Advent Calendar 16

This summer, on a train back from a business trip, I realized that I needed to take a break from alcohol. No, do not think I have a problem in that area — it is just that alcohol had become a pretty steady part of my leisure time once or twice a week, when I would drink wine (I really love good red wine and sometimes white as well).

Without pressure, without harsh restrictions, I simply decided to stop drinking for a while. Then I set myself a goal: no alcohol until I defend my dissertation. By now I have practically forgotten what alcohol tastes like. I stopped thinking about wanting a drink, went to several events where I was almost the only sober person there, and felt perfectly comfortable. Funny enough, I did a similar detox this spring for a month and felt good then too.

I will say one thing: without alcohol, the brain works better. After a while your mind speeds up and you realize that alcohol slows it down.