One of the nice things about taking on a challenge for a limited period is that it provides an opportunity and a reason to read around the thing and become better informed, in addition to actually doing the thing…

We’re looking at giving up booze in October. It’s something we’ve done a few times in the past, and since neither of us are huge drinkers it’s not a particularly daunting prospect. That said, there will still be times when it’s hard, or social situations where it feels weird and we want to document the successes, failures, learnings and consequences of giving up alcohol.

The ambition is actually to give up booze right through to Christmas. And the though is that this month of Revolution Twelve can include other drink based challenges, for those who either don’t drink alcohol to start with, or want an additional challenge. Also giving up caffeine or only drinking water for example might work.

For us though, we’re starting with ditching the booze. We’ve just come back from a short holiday, so we’re actually only beginning this challenge as of the 7th October… But that gives us 78 days until Christmas if we make it that far, so we can forgive missing the first week I think.

Anyway, so far, so easy. We very rarely drink alcohol at home at any time other than the weekend, and we have preemptively consumed what little beer and wine we had in the house so that there is no temptation at home.

Here’s a short clip from a recent BBC programme looking at the effects of giving up alcohol for a month: What does giving up alcohol for a month really do to your body?