Welcome to The Alcohol Revolution, my signature 6-week alcohol-free challenge transformed from an online video program into this podcast. The Challenge comprises 42 episodes all designed to change the way you think about drinking. My free episodes can be listened to here so that you gain a 'taster' of what the remainder of the course is like. If you would like to access the remainder of the episodes, you can follow this link: The Alcohol Revolution 6 Week Challenge Podcast. You wi...
Subscriber-only episodeHelloToday we will discuss the physical and emotional impacts that you may feel in the first few weeks of reducing your alcohol intake or eliminating from your life all together.First up, I have a very important message in the form of a disclaimer that I need you to take note of:Disclaimer: I am not medically trained and I do not and cannot provide medical or health advice in this course (or in fact at any time). Alcohol addiction and physical withdrawal from alcohol can be severe and life threatening. If you have been drinking consistently at a moderate to high level for a period of time without significant breaks or have any medical concerns about your alcohol use or potential withdrawal from alcohol, or any medical or health conditions, please obtain the advice of qualified medical practitioner as soon as possible. Going forward, please do not be disheartened by feelings of fatigue or restlessness or mild anxiety in the first few weeks! The gains are waiting for you around the corner. These feelings simply show how toxic alcohol really is. Also, you may not notice any of these negative feelings whatsoever! This is very common also.If you are having any difficulties sleeping in the early days of going alcohol free and would like some tips, please refer to episode 8 in the Not Drinking Today Podcast which is all about Alcohol & Sleep.Then, keep plodding!Kind regardsIsabella * Your companion Ebook to the course (which contains all of the reflection sheets) can be accessed by way of a link in the Day 1 episode or on my website under the resource tab** You may hear reference to The Alcohol Freedom Library which contains resources to help you with urges, cravings and FAQ. This can be access via this link or from my websiteTO LEARN MORE ABOUT ME AND MY SERVICESI am a registered counsellor, This Naked Mind Certified Coach, Grey Area Drinking Master Coach, a mum, step-mum and recovered lawyer.My website: https://isabellaferguson.com.auMy instagram: @alcoholandstresswithisabellaI am also co-host of the Not Drinking Today Podcast and host of the De-Stress for Success Podcast
HelloYour ultimate goal at the end of the challenge is to be in the position where it is 100% your free choice to take or leave alcohol. You have regained control and the choice is yours. This is true liberation. Some of you may take a few bit of time after this challenge putting your newfound awareness into practice to allow it to stick and come naturally. It is the action and experience of using your newly reframed beliefs in real life experiences that further embeds the beliefs into your subconscious. So just allow it to naturally come. You will get there!Welcome to The Alcohol Revolution, my signature 6-week alcohol-free challenge transformed from an online video program into this podcast.The Challenge comprises 4 introductory episodes (A, B, C and D) followed by Day 1 to Day 42 will start after these, all designed to change the way you drink and think about drinking.My free episodes can be listened to here so that you gain a 'taster' of what the remainder of the course is like. If you would like to access the remainder of the episodes, you can follow this link: The Alcohol Revolution 6 Week Challenge Podcast. You will uncover your alcohol beliefs, why it is you drink the way you do, what alcohol does to your brain, how to reframe mindset around alcohol and prepare a personal plan going forward.I am a registered counsellor, This Naked Mind Certified Coach and a Grey Area Drinking Master Coach. Plus I am a proud alcohol free woman!Hear more about my story on the Not Drinking Today Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/not-drinking-today-podcast/id1649081673?i=1000582030912 * Your companion Ebook to the course (which contains all of the reflection sheets) can be accessed by way of a link in the Day 1 episode or on my website under the resource tab** You may hear reference to The Alcohol Freedom Library which contains resources to help you with urges, cravings and FAQ. This can be access via this link or from my websiteTO LEARN MORE ABOUT ME AND MY SERVICESI am a registered counsellor, This Naked Mind Certified Coach, Grey Area Drinking Master Coach, a mum, step-mum and recovered lawyer.My website: https://isabellaferguson.com.auMy instagram: @alcoholandstresswithisabellaI am also co-host of the Not Drinking Today Podcast and host of the De-Stress for Success Podcast
Subscriber-only episodeHelloToday, we discuss two main points:1. Treat this challenge as an experimental experience in which you are open to receiving new information, to questioning your present beliefs, assumptions and practices and, if you choose to keep drinking during this course (up until the point at which I ask you make a confirm commitment around your drinking goals) then please do so mindfully and curiously, and2. The power and importance of journalling! Some people buy a fresh journal just for this challenge. Others write rough notes on pieces of paper or type them onto their computer. All of this is fine. Write like no one is watching, like you never have to read it again, like there is no right or wrong answers. Write from the heart and truthfully and emotionally. Keep them. Or throw them away. Even burn them! It doesn't matter. You do not have to read these notes again. The important part is, if possible, do them.Kind regardsIsabella * Your companion Ebook to the course (which contains all of the reflection sheets) can be accessed by way of a link in the Day 1 episode or on my website under the resource tab** You may hear reference to The Alcohol Freedom Library which contains resources to help you with urges, cravings and FAQ. This can be access via this link or from my websiteTO LEARN MORE ABOUT ME AND MY SERVICESI am a registered counsellor, This Naked Mind Certified Coach, Grey Area Drinking Master Coach, a mum, step-mum and recovered lawyer.My website: https://isabellaferguson.com.auMy instagram: @alcoholandstresswithisabellaI am also co-host of the Not Drinking Today Podcast and host of the De-Stress for Success Podcast
Hello Today you are setting your intentions for the next phase of your mission to drink less alcohol. We are taking advantage of the fact that at the start of every health mission our motivation is strong and our memories are fresh. These lists will help you stay motivated and will remind you withy this is so incredibly important to you. The questions: (1) How is alcohol negatively impacting your life?(2) Why do you need to change now?(3) What do you hope to gain by doing this program?Welcome...
Subscriber-only episodeHelloI undertake many counselling exercises with my clients and this one tops the list as the most empowering and motivating. It might feel strange doing it, but do it anyway! You have nothing to lose. The purpose of this exercise is to place you in the shoes of your future self having completed this course and having reached your goals around alcohol. It provides hope, confidence and strength.All the best,Isabella Welcome to The Alcohol Revolution, my signature 6-...
Subscriber-only episodeHelloUnderstanding your relationship with alcohol is a critical first step toward making positive changes.Self-awareness is key. Fact self-awareness will get you through to the other side. We’ll learn more about other factors such as the craving brain, nervous system regulation, rewiring your brain, replenishing your nervous system soon. But for now, let’s tease out what you know about your story.Take time to reflect on two areas: Why you drink and how you drink? W...
Subscriber-only episodeHelloToday, we discuss what the heck do you say to your friends.Consider this a starting line pep talk. It's normal to be nervous.I discuss my hot tips to help get you through to make it a little easier.You'll get there! Step by step.Kind regardsIsabella Welcome to The Alcohol Revolution, my signature 6-week alcohol-free challenge transformed from an online video program into this podcast.The Challenge comprises 42 episodes all designed to change the way you think about...
Subscriber-only episodeHelloI had a great deal of trepidation in discuss all of the negative health impacts that alcohol has on our bodies and our brains. However, I frequently get asked what the health impacts are and the simple fact is that we cannot escape these impacts. Facts are facts.So, let's rip the bandaid off and remind ourselves why we want to ditch the booze.The good news is - you are doing your body an amazing service with every less drink you consume.Then after this less, ...
Subscriber-only episodeHello againThe physical, emotional and psychological gains in eliminating alcohol (or rarely drinking it if this is for you) are many!So let's celebrate them, remember them and use this knowledge to motivate you to continue on.Stay the course!Kind regardsIsabella Welcome to The Alcohol Revolution, my signature 6-week alcohol-free challenge transformed from an online video program into this podcast.The Challenge comprises 42 episodes all designed to change the way you th...
Subscriber-only episodeHelloNo more blame, shame and judgment please!There is nothing wrong with you. You are not broken. You are not weak-willed. In fact, it is not about you. It is all about the drink. On top of this, you are part way through the process of untangling yourself from alcohol's grips. This takes strength and determination.There are many strong, amazing, intelligent leaders out there in our society who have also had a problematic relationship with alcohol.It is...
Subscriber-only episodeHelloToday is an overview of what alcohol chemically does to our brains and bodies.Learning this was a game changer for me.You cannot unknown this.* Fact sheets attached all about alcohol's impact to your brain (perhaps put this on your fridge!)Kind regardsIsabella Welcome to The Alcohol Revolution, my signature 6-week alcohol-free challenge transformed from an online video program into this podcast.The Challenge comprises 42 episodes all designed to change the way you ...
HelloToday, we talk about how alcohol quite literally steals our joy, robs us of our good vibes so that everyday things that we used to enjoy without alcohol are no longer as enjoyable.Learning this was (another) game changer for me. After learning this I felt completely ripped off.Good news is your system recalibrates after you stop drinking and the enjoyment in life returns.Welcome to The Alcohol Revolution, my signature 6-week alcohol-free challenge transformed from an online video p...
Subscriber-only episodeHelloToday we examine what addiction actually means and entails.This knowledge is so helpful to understanding alcohol, the symptoms of cravings and withdrawal and why it is we find ourselves reaching for more and more and ultimately addicted to it. This knowledge also helps to take alcohol's power away.You've got this!Kind regardsIsabella * Your companion Ebook to the course (which contains all of the reflection sheets) can be accessed by way of a link in the Day 1 episode or on my website under the resource tab** You may hear reference to The Alcohol Freedom Library which contains resources to help you with urges, cravings and FAQ. This can be access via this link or from my websiteTO LEARN MORE ABOUT ME AND MY SERVICESI am a registered counsellor, This Naked Mind Certified Coach, Grey Area Drinking Master Coach, a mum, step-mum and recovered lawyer.My website: https://isabellaferguson.com.auMy instagram: @alcoholandstresswithisabellaI am also co-host of the Not Drinking Today Podcast and host of the De-Stress for Success Podcast
Subscriber-only episodeHelloAbsolutely no one is immune from the cycle of alcohol addiction. Repeat.This episode goes a little deeper than other episodes in analysing the reasons why some of us tend to be a little more susceptible than others to alcohol addiction. However again - anyone can become addicted. Plus, you have the power to take back control!Kind regardsIsabella * Your companion Ebook to the course (which contains all of the reflection sheets) can be accessed by way of a link in the Day 1 episode or on my website under the resource tab** You may hear reference to The Alcohol Freedom Library which contains resources to help you with urges, cravings and FAQ. This can be access via this link or from my websiteTO LEARN MORE ABOUT ME AND MY SERVICESI am a registered counsellor, This Naked Mind Certified Coach, Grey Area Drinking Master Coach, a mum, step-mum and recovered lawyer.My website: https://isabellaferguson.com.auMy instagram: @alcoholandstresswithisabellaI am also co-host of the Not Drinking Today Podcast and host of the De-Stress for Success Podcast
Subscriber-only episodeHelloSugar is always a question that I get asked about. We can get intense cravings during the first 30 days.Today, I talk about why we have these cravings and provide some tips around how to get through them as easily as possible.Firstly (and importantly) alcohol and sugar are similarly addictive and follow similar brain pathways when it comes to the production of dopamine.Secondly, studies have found that 85% of people that are significantly reducing their alcohol consumption after years of drinking moderately on a consistent basis will experience irregular blood sugar levels that will fluctuate a lot, causing cravings, fatigue and stress. The key here is PROTEIN. I highly recommend you try to eat protein every 4 hours, including at breakfast and dinner. Decreasing your carbs will also greatly assist. Proteins and healthy fats do three things:Firstly, they will help to stop alcohol and sugar cravingsSecondly, they will help to regulate your blood sugar levels, andThirdly, they will generate increased healthy production of neurotransmitters GABA and Dopamine.Another recommendation is to have a teaspoon of in water in the morning as well as the afternoon. This too will help stabilise your blood sugars.Think: eggs, chicken, turkey, red meat, salmon, tuna, other fish, tofu, protein shakes.Kind regardsIsabella * Your companion Ebook to the course (which contains all of the reflection sheets) can be accessed by way of a link in the Day 1 episode or on my website under the resource tab** You may hear reference to The Alcohol Freedom Library which contains resources to help you with urges, cravings and FAQ. This can be access via this link or from my websiteTO LEARN MORE ABOUT ME AND MY SERVICESI am a registered counsellor, This Naked Mind Certified Coach, Grey Area Drinking Master Coach, a mum, step-mum and recovered lawyer.My website: https://isabellaferguson.com.auMy instagram: @alcoholandstresswithisabellaI am also co-host of the Not Drinking Today Podcast and host of the De-Stress for Success Podcast
Subscriber-only episodeHelloOk, let's jump straight into the nuts and bolds of this transformation process that you are undergoing in this challenge!In this episode, I talk about about how our beliefs are formed and how and why most of our beliefs around, well everything, including alcohol, exist in our subconscious mind often hidden from us. This explains why we often do not know why we like to drink and why we struggle to stop drinking even when we want to.I loved learning this back in my early days on this path of discovery.In this video I refer to Mirriam Webster's Online Dictionary: https://www.merriam-webster.comI also refer to John Sarnos' research on The Mind Body Connection. Here is a link to his book if you are interested in learning more: https://www.amazon.com.au/Healing-Back-Pain-Mind-Body-Connection/dp/0446557684Kind regardsIsabella * Your companion Ebook to the course (which contains all of the reflection sheets) can be accessed by way of a link in the Day 1 episode or on my website under the resource tab** You may hear reference to The Alcohol Freedom Library which contains resources to help you with urges, cravings and FAQ. This can be access via this link or from my websiteTO LEARN MORE ABOUT ME AND MY SERVICESI am a registered counsellor, This Naked Mind Certified Coach, Grey Area Drinking Master Coach, a mum, step-mum and recovered lawyer.My website: https://isabellaferguson.com.auMy instagram: @alcoholandstresswithisabellaI am also co-host of the Not Drinking Today Podcast and host of the De-Stress for Success Podcast
Subscriber-only episodeHelloLet me introduce you to the tool that I will use to help you reframe your alcohol beliefs - the ACT technique. I first heard and learned about this from Annie Grace, author of This Naked Mind.This is one of the core tools that we will use to reframe your conscious and subconscious beliefs around alcohol.Think of it as a Jedi mind drink.* ACT template attachedKind regardsIsabella * Your companion Ebook to the course (which contains all of the reflection sheets) can be accessed by way of a link in the Day 1 episode or on my website under the resource tab** You may hear reference to The Alcohol Freedom Library which contains resources to help you with urges, cravings and FAQ. This can be access via this link or from my websiteTO LEARN MORE ABOUT ME AND MY SERVICESI am a registered counsellor, This Naked Mind Certified Coach, Grey Area Drinking Master Coach, a mum, step-mum and recovered lawyer.My website: https://isabellaferguson.com.auMy instagram: @alcoholandstresswithisabellaI am also co-host of the Not Drinking Today Podcast and host of the De-Stress for Success Podcast
Subscriber-only episodeHelloToday’s society has trained our collective unconscious to subconsciously see the alcohol use as something that is need to have a good time, provide connection, pleasure and happiness and one that is essential in both social and stressful situations.Part of “the work” is to interrupt and reverse your cultural "training" by identifying and dismantling the conditioned beliefs that keep us trapped.We do this by using the ACT technique to empower you with new ideas and truths that will set you free. All of this takes place at 3 levels that we call the 3 S’s: level of Substance, Society and Self.It's eye-opening to know this so that you can identify they layers in which your various beliefs around alcohol exist.Kind regardsIsabella * Your companion Ebook to the course (which contains all of the reflection sheets) can be accessed by way of a link in the Day 1 episode or on my website under the resource tab** You may hear reference to The Alcohol Freedom Library which contains resources to help you with urges, cravings and FAQ. This can be access via this link or from my websiteTO LEARN MORE ABOUT ME AND MY SERVICESI am a registered counsellor, This Naked Mind Certified Coach, Grey Area Drinking Master Coach, a mum, step-mum and recovered lawyer.My website: https://isabellaferguson.com.auMy instagram: @alcoholandstresswithisabellaI am also co-host of the Not Drinking Today Podcast and host of the De-Stress for Success Podcast
Subscriber-only episodeHelloWe have over 6000 thoughts a day if not more! Imagine if all of these were self-critical and negative. Given that our thoughts impact our emotions and therefore our behaviours, imagine how sad and critical of ourselves we would feel and then, in turn, imagine how this would make us behave. Would it make us reach for alcohol to numb those thoughts? Acknowledge any of these thoughts you may have. Get curious about them. Would you talk to a friend in that way? Then try to talk more kindly to yourself.I also discuss how alcohol has its own voice. It says "drink me!". This is not you. This is alcohol. You are stronger than the voice. Recognise that voice, give it a name (the Monster?) and tell it to bugger off!Kind regardsIsabella * Your companion Ebook to the course (which contains all of the reflection sheets) can be accessed by way of a link in the Day 1 episode or on my website under the resource tab** You may hear reference to The Alcohol Freedom Library which contains resources to help you with urges, cravings and FAQ. This can be access via this link or from my websiteTO LEARN MORE ABOUT ME AND MY SERVICESI am a registered counsellor, This Naked Mind Certified Coach, Grey Area Drinking Master Coach, a mum, step-mum and recovered lawyer.My website: https://isabellaferguson.com.auMy instagram: @alcoholandstresswithisabellaI am also co-host of the Not Drinking Today Podcast and host of the De-Stress for Success Podcast