The No More Wasted Days Podcast

Ep. 108: Starting Over Isn’t Failure — It’s Strength

In this compassionate and deeply honest episode, Sara and Heather dive into a topic that so many of us need to hear—especially when the alcohol-free journey feels bumpy: the power of starting over. Whether you're on Day 1, Day 100, or somewhere in between, this conversation reminds you that your worth is never defined by your streak. Starting again isn’t failure—it’s resilience.
Sara and Heather share personal stories and insights about navigating slips, shame spirals, and the unexpected emotional waves that can arise—even years into sobriety. With warmth and humor, they discuss how healing isn't linear, why “reset” days matter, and how to treat yourself with compassion in moments of struggle.
 
Key Moments & Takeaways:
🔄 Starting over doesn’t mean starting from scratch—it means starting with experience.
🚫 The myth of perfection adds pressure that doesn't serve your healing.
🔍 Reframe slips as invitations to get curious, not cruel.
❓ Ask: What happened days before a slip—not just the day of?
🧠 Shame tells you you’re broken. Healing says you’re human.
💧 Sometimes, the reset is as simple as drinking water, eating, resting, and showering.
🛑 Don't confuse a “dry drunk” day with failure—it’s a signal to check in and simplify.
📆 You don’t need a Monday or the 1st of the month to start—random days work too.
🧘 Celebrate the little things. Self-trust and forgiveness are milestones in themselves.
👀 Protect your feed—unfollow accounts that make you feel less-than.
 
Favorite Mantras from the Episode:
✨“Permission is power—and it’s yours to give.”
✨ “You’re starting from experience, not from scratch.”
✨ “One drink, one craving, one thought doesn’t undo your progress or your worth.”
 
🎧 Whether you're feeling strong or struggling today, this episode is your gentle nudge to come back to yourself with kindness. Listen in, take what you need, and remember: there is no shame in beginning again.
 
📣 Don’t forget to leave a review and let us know your thoughts—we might just read it on a future episode!
🎉 Want More Support on Your Journey?
Join the Daymakers Community or sign up for 1-on-1 coaching with Heather! ✨ Get personalized support, tools, and encouragement for your alcohol-free journey. 👉 Learn more here
 
Resources Mentioned:
Daymakers Community: Weekly coaching calls, private messaging threads, and a supportive community. Learn more here.
Heather’s 1-on-1 Coaching: Tailored support to help you navigate your alcohol-free life.
 
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Looking for support on your alcohol free journey? Consider joining us in the Day Makers Community.  CLICK HERE for all the details.Want some 1-on-1 support on your alcohol free journey?  Work with Heather as your alcohol free coach.  CLICK HERE to start working with Heather today.
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Follow the podcast on Social Media:
IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod
 
Follow Sara on Social Media:IG: @no_more_wasted_days
TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial
 
Follow Heather on Social Media:IG: @theheatherleecollective
TikTok: @thealcoholfreecoach

Ep. 107: Coping with Anxiety After Quitting Drinking - 4 Unexpected Tools

Sara gets vulnerable in this solo episode. She opens up about something many of us deal with—even deep into the alcohol-free journey: anxiety.
 
At nearly six years sober, she shares her surprise when anxiety started showing up again. But instead of turning back to alcohol or spiraling, Sara got curious. In this episode, she shares four unexpected tools that have been easing her anxiety without a drop of alcohol.
 
Also, if you’re new to your alcohol free journey and you want some extra support, CLICK HERE to download my free Alcohol Free Checklist.
 
If you've been wondering, "Why am I feeling anxious even though I'm sober?"—this episode is for you.
✨ In this episode, you'll hear:
Why anxiety can resurface even years after quitting drinking
How caffeine might be making your symptoms worse—and what Sara did about it
A refreshing approach to nutrition and movement that supports mental health
Why reconnecting with a spiritual practice is grounding in uncertain times
How cycle tracking has helped Sara understand her moods and show herself more compassion
🔑 Key Takeaways:
☕ Cutting back (way back!) on caffeine made a huge difference in managing anxiety
🥗 Recommitting to nourishing meals and consistent movement provided a sense of control and stability
🧘‍♀️ Meditation and spiritual surrender helped calm her nervous system and ease obsessive thinking
📱 Using a simple cycle tracking app allowed for more self-awareness and grace, especially during hormonal shifts
🧡 Sara reminds us: Just because you’re sober doesn’t mean anxiety is gone forever. But without alcohol clouding the picture, you’re better equipped to identify the root causes and use empowering tools that actually work.
 
📥 Mentioned in the episode:
My free Alcohol-Free Checklist – Your roadmap to navigating your first steps (or your next ones!) alcohol-free
Flo App (cycle tracking)
 
🗣️ Quotes from this episode:
“Just because you’re experiencing anxiety again doesn’t mean you’re going backwards. Healing isn’t linear.” — Sara
“Having less caffeine has equaled less chaos in my body.” — Sara
“I'm not piling onto this anxiety with alcohol and hangovers. That alone is a gift.” — Sara
“Every day I say to myself: I am a yes for miracles happening around me.” — Sara
 
📣 If this episode helped you, share it with a friend and don’t forget to rate and review the show. It’s a free way to support the podcast and help others find it.
 
Are you navigating anxiety too? Which of these four tools might help you the most?
 
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Looking for support on your alcohol free journey? Consider joining us in the Day Makers Community.  CLICK HERE for all the details.Want some 1-on-1 support on your alcohol free journey?  Work with Heather as your alcohol free coach.  CLICK HERE to start working with Heather today.
************************************************
Follow the podcast on Social Media:
IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod
 
Follow Sara on Social Media:IG: @no_more_wasted_days
TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial
 
Follow Heather on Social Media:IG: @theheatherleecollective
TikTok: @thealcoholfreecoach

Ep. 106: Learning to Adult (Again) in Your Alcohol Free Life

When you quit drinking, you go through periods of learning how to parent yourself on your alcohol-free journey. Whether you're a parent, child-free, or somewhere in between, Sara and Heather dive deep into the power of becoming your own inner caregiver—your inner mother, father, or adult—and how sobriety makes space for that transformation.Quitting alcohol isn’t just about removing something toxic. It’s about rebuilding your life, one foundational brick at a time. In this conversation, we explore what it looks like to truly take care of yourself with the same love, structure, and consistency you’d offer a child.Inside the episode:
Why learning to "adult" again is a key part of early sobriety
The power of reclaiming routines like brushing your teeth and feeding yourself regularly
Shifting from external validation to inner trust and rest
Managing money, clutter, and time without avoidance or overwhelm
Reconnecting with your purpose and relationships—starting with you
Why small goals build big confidence
How to know when your life needs “mothering” and what to do about it
The 8 Pillars of Self-Parenting These are the daily acts and deeper commitments that help you build a secure, alcohol-free foundation:
Self-Care – From sleep and skincare to hydration and medical appointments
Feeding Yourself Well – Cooking (or assembling!) meals regularly and planning ahead
Goal Setting – Starting with small wins to build self-trust
Keeping a Clean Space – Creating visual calm and organizing in a way that works for you
Money Management – Moving from avoidance to awareness and setting up systems that support your growth
Healthy Relationships – Cultivating connection, patience, and presence with others
Time Management – Saying no to overbooking and learning to slow down
Purpose & Work – Letting go of old identities and tuning into what lights you up
If you’re feeling off in any area of life, these eight pillars—and their four overarching themes (Health, Home, Purpose, and Community)—can help you pinpoint where your inner parent needs to step in.
 
🎧 Don’t forget to rate, review, and follow the show—your support helps us reach more people who are ready to ditch alcohol and start living fully.
🎉 Want More Support on Your Journey?
Join the Daymakers Community or sign up for 1-on-1 coaching with Heather! ✨ Get personalized support, tools, and encouragement for your alcohol-free journey. 👉 Learn more here
 
Resources Mentioned:
Daymakers Community: Weekly coaching calls, private messaging threads, and a supportive community. Learn more here.
Heather’s 1-on-1 Coaching: Tailored support to help you navigate your alcohol-free life.
If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow caregiver and leave a comment on Spotify or YouTube. Let’s break free from the guilt trap together! 💛
************************************************
 
Looking for support on your alcohol free journey? Consider joining us in the Day Makers Community.  CLICK HERE for all the details.Want some 1-on-1 support on your alcohol free journey?  Work with Heather as your alcohol free coach.  CLICK HERE to start working with Heather today.
************************************************
Follow the podcast on Social Media:
IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod
 
Follow Sara on Social Media:IG: @no_more_wasted_days
TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial
 
Follow Heather on Social Media:IG: @theheatherleecollective
TikTok: @thealcoholfreecoach

Ep. 105: What Happens When You Don’t Drink for 30 Days?

Want to join the Refresh & Reboot: 30 Day Alcohol Free Challenge?  CLICK HERE to join today.  We start on May 5th, and I can’t wait to see you there. ✌️❤️
 
What can really change in just 30 days without alcohol? In this shorty episode, I share the story of how my alcohol-free journey began with a single decision—not to quit forever, but just to try 30 days. That one-month trial became the springboard to a whole new life.
 
I break down the week-by-week transformation many people experience in their first alcohol-free month—from better sleep and reduced anxiety to glowing skin and a more stable mood. You’ll also get the inside scoop on my upcoming Refresh & Reboot: 30-Day Alcohol-Free Challenge starting May 5th and what makes it such a powerful reset.
 
Whether you're sober-curious or ready for a change, this episode will leave you inspired to give yourself the gift of 30 days.
 
Key Points:
🧠 Week-by-week breakdown of what to expect in a 30-day alcohol-free challenge:
Week 1: Breaking the cycle, feeling wobbly but proud
Week 2: Better sleep, reduced bloating, energy returns
Week 3: Fewer cravings, increased clarity and calm
Week 4: Major mindset shifts—many people realize they don’t want to go back
 
🌙 Key benefits of going alcohol-free for 30 days:
Better sleep (no more 3 a.m. panic wake-ups)
Less anxiety (nervous system reset)
Glowing skin (hello, hydration!)
Emotional stability (more patience, less reactivity)
 
 📆 What’s included in the Refresh & Reboot 30-Day Challenge:
Daily videos, emails, and a downloadable workbook + journal
Two live coaching calls
A private community (off social media)
Lifetime access to all materials
💬 Memorable Quotes:
“You don’t have to be ready to quit forever. You just have to be ready to give it a try.”
“If I couldn’t quit drinking for 30 days, I told myself, then maybe I’d need outside support. But I wanted to prove I could do it first.”
“After 30 days, I didn’t want to stop. That’s the magic of giving yourself a chance.”
“People started saying, ‘You’re glowing. What are you doing?’ And I realized—it was because I’d quit drinking.”
 
📣 Call to Action:Ready to see what you can do in 30 days? Join the Refresh & Reboot: 30-Day Alcohol-Free Challenge starting May 5 at www.nomorewasteddays.co
 
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Looking for support on your alcohol free journey? Consider joining us in the Day Makers Community.  CLICK HERE for all the details.Want some 1-on-1 support on your alcohol free journey?  Work with Heather as your alcohol free coach.  CLICK HERE to start working with Heather today.
************************************************
Follow the podcast on Social Media:
IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod
 
Follow Sara on Social Media:IG: @no_more_wasted_days
TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial
 
Follow Heather on Social Media:IG: @theheatherleecollective
TikTok: @thealcoholfreecoach

Ep. 104: Why You Feel So Much After Quitting Drinking

When you quit drinking, the physical detox gets a lot of attention—but what about the emotional detox? In this episode of No More Wasted Days, Heather and Sara dive into what it really means to emotionally detox after quitting alcohol.
They explore why emotions feel so intense in early sobriety, how to move through them without fear, and how emotional healing is not just necessary—it’s transformational. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, irritable, tearful, or deeply vulnerable after quitting drinking, this episode will help you feel seen, supported, and empowered.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 💬 What emotional detox is and why it happens after quitting drinking 💬 Why sadness, anger, restlessness, and even joy can feel overwhelming at first 💬 How to navigate emotional flashbacks and unexpected feelings without shame 💬 Practical tools for managing emotional detox with self-compassion 💬 How to view emotional healing as a beautiful part of your alcohol-free journey
 
Key Takeaways: ✅ Emotional detox is normal—it’s your nervous system defrosting and healing. ✅ Feeling emotions doesn’t mean you’re doing sobriety wrong—it means you’re doing it right. ✅ Rest, nourishing yourself, and allowing feelings to move through you are powerful acts of self-care. ✅ Emotional growth doesn’t require perfection—it only asks for presence. ✅ You’re worthy of love, joy, and peace—no matter where you are in your journey.
 
Memorable Quotes:
“Feeling is the work.” – Heather
“Your body isn’t broken. It’s defrosting.” – Heather
“You don’t have to fix every feeling. Sometimes you just have to feel it.” – Sara
“You are not broken—you are learning how to feel again.” – Heather
“You’ll never regret the work you do on yourself.” – Sara
 
Challenge of the Week: ✨ Think of one emotion you’ve been avoiding. Ask yourself: What is this feeling trying to tell me? Then give yourself permission to just sit with it—no judgment, no fixing.
 
🎉 Want More Support on Your Journey?
Join the Daymakers Community or sign up for 1-on-1 coaching with Heather! ✨ Get personalized support, tools, and encouragement for your alcohol-free journey. 👉 Learn more here
 
Resources Mentioned:
Daymakers Community: Weekly coaching calls, private messaging threads, and a supportive community. Learn more here.
Heather’s 1-on-1 Coaching: Tailored support to help you navigate your alcohol-free life.
If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow caregiver and leave a comment on Spotify or YouTube. Let’s break free from the guilt trap together! 💛
************************************************
 
Looking for support on your alcohol free journey? Consider joining us in the Day Makers Community.  CLICK HERE for all the details.Want some 1-on-1 support on your alcohol free journey?  Work with Heather as your alcohol free coach.  CLICK HERE to start working with Heather today.
************************************************
Follow the podcast on Social Media:
IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod
 
Follow Sara on Social Media:IG: @no_more_wasted_days
TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial
 
Follow Heather on Social Media:IG: @theheatherleecollective
TikTok: @thealcoholfreecoach

Ep. 103: The Truth About Gray Area Drinking

Ready for an alcohol free weekend?? CLICK HERE to join the free No More Wasted Weekends Challenge.  We start on April 25th, and I can’t wait to see you there. ✌️❤️
What if your drinking isn’t “that bad”—but it’s still not working for you? In this episode of No More Wasted Days, Sara and Heather dive into the concept of gray area drinking, a space so many people quietly occupy without even realizing it. They break down what gray area drinking actually is, why you don’t have to hit rock bottom to make a change, and how to know if it’s time to explore an alcohol-free life—before the crisis.
Whether you’re drinking to cope, reward, or escape—or you’ve just started wondering, “Is this becoming a problem?”—this episode will give you clarity, compassion, and tools to help you decide what’s next.
 
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🔍 What gray area drinking really is—and why it’s more common than you think 🧠 The internal dialogue that keeps people stuck in the “not that bad” zone 🚩 Signs you may be in the gray area (even if you don’t drink daily) ⏳ Why waiting for a rock bottom delays healing and growth 💡 How to take a proactive, empowered break from alcohol—without needing a label
 
Key Takeaways: ✅ You don’t have to drink every day—or lose everything—for it to be a problem ✅ Gray area drinkers often use comparison and justification to delay change ✅ Moderation rarely works long-term if alcohol is causing stress, shame, or regret ✅ Freedom comes from choosing a break—before alcohol takes more from you ✅ You can quit alcohol just because you feel better without it
 
Memorable Quotes:
“I was waiting for a rock bottom. Turns out, I didn’t need one to walk away.”
“If you’re Googling ‘Do I have a drinking problem?’—that might be your answer.”
“We don’t need to hit a crisis to start healing.”
“The problem with moderation is it keeps you tethered to the thing that’s weighing you down.”
“You’re allowed to stop drinking simply because life feels better that way.”
Challenge of the Week: ✨ Ask yourself three questions:
Is alcohol helping me live a better life?
Do I like who I am when I drink?
Am I curious about what life could look like without alcohol? Let your honest answers guide your next step.
🎉 Ready for More? Join the Free No More Wasted Weekends Challenge!
Tired of waking up on Sundays with regret and brain fog? Try just one alcohol-free weekend with Sara as your guide. 📅 Starts April 25th 🧡 Live kickoff call, daily check-ins, and support inside a private Facebook group 🎉 It’s fun, free, and full of clarity 👉 Sign up here
Call to Action: 💛 Loved this episode? Hit follow, leave a review, and share it with a friend who's just starting their alcohol-free journey. We read and cherish every review!
 
Resources Mentioned:
Daymakers Community: Weekly coaching calls, private messaging threads, and a supportive community. Learn more here.
Heather’s 1-on-1 Coaching: Tailored support to help you navigate your alcohol-free life.
If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow caregiver and leave a comment on Spotify or YouTube. Let’s break free from the guilt trap together! 💛
************************************************
 
Looking for support on your alcohol free journey? Consider joining us in the Day Makers Community.  CLICK HERE for all the details.Want some 1-on-1 support on your alcohol free journey?  Work with Heather as your alcohol free coach.  CLICK HERE to start working with Heather today.
************************************************
Follow the podcast on Social Media:
IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod
 
Follow Sara on Social Media:IG: @no_more_wasted_days
TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial
 
Follow Heather on Social Media:IG: @theheatherleecollective
TikTok: @thealcoholfreecoach

Ep. 102: It's my Birthday!! What I'm Holding Onto and Letting Go in my 46th Year

Ready for an alcohol free weekend?? CLICK HERE to join the free No More Wasted Weekends Challenge.  We start on April 25th, and I can’t wait to see you there. ✌️❤️
It’s Sara’s birthday! 🎉 In this special solo episode of No More Wasted Days, Sara reflects on her 46th birthday and what it means to celebrate another year alcohol-free. With five sober birthdays under her belt and nearly six years alcohol-free, Sara takes you behind the scenes of her personal growth, honest struggles, and the evolving mindset that’s shaped her journey.
 
To honor turning 46, she shares 4 powerful anchors that keep her grounded in her alcohol-free life—and 6 things she’s working on letting go of in her 46th year. From routines to nature, people-pleasing to perfectionism, this episode is filled with heartfelt wisdom and gentle reminders to help you reflect on your own sobriety journey.
 
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🎂 Why sober birthdays feel better—mentally, emotionally, and physically 🌱 4 practices that help Sara stay alcohol-free and fully present 🧹 6 things she’s actively letting go of to grow into her next year ✨ How letting go of old identities, people-pleasing, and external validation opens up space for self-trust and joy 👣 Encouragement to reflect on your own sobriety anchors and growth
 
4 Things That Anchor Sara’s Alcohol-Free Life:
Nature – Daily hikes, her land, and even her chickens remind her how to slow down and stay present
Daily Routines – Structure, simplicity, and reclaimed mornings
Connection with Others – Through her community, her family, and new goals for real-life friendships
Health & Wellbeing – A shifting focus on intuitive living, joyful movement, and nourishing self-care
 
6 Things She’s Letting Go Of in Her 46th Year:
People-pleasing
Old identities (suburban mom, “fun drinker,” perfectionist)
Limiting beliefs (especially around body image, success, and worth)
Over-functioning (doing everything for everyone)
Outdated definitions of fun
The need for external validation
 
Memorable Quotes:
“Now, I remember my birthdays—and I’m present for them.”
“You can’t ‘should’ all over yourself and expect to grow.”
“Sobriety isn’t just about what I let go of—it’s about what I let in.”
“Growth doesn’t make me lovable—I already am.”
“Your animals will teach you how to live a healthy life—watch them.”
Challenge of the Week: 🎈Reflect on what’s anchoring you in your alcohol-free journey—and what you’re ready to let go of. Share your answer in a comment or review as a little birthday gift to Sara!
 
🎉 Join the Free No More Wasted Weekends Challenge!
📅 Starts April 25 ✨ Go through a full alcohol-free weekend with Sara as your guide 🧡 Includes a live kickoff call, daily check-ins, and community support 🎯 Whether it’s your 1st or 50th alcohol-free weekend, this challenge is for you 👉 Sign up here
 
Call to Action: 💬 If this episode inspired you, share it with a friend, leave a review, and be sure to subscribe to the podcast if you haven’t already.
 
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Looking for support on your alcohol free journey? Consider joining us in the Day Makers Community.  CLICK HERE for all the details.Want some 1-on-1 support on your alcohol free journey?  Work with Heather as your alcohol free coach.  CLICK HERE to start working with Heather today.
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Follow the podcast on Social Media:
IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod
 
Follow Sara on Social Media:IG: @no_more_wasted_days
TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial
 
Follow Heather on Social Media:IG: @theheatherleecollective
TikTok: @thealcoholfreecoach

Ep. 101: Reflections After 4 Years Alcohol-Free (Heather’s 4 Year Soberversary!!)

Ready for an alcohol free weekend?? CLICK HERE to join the free No More Wasted Weekends Challenge.  We start on April 25th, and I can’t wait to see you there. ✌️❤️
In this deeply personal and empowering milestone episode of No More Wasted Days Podcast, Heather reflects on what four years of alcohol-free living has taught her—and what healing truly looks like.
From year one’s emotional rollercoaster to year four’s sense of peace and homecoming, this episode is a beautiful reminder that sobriety is not a straight climb—it’s a spiral of growth, softness, and rediscovery.
Whether you’re on day one or year four yourself, you’ll feel seen, validated, and inspired by Heather’s story.
 
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🎉 What year one, two, three, and now four have looked like on Heather’s journey 💬 How sobriety evolves from survival mode to emotional clarity and softness 👣 What it means to stop counting days and start counting presence 💛 The power of forgiving past versions of yourself—and carrying your story, not your shame 👑 Why year four is about homecoming, self-acceptance, and staying grounded in the moment
 
Key Takeaways: ✅ You can be sober and still not fully present—true growth happens when you begin to show up for your life. ✅ Healing doesn’t have to be loud. Sometimes it’s a quiet, subtle unfolding. ✅ You don’t need to earn love by doing more. You’re worthy just as you are. ✅ Forgiveness isn’t a finish line—it’s a softening. ✅ Sobriety doesn’t just help you let go—it helps you let more joy in.
 
Memorable Quotes:
“Sobriety isn’t a war anymore—it’s a homecoming.”
“Your healing might come with shaking hands in a messy kitchen.”
“Growth doesn’t make me lovable—I already am.”
“You don’t have to apologize for who you were when you were hurting.”
“Keep choosing yourself. Keep coming home.”
Challenge of the Week: 🌿 If you're early in your alcohol-free journey, take a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come—no matter how small it feels. And if you’re further along, ask: What does “coming home” mean to me this year?
🎉 Ready for More? Join the Free No More Wasted Weekends Challenge!
Tired of waking up on Sundays with regret and brain fog? Try just one alcohol-free weekend with Sara as your guide. 📅 Starts April 25th 🧡 Live kickoff call, daily check-ins, and support inside a private Facebook group 🎉 It’s fun, free, and full of clarity 👉 Sign up here
Call to Action: 💛 Loved this episode? Hit follow, leave a review, and share it with a friend who's just starting their alcohol-free journey. We read and cherish every review!
 
Resources Mentioned:
Daymakers Community: Weekly coaching calls, private messaging threads, and a supportive community. Learn more here.
Heather’s 1-on-1 Coaching: Tailored support to help you navigate your alcohol-free life.
If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow caregiver and leave a comment on Spotify or YouTube. Let’s break free from the guilt trap together! 💛
************************************************
 
Looking for support on your alcohol free journey? Consider joining us in the Day Makers Community.  CLICK HERE for all the details.Want some 1-on-1 support on your alcohol free journey?  Work with Heather as your alcohol free coach.  CLICK HERE to start working with Heather today.
************************************************
Follow the podcast on Social Media:
IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod
 
Follow Sara on Social Media:IG: @no_more_wasted_days
TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial
 
Follow Heather on Social Media:IG: @theheatherleecollective
TikTok: @thealcoholfreecoach

Ep. 100: This One Mindset Shift Will Make Sobriety Easier

Ready for an alcohol free weekend?? CLICK HERE to join the free No More Wasted Weekends Challenge.  We start on April 25th, and I can’t wait to see you there. ✌️❤️
Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of “never drinking again”? You’re not alone. In this milestone 100th episode of No More Wasted Days, Sara shares a powerful reframe that helped her begin her alcohol-free journey: 👉 You don’t have to quit forever—you just have to decide for today.
Whether you're at the beginning of your journey or simply struggling with long-term pressure, this episode will remind you that you’re allowed to take things one day at a time. Sara shares how this mindset helped her move from a 30-day break to a confident alcohol-free lifestyle—and how it can do the same for you.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🌀 Why thinking in “forever” terms often keeps people stuck 🌀 How breaking your alcohol-free journey into manageable chunks builds confidence 🌀 The importance of being present and letting go of future pressure 🌀 How to shift your identity one day, one win at a time 🌀 Practical tips to stay motivated without the overwhelm
Key Takeaways: ✅ You don’t need to commit to forever—just commit to today. ✅ Small wins build momentum, and momentum builds confidence. ✅ You’re not stuck—you’re experimenting. ✅ You’re allowed to change your mind tomorrow, but today you’re choosing not to drink. ✅ With each day, your identity as someone who trusts themselves gets stronger.
Memorable Quotes:
“Forever was too much. That’s why I chose 30 days—and it changed my life.”
“You’re not trapped. You’re doing a self-discovery experiment.”
“One alcohol-free day at a time, you’re building a life you no longer want to escape from.”
“Try today. Then try tomorrow. That’s how transformation happens.”
🎉 Join the Free No More Wasted Weekends Challenge!
📅 Starts April 25 ✨ Go through a full alcohol-free weekend with Sara as your guide 🧡 Includes a live kickoff call, daily check-ins, and community support 🎯 Whether it’s your 1st or 50th alcohol-free weekend, this challenge is for you 👉 Sign up here
 
Call to Action: 💬 If this episode inspired you, share it with a friend, leave a review, and be sure to subscribe to the podcast if you haven’t already.
 
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Looking for support on your alcohol free journey? Consider joining us in the Day Makers Community.  CLICK HERE for all the details.Want some 1-on-1 support on your alcohol free journey?  Work with Heather as your alcohol free coach.  CLICK HERE to start working with Heather today.
************************************************
Follow the podcast on Social Media:
IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod
 
Follow Sara on Social Media:IG: @no_more_wasted_days
TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial
 
Follow Heather on Social Media:IG: @theheatherleecollective
TikTok: @thealcoholfreecoach

Ep. 99: How Alcohol Affects Your Brain (and How to Heal It)

Ready for an alcohol free weekend?? CLICK HERE to join the free No More Wasted Weekends Challenge.  We start on April 25th, and I can’t wait to see you there. ✌️❤️
Ever forget parts of a night—even when you didn’t drink “that much”? Struggle with brain fog, anxiety, or mood swings? This episode of No More Wasted Days is for you. Sara and Heather dive into the science of what alcohol does to your brain—short-term, long-term, and (most importantly) how your brain can heal when you quit drinking.
 
If you’ve been wondering whether alcohol has really been affecting your brain—or how to support your brain’s recovery in sobriety—this episode is packed with insight, encouragement, and action steps.
 
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🧠 What alcohol actually does to your brain (the short- and long-term effects) 🧠 Why blackouts, memory gaps, brain fog, and anxiety are so common in drinkers 🧠 How alcohol impacts your mood, impulse control, and emotional regulation 🧠 What neuroplasticity is—and how your brain can heal after you quit 🧠 Simple, science-backed ways to support brain recovery in sobriety
 
Key Takeaways: ✅ Alcohol disrupts the balance of GABA and glutamate, causing sedation and next-day anxiety ✅ Chronic drinking shrinks the hippocampus, increases dementia risk, and impairs memory ✅ Emotional dysregulation is a result of alcohol’s impact on serotonin and dopamine ✅ Even moderate drinking (1–2 drinks/day) can affect cognitive health ✅ Neuroplasticity means your brain can heal—starting within just a few weeks of quitting
 
Memorable Quotes:
“I wasn’t becoming someone new—I was becoming more me.”
“Drinking doesn’t fix your anxiety. It causes it.”
“Blackouts happen not because you’re unconscious, but because your brain can’t encode the memories.”
“Even if you’re in your 50s or 60s, your brain can still heal.”
“The time will pass whether you drink or not. Why not let your brain recover while it does?”
Brain Recovery Tools Mentioned: 🥦 Eat more antioxidants and omega-3s (berries, fish, chia seeds) 🚶‍♀️ Move your body—exercise supports brain healing 🧘‍♀️ Meditate and prioritize sleep to reduce stress and rebuild focus 🎨 Learn new skills and hobbies to activate neuroplasticity
 
Challenge of the Week: Try one of the brain-boosting tools from today’s episode—whether it’s adding more greens to your plate, taking a mindful walk, or trying something new—and journal how you feel after a week.
 
🎉 Ready for More? Join the Free No More Wasted Weekends Challenge!
Tired of waking up on Sundays with regret and brain fog? Try just one alcohol-free weekend with Sara as your guide. 📅 Starts April 25th 🧡 Live kickoff call, daily check-ins, and support inside a private Facebook group 🎉 It’s fun, free, and full of clarity 👉 Sign up here
Call to Action: 💛 Loved this episode? Hit follow, leave a review, and share it with a friend who's just starting their alcohol-free journey. We read and cherish every review!
 
Resources Mentioned:
Daymakers Community: Weekly coaching calls, private messaging threads, and a supportive community. Learn more here.
Heather’s 1-on-1 Coaching: Tailored support to help you navigate your alcohol-free life.
If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow caregiver and leave a comment on Spotify or YouTube. Let’s break free from the guilt trap together! 💛
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Looking for support on your alcohol free journey? Consider joining us in the Day Makers Community.  CLICK HERE for all the details.Want some 1-on-1 support on your alcohol free journey?  Work with Heather as your alcohol free coach.  CLICK HERE to start working with Heather today.
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Follow the podcast on Social Media:
IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod
 
Follow Sara on Social Media:IG: @no_more_wasted_days
TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial
 
Follow Heather on Social Media:IG: @theheatherleecollective
TikTok: @thealcoholfreecoach