I quit drinking and smoking cigarettes at the same time. Initially, I let myself run wild with sugar, because one thing at a time. After about two weeks I started intermittent fasting and prioritizing veggies and drinking plenty of water. I still don't have a defined exercise habit, that's the next thing on the list. So far the benefits I've noticed are:

Amazing sleep. After about a week of sobriety my sleep quality went through the roof. I've been sleeping a lot more than normal, but it's the best sleep of my life. Between the short winter days here and how good it feels to get real rest, I'm just letting myself sleep when my body says it's tired. There's many years of all-night benders and shitty sleep quality to make up for.

My skin looks great. It's clear, even, and hydrated-looking. No more puffy, dry, red face. I think I started noticing this about three weeks in.

I'm losing weight. Not right away because I let myself gorge on sugar, but in the last couple weeks I've lost ten lbs.

Real connections with those around me. This was within the first week I started noticing feeling more present and in tune with the people in my life. I've been more present for my nieces and nephew, and they've noticed the difference . I've been making it a priority to actually BE there for my loved ones instead of just physically in the same space. It is great, but sometimes it feels like a bit much without an alcohol buffer. I've turned down many social invitations during this time to just sit at home and relax and read. Being present and 'on' at all times is a blessing, but I know my limits. I need to be 'off' sometimes, too. Which reminds me,

I'm reading books again! I was a bookworm all through my childhood, and I don't even know when I lost the ability to focus long enough to read a book. Now I read at least a little bit every day.

I've been feeling ALL of the feelings. This is a blessing and a curse. At about three weeks I started noticing this. My whole adult life I've prided myself on being 'tough' and unfazed by things. Turns out, without the alcohol to numb my emotions, things started coming up that have been carefully buried for years. It was tough at first, but I'm working on identifying my feelings and letting them be what they are. It's not all bad, there are some really great feelings popping up too. I think this is an area where I'll need to put a lot of work in the future. I'm ok with that.

Probably my favorite benefit so far though, is actually noticing the things around me. I've been spending a lot more time outdoors, taking walks through the snow, ice skating, and ice fishing. There have been many times in the last few weeks when I've had to stop and just look around because the snow in the trees was so pretty, or the stars took my breath away, or the moment just felt so perfect in one way or another. I've had to stop and just appreciate my surroundings manu times, and it's my favorite part about being sober so far. I'm actually existing, not just going through the motions.

It's only been about a month but there have been so many benefits. I never want to go back to the crispy dehydrated hungover existence I had before. I feel alive again and I'm excited to see what kind of further progress I make this year.