There are all sorts of productivity hacks and tools out there to get more done in your week than you would have thought possible. Tips such as the Pomodoro method, checking your email only once or twice a week, having a daily top 3 priorities, among others, focus on limiting distractions and increasing focus. Naturally, increased focus should allow you to accomplish more, but I’ve found a better way. A way that adds dozens of hours back to your week to use however you see fit. It’s not the easiest thing to do, but it is one of the simplest.
The Effects of Alcohol on Productivity
Think about how much time alcohol steals from you. Whether you’re a daily drinker like I was or drank only on occasion, alcohol likely consumed more of your time than you realize. How much time did you spend:
planning when, where, or what you’d have for your next drink?
actually drinking?
recovering from the negative effects alcohol has on the body?
Thinking about my next drink—what I would have, when is the earliest I could have it and not be judged—was at times a near-constant thought. If it was the weekend, did I really need to wait until 5 pm? Brunch has mimosas, so why can’t I have a screwdriver at home on a Sunday? If we went out to dinner, I would immediately grab the drink menu, and then anxiously look around for the server so that I could order.
Since I was never really a “just have one” type of person, once I did start drinking, it could easily take up 4-6 hours of my days on weekends. Even on a week night, 1-2 hours were just simply wasted. That’s a lot of hours spent letting life happen to me instead of going out and seizing it.
Because the thing is, when I was drinking, I usually wasn’t doing much else. I didn’t pour myself a glass of wine and then start writing a novel. Unlike those drunk housewife memes, I didn’t sip a martini while doing chores (although on occasion a vodka-Redbull helped me get through them). When out at a bar with friends, I was socializing while drinking, but at a very superficial level. It’s hard to really get to know someone on a deep level (and to remember what was said the next day) when you’re both intoxicated.
And then there’s the amount of time spent dealing with the aftereffects: the headache, the nausea, the low energy, the hangxiety, the general sense of disappointment and shame. Even when I didn’t feel bad physically, there was always an emotional toll.
Embarrassed for letting myself down yet again and filled with anxiety (What exactly did I do last night? Did I say or do something stupid? Who’s mad at me?), I felt too low to really engage fully in my life. It became harder to focus and clear the fog. Plus, after not getting quality sleep the night before, I wasted these days away on the couch.
How Quitting Alcohol Can Increase Productivity
When I decided to stop drinking, I suddenly became aware of how much more time I have in my day. At first, this was a bit overwhelming. What do I do now? No longer content to spend my evenings on the couch, I had to explore other ways to spend my time. I started reading more, journaling, building small models, creating my own bookmarks, and actually cooking meals instead of being too tired (read: too impaired) to drive anywhere for dinner. With our ubiquitous devices, actually sitting with boredom is so rare, or at least it was for me. Boredom is uncomfortable, but it’s actually quite beneficial.
It gives your brain a chance to shut down and recharge after constant stimulation.
Allowing your mind to wander can increase creativity and problem-solving abilities.
It encourages you to try something new. It is this quest for novelty that has led to so many discoveries and innovations.
It allows us to develop and pursue new goals.
Boredom and self-control go hand-in-hand: the better you are at enduring boredom, the greater your preparation to self-regulate your thoughts, actions, and emotions.
The Benefits of Having More Time and Focus
Having more time and focus can have a significant impact on your life. You’ll be able to develop better habits and make progress towards your long-term goals. As you make progress towards your goals, you’ll feel more accomplished and satisfied with your life.
Additionally, having more time can lead to better self-care. When you’re not spending your evenings drinking, you can use that time to exercise, meditate, or engage in other activities that promote health and wellness. Taking care of yourself can lead to increased energy and productivity, which can have a positive impact on all areas of your life.
Quitting alcohol can be a challenging decision, but it’s one that can have a significant positive impact on your life. By quitting drinking, you’ll be able to increase your productivity, save time, and develop better habits. You’ll have more time and focus to work towards your goals and achieve success in all areas of your life.
If you’re considering quitting alcohol, I encourage you to take the first step today. It may be challenging, but the benefits are well worth it. You’ll have more time and focus to work towards your goals. This in turn will give you a sense of accomplishment and pride that I was never able to find at the bottom of a glass.