Hi Elle. I’m perimenopausal and I just can’t tolerate alcohol in the way that I used to - it messes with my sleep and my mood. But my work involves lots of social drinking during the festive season. This year, I’m determined to go through the season sober. How do I make the switch? Rachel*

 

The recent launch of my book Elle, Life, Lessons, and Learning to Trust Yourself, has triggered a lot of interest in my sobriety. After 21 years sober, you could say I’m a seasoned master! I’m at the stage now where I don’t even think about drinking. I think about living and thriving.

 

For me, it was 2003 when I realised I was drinking more, even at times when I didn’t want to. I was 40 years old. After my second son, Cy, was born, drinking escalated. Life was full-on and alcohol brought me relief and helped me to relax.

 

Drinking took away the anxiety I felt about trying to be a perfect partner, mother, model and businesswoman. Leaving for Arizona to go to rehab while my children stayed home in London was extremely painful, but I knew that if I didn’t get sober, I was never going to be the parent I wanted to be.

 

I found that Alcoholics Anonymous is a roadmap for life. It’s such a powerful tool, both physically and spiritually. Here’s what else I’ve learnt about sobriety and what may help you, Rachel, too…

 

Arrive early, leave early

Once I was sober, I became very picky about which occasions I attended. I also realised that I really enjoyed the preparation for an event. For me, the getting ready – the outfits, the details – was actually the fun part. Instead of staying all night at parties, I committed to slipping in at the start, saying hello, having a laugh and then leaving before things got messy. I love meeting friends after for a meal or I’ll go home early and watch a movie.

 

Embrace the champagne glass rather than the champagne

When out, I love a ginger ale in a champagne glass or sparkling water with lots of lime. I’m also a big fan of the mocktail. For lunches, I like a virgin Bloody Mary or a Seedlip, lime and tonic, which tastes pretty similar to a gin and tonic and, for me, is infused with memories of summer time. When you’re out, if anyone asks why you’re not drinking, I suggest simply responding with, ‘I’m having a great time, thanks. There’s nothing I could drink to improve the way I'm feeling right now.’ Remember, you needn’t be swayed by what people say or if they feel uncomfortable; they may have their opinions, but I’ve found they are usually just unfamiliar with someone confidently being comfortable in their own skin. They’d most likely love some of what you’re having and to feel the way you’re feeling! People often drink to feel comfortable so if you feel comfortable without drinking, they can question themselves… which is not your problem, it's theirs.

 

Find new ways to catch up with friends

Get creative about new ways to meet your loved ones. For example, I love going to the Bath House London (a traditional Russian banya with sauna, cold plunge pools and Parenie massage with medicinal leaves), or I’ll do some contrast therapy (going from a sauna to an ice bath) on an evening. Doing this with my loved ones is a much better way to spend an evening while you’re also detoxing, relaxing and strengthening your immune system. I feel amazing afterwards!

 

Read the rest over here at Get the Gloss.

 

Find 'elle' by Elle Macpherson here (Penguin Books)

 

image credits to Get the Gloss. Photography: Adam Kenworthy