The 'off switch' I thought I needed: Spin class, a stressful job, and my nightly wine.

Throughout this series, we’ve talked about packing your lunch to protect your afternoon, and about advocating for your own meals at restaurants. Today, let’s talk about the 8:00 PM wind-down.

For years, I was the queen of the evening "off switch." I was navigating a stressful job I legitimately loathed, managing a household with kids in sports and activities, and waking up at 4:20 AM three days a week to hit a Spin class, because, well, that’s what we’re "supposed" to do, right?

I was exhausted. I was puffy, inflamed, and waking up in the middle of the night. So, most evenings, I’d pour a glass (or 3) of wine to help me finally turn off the noise of the day.

But there was a disconnect. I was doing all the "right things" for my fitness, but I was borrowing energy from tomorrow just to get through tonight.

In 2023, I finally took a hard look at my relationship with alcohol and realized it simply didn't serve me anymore. I started by slowing down, saving it for dinners out or special occasions. That’s when it became crystal clear: my body hated it. The "relaxation" wasn't worth the interrupted sleep, the brain fog, and the gross inflammation.

As of February 2027, I will be two years completely sober, and I’ve never felt better or more rested.

Now, I work with women in The Lounge who share this same struggle. We don't drink the wine because we're "partying", we drink it because we're tired and we just want some space. It’s our attempt to turn off the mental load.

But when we prioritize that temporary "off switch," we pay for it with our morning energy and our clarity.

Here is the Identity Shift:
The old identity says: “I earned this, and it’s the only way I can turn my brain off.”
The new identity says: “I value how I feel tomorrow more than I value the buzz tonight. I am someone who protects her sleep.”

Your challenge this week:
You don’t have to commit to never drinking again, but I do want you to gather some data. Try a 3-night experiment. Skip the wine and replace it with something that signals "safety" to your nervous system, a warm cup of herbal tea, a bedtime yoga practice, or just five minutes of silence without your phone.

Pay attention to how you feel in the morning. Does the clarity feel better than the glass of wine? You might be shocked at how much your body craves the restorative rest.

What’s your favorite "non-alcoholic" way to signal to your brain that the day is officially done?

Stay tuned for next week, where we’ll talk about the "10-minute exercise snack", how to keep your metabolism moving without ever stepping foot in a gym.

I’m always rooting for you,
Joanna