At the beginning of January, Yvonne Corbin, Chief Executive Officer at Caring Cooks of Jersey, started the daunting One to Six Sober Charity Challenge – six months of abstaining from alcohol to raise money for charity.
This week marks the half-way point in the challenge for Yvonne, so we caught up with her to find out how it’s going.
1. You’re halfway through! Can you remind us of the challenge you’re undertaking?
I decided to give up alcohol for 6 months to raise funds for Caring Cooks and in memory of my sister who was taken by alcohol addiction. Caring Cooks support vulnerable families across the Island. Sadly, many families experience challenging times, perhaps financially, or through serious illness. At times like this, it is important for families to bond and be together to support each other and there is no better way to do this than at the dining table over a tasty meal. But often cooking a meal from scratch is unachievable in these circumstances, which is why we provide a Weekly Meal Service. The funds raised during this challenge will help support more families with this crisis programme.
2. The big question – how’s it going?
It’s going really well I think. There are times when I get that urge for a glass of wine, quite often on a Friday when we tend to reward ourselves with alcohol for getting to the end of a working week. I’m still trying to get my head around that one as what I’m realising is that those few drinks on a Friday more often than not leave you feeling too tired to do all the things you planned at the weekend – an adverse effect.
3. Has anything surprised you about how it’s going?
So many things! The fact that I have much more mental clarity, especially around work. I work so much more effectively without the brain fog you get from the sauvignon. Also, I sleep so much better. No more waking up at 3am with overactive brain. Finally, my anxiety has been completely eliminated, which to me is like winning the lottery!
I’ve found it much easier than I originally thought. I’m sure it’ll be more of a challenge as the weather changes though, with hazy summer BBQs and more events which I associate with drinking.
4. What, if anything, do you miss about not drinking?
I miss having the choice. Saying that, not having the choice makes the challenge much easier as no one pushes you to have a drink. When you do it to raise money for charity the ‘Booze Bullies’ give you a break.
I also miss the taste of that first glass of wine (I’m drooling at the thought while I’m writing this on a Friday afternoon…).
5. Have you noticed any benefits?
Mental clarity, better sleep, better skin, more energy (although id still like much more) and you get a lot more done! I do feel happier within myself too and tend not to get stressed but that could be down to lots of yoga.
6. Has your lifestyle or your ways of socialising changed as a result of the challenge?
To be honest, it’s a mind-set. I choose what I do carefully now and have stopped saying ‘yes’ to every event. I love meeting with friends, regardless of whether it involves alcohol. They support me in what I’m doing and would never pressure me to drink.
A friend of mine chose not to drink at a recent dinner party and was told ‘make sure you drink next time’ almost as if they are much more fun when they are drunk – how rude! It really is crazy that alcohol is the most addictive substance on the planet, yet we are constantly encouraged to consume it. Mind blowing.
7. Have you considered throwing the towel in and having a glass of something at any point?
Absolutely not! Yes there have been times when I’ve really fancied a glass of wine but it passes very quickly – there is no arguing with yourself when the choice is taken away from you. It’s just not an option.
8. Do you think the challenge will become more difficult as the weather gets warmer and there are more social events to go to?
Absolutely! Beer gardens, beach picnics, music events and my 50th Birthday in May!!!
9. Do you feel the challenge has changed your thoughts about drinking alcohol?
At this moment in time I really don’t know how I’ll feel at the end of the challenge. What I do know is that at the very least I’ll be more mindful around drinking.
I think my lifestyle was pretty much the same as many other people in Jersey. We live on a very sociable Island with a big drinking culture, but just because other people are drinking doesn’t mean you have to. There is definitely a sober movement underfoot. Apparently, all the cool kids are sober!
10. Is it too late for people to join you in the challenge?
Not at all. People are still able to join up until the end of May. All we ask is that they pledge to stay sober for a minimum of 1 month and that they raise some money for the charity in the process. They will be added to our private Facebook group for accountability.
Come on, join the fun!
Yvonne Corbin is Chief Executive Officer at Caring Cooks of Jersey. Caring Cooks is a Jersey charity and registered NPO, that specifically supports families with children of school age. The charity strongly believes that good food and nutrition from the weaning stage, right through a child’s life is of crucial importance and supports parents in making healthy food a part of daily life. All services are free of charge to families and are funded by charitable donations.
If you wish to support Yvonne with her challenge, her Just Giving page can be found here.
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