What is Sober October? How a Month of No Drinking Can Last A Lifetime

October is here, and with it comes the perfect chance to focus on your health and wellbeing and embrace Sober October.

But what exactly is Sober October, and what does it mean?

We’ll dive into what this month is all about and discover just how going sober can transform your habits and overall lifestyle!

What is Sober October?

Did you know that over 45% of adults in the UK drink alcohol at least one day every week? And 40% of men and 38% of women state they drink the same amount compared to 6 months ago.  But, during the month of October, it’s all about becoming a ‘Soberhero’.

Macmillan Cancer Support created Sober October in 2014 in a bid to raise awareness, support and funds for people living with cancer in the UK. Since then, every October sees people swap pints for tasty alcohol-free alternatives and create healthier habits that can last a lifetime.

When is Sober October?

Sober October takes place throughout the whole month of October and so far has raised over £34 million since it began.

What is ‘sober curious’?

Over the last few years, there’s been a clear shift in people’s attitudes towards alcohol and how much they consume. In fact, searches for ‘sober curious meaning’ have increased by 100% over the last year, and the term ‘sober curious’ has also had a 3000% increase in the past year (correct as of October 2024).

But what is ‘sober curious’?

The concept of being ‘sober curious’ encourages people to look at the way their drinking habits can affect them and what they can do to explore a life of drinking less alcohol.

Traditionally, drinking has been seen as a way to unwind, cope with stress or celebrate events in life. The sober-curious movement aims to challenge the way we think about alcohol.

Particularly, Gen Z’s approach to life has more of a focus on well-being compared to previous generations. Drinking less aligns with their views of a more balanced and intentional lifestyle that focuses on maintaining physical and mental wellness.

60% of Gen Zers said they plan to drink less this year, highlighting just how much the sober-curious movement really is changing the way younger generations see their relationship with alcohol.

Why should people go sober?

Going sober isn’t just a trend; it can be a real game changer for your health and fitness journey.

1. Boost your workout power

Let’s be honest — nothing ruins a good workout like a hangover. When you focus on a more sober lifestyle, you can hit the gym feeling fresh and ready to tackle any workout.

Without alcohol feeling like it’s dragging you down, your energy levels can increase. This means you’ll have the stamina to push through those last reps, run that extra mile, or power through a HIIT class without feeling like there’s a force pulling you back. Going sober really can help you unleash that potential.

2. Calorie cutback

Did you know that a single pint of beer can pack around 220 calories? Some cocktails are even worse!

By cutting out alcohol, you can save yourself a ton of calories that can easily be better spent on delicious, nutritious foods that fuel your body in the right way. This isn’t just about avoiding empty calories; it’s about creating space for wholesome meals and snacks that help you stay energised and satisfied throughout the day.

You might find that this calorie cutback helps you maintain a healthy weight or even lose a few pounds, all while making you feel better about what you’re putting into your body.

3. A clearer mind and a stronger focus

Alcohol can cloud your mind and make it harder to concentrate. When you go sober, you’ll likely notice a significant boost in your mental clarity and focus – and this newfound sharpness can be a game changer when you’re working toward your fitness goals.

Whether you’re planning your workouts, tracking your nutrition, or simply staying present during your gym sessions, having a clear head can help you stay on track.

What’s the difference between Dry January and Sober October?

While both Dry January and Sober October promote a break from alcohol, they each come with their own unique goals.

Dry January kicks off the year with a fresh start, and many people choose this month to detox after the festive season (when we all drink one too many!). Essentially, Dry January is all about hitting the reset button, and people typically tend to focus on the physical benefits of cutting out alcohol and setting intentions for the year to come.

On the flip side, Sober October is all about awareness and community support, driven by Macmillian's efforts. This month not only encourages people to go alcohol-free but also highlights the importance of fundraising for cancer research. It’s a time to embrace the challenge alongside other people, creating a sense of shared purpose and community.

Essentially, both months promote sobriety in slightly different ways. Dry January is about personal reset, while Sober October focuses on collective awareness and support for a great cause!

Tips for a successful Sober October

Are you ready to take on the challenge of Sober October? Here’s some tips to help you take on this journey.

1. Explore alcohol-free alternatives — There’s a whole world of delicious non-alcoholic drinks out there. From non-alcoholic craft beers to vibrant mocktails, try experimenting with different brands, or why not try your hand at making your own delicious concoctions? Stock up on a variety of alcohol-free options to enjoy at home.

2. Create a supportive environment — Let your friends and family know you’re taking part in Sober October. Their support can make all the difference! You can encourage them to join you on this journey or simply to help create a more alcohol-free atmosphere during social events.

3. Set personal goals — Define what you want to achieve this month and what going sober means for you. Whether it’s trying a certain number of alcohol-free drinks, attending alcohol-free events, or committing to a new fitness routine, having clear goals can keep you motivated and focused.

4. Find fun activities — Fill your calendar with fun, alcohol-free activities! Take part in fitness classes to suit your level, relax and unwind with movie nights and all your favourite snacks or head for an outdoor trek with friends — it’s really that simple! The more engaged you are in enjoyable activities, the less you’ll miss having a drink.

5. Have an exit strategy — Sometimes, social situations can be tricky, especially when everyone around you is drinking. Prepare a polite way to decline drinks or have a backup plan if you feel tempted. Maybe suggest a full alternative, like going for a walk or hitting the dance floor without the drinks!

6. Embrace life without alcohol — If this is your first time taking on Sober October, it can sometimes feel challenging when all you want to do is relax with a pint after work or a glass of wine watching your favourite show. But Sober October is bigger than us — it’s about supporting those living with cancer, and it’s an amazing cause. So, embrace life without alcohol and see how far it can get you!

What happens after October?

As Sober October comes to a close at the end of the month, it’s essential to take a moment to reflect on your journey.

1. Reflect on your experience — Think about how you felt throughout the month. Did you notice changes in your energy levels, mood, or fitness progress? Taking the time to reflect can help you understand all of the benefits you’ve gained from taking part (and the money you’ve helped raise, too!).

2. Decide on your next steps — After experiencing the positive impact of staying sober, you might want to consider how you approach alcohol moving forward. Do you feel inspired to continue a sober lifestyle? Or perhaps you’d like to adopt a more moderate approach? Whatever you choose, make sure it lines up with your health and wellness goals.

3. Stay connected — Keep the momentum going by staying connected with other people who took part in Sober October. Share your experiences (the good and the bad!), encourage each other, and even consider setting up regular catch-ups or sober events throughout the year to keep in touch.

4. Celebrate your success — Don’t forget to celebrate! Whether it’s treating yourself to a fun outing, a new fitness class you’ve been wanting to try, or just admiring all the hard work you put in, acknowledging your achievements is crucial. 

How can you take part in Sober October?

It’s free and easy to take part in Sober October; all you have to do is Sign Up —which takes less than two minutes.

All Macmillian asks is that you reach out to family and friends during the month and ask them to sponsor you for taking part.

Stay sober this October with Fitness First

Whether you’ve felt the benefits of increased energy and improved focus or simply enjoyed trying new alcohol-free alternatives, Sober October is all about discovering the healthier, happier you.

Remember, the journey doesn’t have to end here! Use what you’ve learned to shape your relationship with alcohol moving forward.

Fitness First is here to support you every step of the way. Book a visit, find your nearest gym today or head over to our blog to find out everything there is to know about fitness, nutrition, and more.