about 30 mins and I've only ever got to day 7 but one day will master the 30 days. I feel the best I've felt in a long time...never feel like drinking after yoga.
• Belief 😃believe in yourself. Talk to friends, family, different groups and tell people how you are feeling.
• Replace don't deprive... and then replace the safer evil and work up to healthier things. Like...alcohol for hard candy...then fruit...then water...just don't say can't...hope that makes sense.
• Give someone a compliment every day and see how amazing you both feel.
• If you're afraid to speak to people, ask questions about them. People like to talk about themselves. 
• Don't worry about what everyone else thinks. Not everyone in the world is going to like you and that's ok. Now focus your energy on those that do like you for who you are. 
• Remember when you did that thing that, at the time, felt like the end of the world. The world didn't end. And whatever you are going through now, you will get through. Question is, how will you look back at this moment in 5-10 years’ time?
• Stop and smell the flowers. Literally, they smell great and should be enjoyed.
• Laugh at every opportunity you get. It's infectious to you and those around you and is good for dopamine and serotonin. It could be the best medication ever.
• Get outside go for a walk enjoy whatever season it is.
• My top tip is to make sure you have some alone time. I don't meditate but just sitting quietly on your own (or with your cat) and reflecting, thinking about things, making plans and writing lists. You can't do this stuff with others distracting you. You're important and you need to spend time with yourself.
• If I hear the booze calling me, my first thought is, “What am I going to gain if I have a drink?” This always works for me as I know the answer is zero (apart from weight!) and that I much prefer the feeling of being sober and knowing I’m not going to hate myself tomorrow morning by waking up with a headache, dry mouth, no energy and no motivation.
• Epsom salt baths the cure all.
• Educate myself and read as much as I can regarding alcohol and its ill effects. Also, engaging with all of the ladies in the group and reading what others have to say about their journeys....
• Believe you can! The power of intention is huge.
• Journal, read, keep busy - find something you enjoy, whether it's a new hobby or getting back to something you enjoyed before addiction took over....
• Take care of your overall health to feel your best - including body, mind and soul. I know if I don’t look after one, the other suffers
• Never forget to thank yourself for looking after you. Positive self-talk saves lives!
• Relationships - Show your partner how much fun you can be AF! And try to do something kind for someone every day (as well as for yourself).
• Keep busy do not let your mind wander.

Lots of love from the ladies 😊

If you want to change your relationship with alcohol check out my book There is No Magic Button on Amazon.