Being sober curious is the new trend and this is why

Stop the presses and put that glass down, because there’s a new trend in town! My TikTok and Instagram feeds are overflowing with it: everyone is suddenly ‘sober curious’. This literally means that you are curious about a more sober, or rather sober and alcohol-free, life. I deliberately say more sober, because people who are ‘sober curious’ do not strive for a completely alcohol-free existence. So what does it entail and why is this suddenly a trend? I’ll tell you.

With the rise of more conscious living through plant-based eating and practicing yoga and mindfulness, ‘sober curiosity’ fits into the list of healthy lifestyle choices. People who are ‘sober curious’ do not completely swear off drinking alcohol, but they do think more consciously about it. They choose to ask themselves at every dinner, party, or event whether they will go along with the expectation that there will be drinking or if they will opt for a (more) sober evening. It’s not about being forced to avoid alcohol, but about the option to choose whether or not to drink.

The term ‘sober curious’ was coined by author Ruby Warrington, who wants others to realize that there are other ways to experience what they seek in alcohol, without all the consequences that a night of drinking brings.

Adopting a ‘sober curious’ lifestyle is actually quite easy. In social situations, consider whether you want to turn the evening into a sober one by ordering a mocktail or another alcohol-free drink, or look for an alcohol-free bar nearby. Maybe it’s not for you, but trying it once can’t hurt. Even if it’s just to avoid starting every story with: ‘Once upon a time there was a bottle of prosecco…’

Source: VeryWell Mind