Three Bendigo women who have given up alcohol at different stages over the past two and a half years have shared their stories about what motivated them to change their habits.
Key points:
- Hanna Shea, Briana Cowan and Kristy Nihill have given up alcohol
- They say he has increased energy levels and his mental clarity
- Bendigo women are sharing their stories to encourage others to embrace Dry July
They share their experiences with the goal of encouraging others to accept Dry July, an initiative in which people stop drinking alcohol for a month to raise money for people living with cancer.
There is no time for the hangover
Hanna Shea is a single mother who works full time as a case worker and also studies sociology and psychology at university.
A busy lifestyle was the catalyst for taking a break from alcoholic beverages three months ago.
“I don’t have time for a hangover,” he explained.
Hanna Shea quit drinking three months ago. (ABC Central Victoria: Sarah Lawrence)
“I don’t have a stop button either; if I drink, I drink all the way. There is no moderation with me.
“So I decided to say no from the start and make use of my free nights and weekends. It’s been a game changer.”
The 39-year-old said alcohol abstinence has helped with her stress and anxiety levels.
“It hasn’t solved any of the problems in my life. But it has made a difference in the way I approach things and my peace of mind. I am much more able to deal with life,” he said.
Mrs. Shea has also received a positive response from her eight-year-old son.
“He’s very proud of me. Unfortunately, he’s had to see things not so pretty that his mother did when he drank,” he said.
“I was a drunk off”
Briana Cowan stopped drinking a year ago and the movement has inspired a series of podcasts, Booze Free Bants, which she presents with her close friend Claire Mason.
In the podcast, the couple discusses their non-alcoholic journey and the growing alternative beverage industry.
“I thought I was the only one in Australia who didn’t drink. But reading stories and connecting with like-minded people has helped,” he said.
“I have a lot more mental clarity and energy.”
Briana Cowan’s non-alcoholic journey inspired her to start a podcast on the topic called ‘Booze Free Bants’. (ABC Central Victoria: Sarah Lawrence)
Briana’s initial motivation for resigning was her eight-year-old son and daughter.
“He was a dull drinker; I lost a lot of memories that I can’t recover,” he said.
“I was telling the kids a story about something I had done, and they asked me if I was drunk, so I thought, ‘These kids are taking what I would model.’
The 42-year-old said exploring non-alcoholic beverages had helped her cope with desires and temptations.
“It has allowed me to have that ritual and ceremony of drinking with friends or making bubbles with a celebration or a beer after work,” he said.
“Don’t focus on what you lose, focus on what you gain.”
“I don’t care what others think”
Kristy Nihill’s competitive nature prompted her alcohol-free pursuit two and a half years ago.
“I enjoyed a drink, but I wasn’t enjoying how I felt afterwards,” he said.
“I felt I needed to take a break. It started like a month, but I’m a competitive person so then I challenged myself to a year and I kept going,” the mother of four explained.
The personal trainer said she had more energy since she made the change.
“[I’m] much more productive, I eat much better, [I’m] more focused and sleep much better too, ”he said.
After spending many social seasons without a beer or a wine, the 43-year-old said it had become easier.
Kristy Nihall says her competitive personality prompted her to quit alcohol. (ABC Central Victoria: Sarah Lawrence)
“We are involved in the football club and the social things we go out to. At first, it goes against the status quo and they consider you ‘not normal’ because you don’t drink,” he said.
“Once everyone starts drinking alcohol, they don’t pay attention to what you’re doing.
“But I’m a motivated person and I have fun, so I don’t care what others think.”
And for those considering dry July, Mrs. Nihill had some tips.
“It’s a month in your life, 30 days; it’s not that long. Be driven, focused and achieve that goal,” he said.
“If they want support, reach out to people. I’m here too. I’ll be happy to help anyone who needs that extra support.”
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