Week ten: Please don't stop the music

Millie Gooch | May 2022 | 5 minutes

Millie Gooch, founder of the Sober Girl Society, brings us some brilliant tips on tackling Sober Spring - the three-month sabbatical off alcohol.

It’s no secret that popping in your headphones and having a little jam can make you feel good but it’s scientifically proven too. Music releases endorphins (the feel-good chemical) in your brain and a recent study found that dopamine was up to 9% higher when volunteers listened to music that they enjoyed. With so many of us turning to alcohol out of stress or general unease, music could actually play a really important part in getting you through Sober Spring. Here’s my tips:

Clear out trigger music

Whether it’s the one that makes you think of your ex, the one you always listen to with a glass of vino or the one where the lyrics are literally about downing tequila shots in the club – delete any songs from your playlists that you associate with alcohol or that make you want to reach for it.

Make a motivation playlist

Although some music might trigger cravings, the right tunes can actually have the opposite effect so take some time to create a motivational Sober Spring playlist. Pick songs that make you feel confident and happy rather than stressed and upset and add in anything that has great memories which don’t revolve around alcohol. Play it before a night out, play it during a wobble, dance on both occasions.

Listen to songs about sobriety

There are already some incredible and inspiring songs out there about sobriety plus, some absolute bangers by artists who are sober themselves. Not got the time to find them? Well, here are two playlists I created just for you:

Songs about sobriety

Songs by sober artists