Beyond Booze: How to Create a Life You Love Without Alcohol – with Sarah Rusbatch

Have you ever wondered what life could look like without alcohol?

We live in a culture where drinking is normalized and even encouraged—whether it’s for celebration, relaxation, or simply unwinding after a busy day.

But what if I told you that removing alcohol from your life could open up a whole new world of energy, clarity, and joy?

In this recent episode of Your Dream Life Podcast, I had an incredibly inspiring conversation with Sarah Rusbatch, a Gray Area Drinking and Sobriety Coach, and author of Beyond Booze: How to Create a Life You Love Alcohol-Free. Since giving up alcohol in 2019,

Sarah has dedicated her life to helping women break free from the gray area drinking cycle and create fulfilling, vibrant lives.

We talked about why alcohol can hold us back, how to recognize if it's becoming a problem, and the incredible benefits of taking a break—or even quitting for good.

Whether you're considering an alcohol-free lifestyle or just curious, this conversation is packed with insights and practical tips to help you on your journey.


What is Gray Area Drinking?

Gray area drinking falls between social drinking and full-blown alcohol dependency. It’s when you don’t necessarily identify as an alcoholic, but you find yourself relying on alcohol more than you’d like. Maybe you have rules around drinking—such as “only on weekends” or “no more than two glasses”—but you find yourself breaking them more often than not.

According to Sarah, gray area drinking is incredibly common, especially among women juggling busy careers, families, and personal goals. Alcohol often becomes a quick fix for stress, anxiety, or simply a way to unwind. But the truth is, even moderate drinking can impact our sleep, hormones, energy levels, and overall well-being.


Signs You Might Be a Gray Area Drinker

If you’re wondering whether you fall into the gray area drinking category, here are a few signs Sarah shared:

  1. You set rules for your drinking but often break them.
  2. You frequently think about drinking—when, how much, or whether to cut back.
  3. You notice negative effects, such as poor sleep, low energy, or anxiety.
  4. You drink to relax, reward yourself, or escape stress.
  5. You’ve tried to moderate but find it challenging to stick to your limits.

If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone. The good news? There’s a way out, and it starts with curiosity and small changes.


The Benefits of an Alcohol-Free Life

During our chat, Sarah shared how quitting alcohol has transformed her life. Some of the incredible benefits she experienced include:

  • Better Sleep: Even one or two drinks can impact sleep quality, leaving you feeling tired and sluggish the next day. Alcohol-free living allows for deep, restorative rest.
  • More Energy & Clarity: Without alcohol, you’ll feel sharper, more focused, and more motivated to pursue your dreams.
  • Increased Confidence: When you keep promises to yourself and step away from habits that no longer serve you, your self-esteem skyrockets.
  • Bigger, Bolder Dreams: Sarah says that after quitting alcohol, she found the courage to pursue goals she once only talked about—like running a marathon!
  • Improved Health: Alcohol impacts everything from digestion to hormones. Removing it can lead to weight loss, better skin, and improved overall well-being.

One of my favorite takeaways from our conversation was Sarah’s belief that life without alcohol isn’t boring—it’s where the real magic begins.


How to Take a Break from Alcohol (and Stick to It)

If you’re considering taking a break from alcohol, Sarah suggests starting with a 30-day challenge. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

  1. Set a Clear Intention: Decide why you’re taking a break—whether it’s to improve sleep, boost energy, or simply see how you feel without alcohol.
  2. Track Your Progress: Keep a journal to record changes in your mood, energy, and overall well-being. Seeing the benefits firsthand can be incredibly motivating.
  3. Find Alternatives: Keep your rituals but switch the ingredients—try kombucha, sparkling water, or alcohol-free alternatives in your favorite glass.
  4. Educate Yourself: Read books, listen to podcasts, and gather knowledge about the impact of alcohol on your body and mind. (Sarah’s book Beyond Booze is a great place to start!)
  5. Seek Support: Surround yourself with like-minded people who support your journey. Join online communities, listen to inspiring stories, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Handling Social Pressure

One of the biggest concerns many people have about quitting alcohol is social pressure. Sarah’s advice? Be honest and upfront with close friends about why you’re making this change. And remember—you don’t owe anyone an explanation.

Some friends may question your decision or even feel uncomfortable with it, but Sarah reminds us that their reaction often says more about them than it does about you. True friends will support your goals and encourage your healthier choices.


Kristina’s Personal Journey with Alcohol-Free Living

In the episode, I also shared my own journey with alcohol-free living.

What started as a one-year experiment turned into three and a half years alcohol-free. And even after reintroducing it for a while, I realized how much better I felt without it—so now, I’m committing to another alcohol-free year.

Some of the things I love most about going alcohol-free include:

  • The freedom of driving whenever I want without worry.
  • Waking up feeling clear-headed and energized.
  • My morning rituals—whether it's journaling, running, or simply enjoying nature.

Final Thoughts from Sarah

Sarah’s parting advice? Educate yourself.

Once you truly understand the effects of alcohol, it becomes easier to make an informed choice that aligns with your goals and values.

And remember, you don’t have to quit forever—just take it one step at a time and see how you feel..


Are You Ready to Take the Leap?

If you’re feeling inspired to explore an alcohol-free life, I highly recommend listening to this episode with Sarah. Whether you’re looking for more energy, better sleep, or simply curious about what’s possible, this conversation offers the tools and inspiration you need.

And if you’d like to connect with Sarah, visit her website at www.sarahrusbatch.com or follow her on Instagram @sarahrusbatch.

Her book Beyond Booze is available on Amazon and in bookstores worldwide.

Here’s to creating a life you love—one sip at a time.


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