“What’s your drink of choice?” No, sadly I’m not Emma D’Arcy, instead a thirty-year-old who’s chosen to live alcohol-free for the past two years. So I’ll take a lime and soda, or a ginger beer if I’m feeling a little bit fancy. Truth be told, it’s one of the best things I’ve done; I feel far from the ‘boring one,’ in fact it’s the opposite - there’s such an abundance of alternative activities to do, right here in Nottingham, so grab a 0% brew and get comfy...
Let’s start off with something free, and accessible to most - nature. Now when I say nature, this doesn’t mean you have to venture out hundreds of miles to find your green sanctuary - your garden, or even some house plants can fit the bill. However, we are blessed with a lot of beautiful spots in Nottingham.
Nestled in the city centre, right on the doorstep of Nottingham Trent University, is where you’ll find The Arboretum. The space itself is relatively small, so if a leisurely stroll or a coffee on the grass is more your bag, then there’s a great sun trap at the end of the park. For those of you that do want to take more in, you’ll find a variety of foliage and over 65 varieties of tree to admire. You can also stop and sit by the lake to meet some two-legged, webbed-feet friends.
Venturing out of the city, you will find the gem that is Wollaton Hall and Park. It has ample parking (with a fee) for those of you that can drive, or you can catch the number thirty bus from the city. A much larger option than The Arb, it means that those walkers amongst us can enjoy a decent stomp around the perimeter, extending it further into Highfields Park if they so wish. The grounds itself are bursting with beautiful sights to indulge in – there's plenty of tree hugging opportunities here! Plus, it’s home to both Red Deer and Fallow Deer, which are usually easy to spot (just be sure to keep your distance – they need their space).
After you’ve had a wander, you can explore the Hall’s curiosities, spot the Batman logo (yes, Wollaton Hall doubled up as Wayne Manor), or park up a pew at the cafe and catch up with friends. Omitting alcohol from your life can bring fears of loneliness, which is exactly why nature is your new best friend. In one study, people with “little social connectedness” reported that their emotional and mental wellbeing improves when they spend time in nature.
We live in a society that dives into a beer garden at the first sign of sun, and sees a party as incomplete without the aid of alcoholic beverages. I’m not here to judge, instead to remind you that there is a world out there more beneficial to our wellbeing
El is sober and has spent a lot of their life in the Midlands; they said, “since quitting alcohol, my favourite pastime is being in nature, because it helps me feel grounded, connected, and free.”
Sadly, it’s often the social aspect that keeps people stuck in the cycle, even when they don’t want to be there. I’m here to tell you, after two-plus years of no alcohol, my social life is better than ever. How, you ask? I found my people! Granted, I still love my other friends, though I recognised that I need other circles to fulfil my more wholesome desires too.
Nottingham has a vast catalogue of groups, where you can meet new people. From Queer Adventure Club, to D&D nights, film clubs, activism and charitable work, there’s something out there for everyone - have a Google! If you’re stuck, a good place to start is with exercise; studies have proven that regularly getting your heart pumping can have positive effects on addiction recovery. Exercise and drug and alcohol misuse both activate your reward pathway, triggering serotonin and dopamine: our feel-good chemicals.
I found my initial solace in the gym. I’ve always been strong and active, but had a desire to push myself further, and weightlifting was the answer. Don’t worry, if squatting heavy pieces of metal on your back sounds intimidating - there’s plenty of other options. Local run groups are situated across the city, with one of the biggest being Embankment Run Club, meeting every Wednesday for a run to suit all abilities. Unlike the gym, these offer more opportunities to socialise too, with many grabbing a bite to eat afterwards.
Or perhaps you want to take the plunge into some open water swimming (or paddling - we don’t judge). Whole Health Swim Club is based by the West Lake in Colwick Park, organised by two incredibly inclusive individuals. They run ‘safe, supported open water swim sessions’ for all levels. Prices vary depending on whether you’re a member or not, and they will provide you with a trusty tow float. Rachel, who has swam at the lake for around a year, described the group as “a really welcoming community of outdoorsy people – cold water therapy, followed by a coffee is a perfect sunny weekend vibe.” There’s something incredibly satisfying about that transition from the cold to the warm that leaves you feeling super content.
And who needs a bar crawl, when you can have a cafe crawl? In my humble opinion, if cute cafes, good coffee and tasty cakes are what you’re looking for, then Notts goes above and beyond. In fact, we have a dedicated sober space – Cafe Sobar; who host regular events, meet ups and offer tons of support for those wanting to stop or limit their intake. Otherwise, if you fancy yourself somewhat of a coffee connoisseur, check out the special menu at deluxe coffee house Effy in Hockley, which is sure to tantalise your tastebuds, or the cute little gem that is Dispatch for an iced matcha. You can then take the short walk over to Broadway Cinema, grab a prime people-watching seat out the front and sip on a raspberry lemonade in good company.
Ultimately it’s not about whether you choose to cut alcohol out entirely or not, rather it’s finding joy and connecting with people in different spaces, to soothe your soul. We live in a society that dives into a beer garden at the first sign of sun, and sees a party as incomplete without the aid of alcoholic beverages.
I’m not here to judge, instead to remind you that there is a world out there, (arguably) more fun, more wholesome, more genuine and most importantly, more beneficial to our wellbeing. It’s upon realising, although initially uncomfortable, you can be sober in other endeavours. So much so, you find the confidence to walk back into that pub in the middle of summer, surrounded by your mates' drinking pints, and happily order a soft drink without any second thought. Let’s face it, the satisfaction of waking up on Sunday morning, fresh, and free to do whatever you want without the headache (and regret) is unmatched.
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