by Millie Gooch, Founder of Sober Girl Society
Having spent most of my life accepting that hangovers were just the price you paid for fun, I totally get that you might roll your eyes at the idea of enjoying yourself sober. Still, if you're taking on Dry January, you might as well adopt the old 'can't beat them, join them' philosophy and get stuck in any way. At worst, you'll have some new experiences; at best – you'll realise that the fun was inside of you all along. It's cringe, but it's true.
Masterchef: minus the wine: Why not swap the cocktail shaker for a spatula and whip up a culinary storm? Cooking can be a blast, especially when you're trying out those exotic recipes you've bookmarked for ages. Invite friends over for a cook-off and let the best dish win!
Get Crafty: Unleash your inner Picasso or Banksy. Grab some paints and canvases, or even try your hand at pottery. Not only is it therapeutic, but you might just surprise yourself with your hidden talents. Plus, your living room will thank you for the new decor.
Moonlight as a mixologist: Who says mocktails can't be fun? Experiment with different concoctions. Ginger ale, fresh fruit, herbs – the world's your oyster! You'll be the life of the party with your non-alcoholic creations.
Dance like nobody's watching: And truly, nobody will be watching if you're busting moves in your living room! But hey, if you're feeling adventurous, join a dance class. Salsa, hip-hop, ballet – pick your poison, minus the actual poison!
Belt out the Britney: Unleash your inner popstar with a home karaoke setup, or hit up a local karaoke bar. Belt out your favourite tunes and discover the joy of singing your heart out without needing a sip of courage!
Outdoor adventures: Nature is the best sober companion. Go for hikes, bike rides, or even try rock climbing. The fresh air does wonders, and the views are Instagram gold!
Movie marathon madness: Create themed movie nights. Horror, rom-com, 80s classics – the options are endless. Don't forget the popcorn and a cosy blanket!
Explore hidden gems in your city: Turn into a local tourist and explore the hidden gems of your city. Check out quirky museums, street art, local markets, and unique landmarks. It's a great way to see your surroundings in a new light and find appreciation in the unexpected.
Game night guru: Board games, card games, video games – bring it on! Host a game night and watch as the competitive spirit takes over. It's all the drama you need, minus the hangover.
Learn something new: Ever wanted to speak Italian, play the guitar, or master the art of origami? Now's your chance. There's a world of online courses and local classes waiting for you.
So there you have it, my fabulous friends – ten booze-free activities that promise to fill your days and nights with joy, laughter, and new skills. Remember, you don't need a drink in your hand to have a good time. The world is brimming with opportunities to make memories that last longer than any night out on the town. Stay curious, stay adventurous, and most importantly, stay cringe!
About the Sober Girl Society
Sober Girl Society was founded in September 2018 with one simple purpose – to show the world that you can still live a fun and fulfilled life without alcohol. It is now the largest community for sober and sober curious women around the planet, providing tips, resources and events for anyone who wants to drink less or give up entirely.Â
As well as running IRL events up and down the UK (from bottomless boozeless brunches to sober sweat dance classes), we host a virtual club every Saturday and work to connect girls globally via our 210,000-strong Instagram-based community. Â
About the Millie
After years of partying and hangovers started taking a toll on her mental health, Millie Gooch gave up alcohol in February 2018, starting Sober Girl Society seven months later. Having worked at Hearst Magazines for five years as a lifestyle journalist, Millie now writes about sobriety for various publications, and her activism work around sobriety has been featured in Red, Stylist, The Telegraph, Refinery29, Elle, Cosmopolitan, UniLad, Bustle, Delish and many more!Â
Millie has appeared on various panels from Live Well London and Cheltenham Science Festival to Club Soda’s Mindful Drinking Festival. She's also made numerous podcast appearances, including Open Mind with Frankie Bridge, Saturn Returns with Caggie Dunlop and Good Influence with Gemma Styles.
In 2021, Millie Gooch published her first book The Sober Girl Society Handbook* immediately topping the Amazon bestseller charts.
*As an affiliate partner, Low No Drinker may earn from qualifying purchases