Back in October of 2019, I set a lofty goal for myself to abstain from drinking for an entire month. I was in the final weeks of training for the NYC marathon and I thought my body would be better off if I were to cut alcohol out. After *mostly* taking the month off from drinking, I learned a few key things about mindfulness that are very applicable to “Quarantimes” as we like to call it here at the Gym.
Moderation is Key
As I alluded to earlier, I did not successfully complete the month away from alcohol. I broke the pact to myself a couple of times (just for one drink here and there in times where I really wanted to enjoy myself with friends– not that you can’t enjoy yourself without alcohol!). But what I learned was far more impactful than that I couldn’t go a month without a drink. I learned that I had become mindful about when I was consuming alcohol. The goal of abstinence didn’t ultimately restrict me, but it did form an inner dialogue in my mind each time I was offered alcohol that made me think “Do you really want this?” After asking myself this question throughout the month, and allowing myself to have a drink when the answer was “yes,” I came to the realization that much of the drinking we do is to make others feel comfortable, or as an “activity,” or simply because it’s what we are used to doing. I only had three drinks in the whole month of October. Although I didn’t fully honor the pact I had made to myself– I came out of the month feeling refreshed and with a new approach to social and financial decision making.
I am returning to this experience during this stay-at-home period because I think it is possibly more relevant now than ever before. As we all stay home and do our duty as civilians trying to stop the spread of this virus, it seems easier than ever to engage in activities (such as drinking, online shopping, ordering takeout) without asking ourselves “Do I really want this?” What if we practiced asking ourselves this question each time we went to purchase or consume something we don’t actually need? I think we would experience less consumer guilt and certainly save money– and even enjoy the purchases we do make, sips of wine we take, and food we order more.
I know from firsthand experience that I have succumbed to the random glass of wine on a Monday night “just because” or placing online shopping orders as a source of entertainment. As this time at home seems to extend longer and longer, I have chosen to make these decisions more mindfully and not let my boredom take the reins.
Now this is in no way to discourage you from engaging in an activity you want to do. Here at the Gym, we are huge proponents of making your money work for you. That means setting and establishing goals that align with your values and will provide you with the most value out of your dollar. We like to think that each and every dollar coming into your life has a place and a purpose where it will best serve you. So we urge you to ask yourself “Do I really want this?” next time you make a social or financial decision– and just see what the outcome is!
