Taking some time off from drinking alcohol can have a range of benefits for both your mental and physical health, as I recently found after I stopped drinking earlier this year. Being alcohol-free allowed me to achieve fitness goals, led me to eat more nutritious meals and even helped to alleviate some of my anxiety.

For the curious, Sober October is a great opportunity to take a step back from booze in order to stay disciplined and focused on other things. Even if you’re not making a permanent move to sobriety, you can still reap the benefits of taking one month off drinking. A 2019 survey of 6,000 Dry January participants found that 86% had saved money, 70% were sleeping better and 66% had more energy. This October, with the spiralling cost of living and excruciatingly high energy bills, who doesn’t want to find ways to save a little cash and feel a little more positive?

So, if you’re considering taking time off drinking, here are some simple and realistic steps you can take to make it feel a little bit easier.

How to do Sober October: 5 tips to make avoiding alcohol easier and more enjoyable