Ben Kolp, owner of TLR Coworking, takes center stage to share the extraordinary story of his year-long journey without alcohol. This captivating tale explores unexpected physical, mental, and emotional transformations, challenging conventional norms while inspiring a healthier and more fulfilling life. Join Ben as he uncovers the remarkable benefits of sobriety in this insightful narrative.
Today, I want to share with you my journey of abstaining from alcohol for an entire year. Believe me, this was no small feat for a guy who’d been enjoying a drink for two decades. So, how did this remarkable journey begin? Let me take you through it.
It all started with a summer that was nothing short of intense. Multiple bachelor parties, a wedding, and a whirlwind of celebrations left me feeling like I’d had enough. In just three months, I went from one wild bachelor party to another, culminating in the chaos of pre-wedding and post-wedding festivities and Málaga’s Feria in August last year. I found myself yearning for a break, initially thinking it would be for just a week or two.
However, as days turned into weeks and then months, something unexpected happened. I wasn’t setting out to abstain for a specific period, but the more time passed, the more I discovered unexpected side effects.
Physical Transformations and Unintended Consequences
One of the most surprising outcomes was the physical changes. I unintentionally shed two and a half kilos and saw my body fat drop by 1.2%. What was baffling was that my physical activity and dietary habits remained constant. The only significant change was that I had stopped drinking. I realised this during a lunch with my gym buddies when I was mistakenly served a regular beer, even though I had ordered an alcohol-free one. I’d grown so accustomed to the taste of alcohol-free beer that the regular one felt too intense. After a few sips, I checked with the waiter and had it sent back.
The real revelation, however, was the impact on my productivity. As someone obsessed with optimizing and automating tasks, I was thrilled to discover that my mental capacity had improved. I found myself diving into complex scientific texts and indulging in deep philosophical reflections. It was as if my mind had been given a fresh lease on life.
Another significant benefit was the extra time I gained. My habit of staying out late, succumbing to FOMO (fear of missing out), vanished. Leaving early was no longer a problem, as I realized I wasn’t missing anything in the drunken early morning hours. I could say my goodbyes, head home, and wake up fresh, while my friends partied on.
One surprising superpower I uncovered was improved control over my sleep patterns. Previously, I needed a solid eight hours of sleep to function properly. Anything less left me irritable and unproductive. However, after three months of sobriety, I found that I could easily manage with just six or seven hours of sleep every now and then.
Social Shifts and Rediscovering Fun
This journey also highlighted the impact of social commitments. While I love my friends and the frequent events at TLR Coworking and beyond, the burden of feeling obligated to drink at gatherings had become a downside. But I discovered that I could have just as much fun without alcohol, which became evident at last year’s Christmas party. As the partygoers got drunk, I was dancing, enjoying myself, and proving that sobriety didn’t mean sacrificing fun.
Not everything was smooth sailing, however. I faced a challenging moment when I traveled to Austria for the first time since quitting drinking. Alcohol is deeply ingrained in Austrian culture, and explaining my abstinence was tough. However, it was easier in Spain, where people seemed more accepting of my choice.
The Decision to Continue the Journey
Throughout this journey, I went through various phases, from initially thinking of it as a detox to realizing that I was adopting a new lifestyle. The turning point was a heartfelt conversation with my best friend, Martin, who understood my decision and supported my choice to live alcohol-free. That was when I knew I wanted to continue on this path.
After a year of abstinence, the results are in, and they’re astounding. I lost nine kilos, my BMI dropped to a healthy range, body fat decreased significantly, and my muscle mass showed a slight decrease. My body water increased, and I felt like I had shed years off my body age.
The Future of Sobriety
So, what’s next? Well, I’ve reached the point where I’m committed to staying alcohol-free for the long haul. Why not? I feel great, in control, and healthier than ever. I’ve embraced this new lifestyle with open arms and have no intention of turning back.
I can’t help but wonder if my journey reflects a larger trend. Alcohol-free beers are readily available, and more people seem to be embracing sobriety. I hope that, over time, our society becomes more accepting of those who choose to abstain.
In conclusion, my year of sobriety has been a life-changing experience. It has made me healthier, happier, and more in control of my life. I’ve gained hours in my day, rediscovered the joy of socializing without alcohol, and found newfound superpowers. As the owner of TLR Coworking, I’m proud to share my story and inspire others to embark on their own journey of self-discovery.
Remember, you don’t need alcohol to have fun, and your body and mind will thank you for the break. Cheers to a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life, whether you choose to sip on alcohol-free beer or simply savor life’s moments without it.
About Ben
Ben Kolp, co-founder of TLR Coworking, is an intrinsically driven entrepreneur fascinated by the power of networking, both online and – believe it or not – offline. He makes it his personal mission to network, connect & synergise wherever he goes.
By simply listening, Ben learns from others about what they are good at and what they could use help with. This puts Ben in the unique position to connect people and craft synergising relationships.
In his various roles as a coworking owner and a consultant, he always strives towards that same goal: A smile on people’s faces caused by win-win-win synergies.
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One Response
I did the same several times, but each time for a few months only.
Now still enjoying alcohol at happenings, but not on a daily basis.
The effects described by Ben are real, and do not go away with an occasioanl drink.
Too much and daily and you are back in the trap.