Sober October Mid-Month Check-In: How’s It Going?

You’re halfway through Sober October—congratulations! This is a great time to check in, reflect on how things are going, and remind yourself that progress, not perfection, is what matters most.

For some, the first two weeks of Sober October fly by, while for others, it might be more of a challenge. Either way, remember that the benefits of taking even a short break from alcohol can be profound. You might have noticed some of the common benefits already, such as better sleep, more energy, or even clearer skin. But if you haven’t, don’t worry—positive changes often take time, and everyone’s journey is different.

Let’s take a moment to acknowledge something important: if you haven’t managed to stay completely alcohol-free, that’s totally okay. The goal of Sober October isn’t to achieve some kind of perfection but rather to gain insight into your drinking habits and make positive changes. In fact, research from previous sobriety challenges like Dry January shows that even people who didn’t fully complete the month still saw reductions in their long-term alcohol intake and improved mental health. It’s also important to remember that mental clarity and a better understanding of your relationship with alcohol can come from simply trying. A study on Dry January participants revealed that long-term benefits were experienced even by those who didn’t manage to abstain for the entire month.

Now that you’re halfway through, it’s a good time to reset any intentions or goals you set at the start. Consider how you want to finish out the month—whether it’s continuing alcohol-free or aiming to reduce your intake. If you’re feeling strong, that’s fantastic! And if you’re struggling, reach out to friends, explore non-alcoholic drink alternatives, or even take up a new activity like meditation or yoga to refocus.
Remember, your health journey is yours alone, and every small step counts.