Happy Sober October, everyone! We have 31 days to enjoy with clear minds and hearts unburdened by shame, our bodies free from poison, fatigue, and puffiness. Sobriety is kryptonite to shame! Join us!

What is the best way to stay alcohol-free today during those sensitive early evening hours? It can be hard to use some of the best coping tools for cravings and stress when we’re busy working or doing home/childcare/family tasks that really can’t wait for us to take a long bath, sit on a cushion, or sprint around the block.

Still, when stress and fatigue set in, and or cravings pop up, activities that “change your state” in the physical sense are the best thing to distract. Getting the heart rate up (jumping jacks!), splashing cold water on your face, even taking a quick cold shower, are great. And sometimes you just need a distraction during those early evening hours. You can’t stop cooking dinner for your family, but you are dying for a glass of wine while doing it. One solution is to listen to something. Sometimes blasting favorite songs is a great distraction (and it can get your heart rate up if you dance!)

Podcast Anyone?

Not one of the many awesome sober podcasts, which are collected here Podcasts on Sobriety and Recovery – Inspiration for Loving Life Alcohol Free. And not news or current events because I don’t think ANYONE finds that soothing! For me? What do I want to listen to when I need a distraction at Wine o’clock? I Love Comedy Podcasts, interview shows, and Pop Culture Stuff (so I know what the young people I work with are talking about, lol!) These are great distractions during a craving, but they are also great for just keeping my stress level down during the commute or helping me get through chores like housework without being bored or resentful (both triggers!)

The Maintenance Phase episode I’m listening to today, The French Paradox , cheats a little because this episode gets into some stuff about how the science on red wine being healthy is basically bullshit. I love this podcast though. It takes a critical eye on things we’re told about “wellness” and weight loss that are basically marketing and not science-based. And the hosts are just funny. 

I listen to Sunday Baroque sometimes when I’m cooking. Sunday Baroque

I love comedy podcasts, interview shows, and pop culture stuff (so I know what the young people I work with are talking about, lol!) These are great distractions during a craving, but they are also great for just keeping my stress level down during the commute. Podcasts help me get through chores like housework without being bored or resentful (both triggers!)

For comedy or interview-style Podcasts give these a listen:

Working it Out with Mike Birbiglia, WTF with Marc Maron, Conan OBrien Needs A Friend, Ask Iliza Anything, Smartless, The Last Laugh, and Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me on NPR

Here is some fun Pop culture stuff:

Tom and Lorenzo’s Popstyle Opinion Fest, NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour

The Moth is another good story source. Check out Taylor Negron’s California Gothic. Funny and poignant.

and

Reliable Classics:

This American Life and Fresh Air

If you would rather stay “on topic” everyone in BOOM is raving about this podcast right now – Episode 86: What Alcohol Does To Your Body, Brain & Health | Huberman Lab

Come join us for a Sober October at www.BoomRethinktheDrink.com.

More Reading on How to beat the Cravings at Wine o’clock:

Beating Back Alcohol Cravings

Breaking Free of Cravings for Alcohol with Mindfulness

The post A Sober October Podcast “Extra” to Beat the Wine O’clock Cravings appeared first on Boozemusings .