Mindful drinking. Sober curious. Whatever Google search term brought you to us, you’re here because you’re interested in exploring a non-alcoholic (NA) lifestyle. Welcome to Mighty Kind. You’re among friends.

We’d venture to guess that Google searches for “mindful drinking” and “sober curious” may spike this month because it’s Sober October, a month-long “challenge” that focuses on a more mindful approach to alcohol consumption and provides you with an opportunity to take a break from – and reevaluate your relationship with – alcohol.

Why Sober October?

Taking a break from alcohol can help you better understand what is motivating you to drink and how alcohol may be impacting your quality of life. Some people realize they drink to cope with stress or anxiety. Others may find that alcohol disrupts their sleep, causes weight gain, or contributes to conflicts with family, friends, or others. The insights gained while taking a break from alcohol can help you make informed decisions about your drinking behavior.

Benefits of Sober October

It’s no secret that abstaining from alcohol has many benefits. People who participate in Sober October may notice that they wake up with more energy and are in a better mood than when drinking regularly. Research has also shown that taking a month-long break from alcohol can be good for the body too. The growing popularity of movements like Sober October may also help to destigmatize non-drinking for people who choose not to drink in certain social settings.

No matter your reasons for participating in Sober October, here are some tips to make your journey as smooth as can be.

8 Tips for Navigating Your NA Journey This Sober October

1. Consider your why. You’ve chosen to participate in Sober October for a reason. Understanding your "why" – the reason why you’re abstaining from alcohol – will give you a strong foundation to stay committed throughout the month.
2. Let people know you’re doing Sober October. Set yourself up for success by getting your family and friends involved so they can support you. Start a group chat or find a dedicated “sober buddy” you can reach out to if needed. Not only will you find motivation for yourself, but we suspect you’ll motivate everyone around you too.
3. Worried about social pressure? In most cases, a simple “No, thanks” or “No, thanks, I’m sober for October” will work just fine when you’re offered alcoholic beverages at social events. Alternatively, you can plan your response by coming up with a firm, but respectful answer ahead of time.
4. Be intentional. Notice how you’re feeling as you progress through the month. Perhaps you don’t miss alcohol much, beyond a blip of nostalgia for the pleasant buzz from a glass of wine. But what if you find it pretty tough to stick to the challenge? This may be a sign that your relationship with alcohol might be worth exploring further.
5. Plan ahead for social activities. October is rife with Fall festivities and socializing without alcohol can be challenging, especially if your usual activities involve drinking. Plan some alcohol-free activities with friends and family. You can also explore local non-alcoholic activities like sober dance parties, game nights, or fitness classes. And of course, don’t forget you can BYONAB - Bring Your Own NA Beverage, like Mighty Kind!
6. Experiment! Let’s face it. There are tons of NA options available these days. Head to your local specialty shop and ask about the NA options on their shelves. Chances are you’ll find some cans of Mighty Kind! Whether you’re still looking for a hangover-free buzz from THC or you’ve chosen a completely non-intoxicating Sober October (hello, CBD and Cheerz!), Mighty Kind has a seltzer for everyone. We’ll also ship it directly to your doorstep!
7. Be kind to yourself. Slip-ups may happen, and that’s okay. If you have a drink, don't beat yourself up. Acknowledge what happened, reflect on what led to it, and get back on track. As with most things, the goal is progress, not perfection.
8. Be ready for the end. Sober October can be a springboard for long-term changes, so have a plan ready when the allotted break time ends. As the month winds down, reflect on how you feel, think about what you've learned, and consider how the benefits you experienced might influence your habits beyond October. Maybe you'll decide to continue with reduced alcohol intake, embrace more sober social activities, or choose to remain sober.

No matter what direction you choose when your Sober October journey ends, Mighty Kind is just a click away! Cheerz!