Sober October: A Month to Reset, Reflect, and Rebalance

October isn’t just about pumpkins, falling leaves, and the run-up to Halloween. 

For many people, it’s also a time to take part in Sober October—a month-long challenge that involves cutting out alcohol entirely.

What started as a fundraising initiative has grown into a wider wellbeing movement. 

It’s a chance to give your body and mind a break, save money, and maybe even reset your relationship with drinking.

What is Sober October?

Sober October was popularised by Macmillan Cancer Support in the UK as a fundraising campaign. Participants pledge to go alcohol-free for the whole month, raising money through sponsorship. Over time, the concept has spread beyond charity fundraising—many people now take part for personal health reasons too.

The idea is simple: put down the wine glass, beer can, or cocktail shaker, and spend the month alcohol-free. Whether you’re doing it to support a good cause or simply to take stock of your lifestyle, it’s a powerful reset.

Benefits of Going Sober for a Month

Even four weeks without alcohol can bring noticeable changes. Some of the most common benefits include:

Better sleep – Alcohol can disrupt deep sleep, so cutting it out often improves rest and energy levels.

Clearer skin – Hydration improves, and many notice a healthy glow.

Weight management – Skipping the empty calories in alcohol and late-night snacks that often follow can help with weight loss.

Improved focus and mood – With no “hangxiety” or foggy mornings, many feel sharper and more balanced.

Financial savings – Nights out, bottles of wine, or craft beers add up quickly. A sober month can leave your wallet healthier too.

How to Succeed at Sober October

For some, the challenge is easier said than done. Here are a few tips to stay on track:

Find alternatives – Stock up on alcohol-free beers, botanical spirits, kombucha, or even just fancy sparkling water with citrus.

Change your routine – If you usually wind down with a glass of wine, swap it for an evening walk, a new book, or herbal tea.

Get support – Encourage friends or family to join you, or connect with online groups taking part.

Remember your “why” – Whether it’s raising money for charity, improving health, or breaking a habit, keep your motivation clear.

Reward yourself – Treat yourself with the money saved—whether that’s a massage, a new gadget, or simply putting it aside for something special.

Beyond October

Some people go back to their usual drinking habits in November, but others find that Sober October inspires longer-term change. You might discover you enjoy alcohol-free socialising more than expected, or that moderation suits you better after the reset.

Even if you return to drinking, the experience often brings a new awareness of how alcohol affects your body and mind.

Final (sober) Thoughts

Sober October is more than a month off booze—it’s a chance to re-evaluate, recharge, and maybe start healthier habits. Whether you’re in it for charity, health, or curiosity, the benefits are hard to ignore.

This October, why not give it a go? You may just surprise yourself with how good sobriety feels.

Firebrand Brewing Co. Collaborates With Blue Balls Cornwall to Create New Non-Alcoholic Hazy IPA for Sober October

Launceston's Firebrand Brewing Co. is delighted to unveil Blue Balls, their new non-alcoholic hazy IPA created in collaboration with Blue Balls Cornwall, the men's cold water swimming group. 

Firebrand Brewing Co will be donating £1 to Man Down, the Cornwall-based men's mental health CIC, for every online order of Blue Balls throughout Sober October.

Joe Thomson, Co-owner and Head Brewer at Firebrand Brewing Co. told That's Food and Drink: “We were approached by Blue Balls Cornwall to create a non-alcoholic beer and we jumped at the chance. 

"Blue Balls has built a supportive community, here in Cornwall, that helps men develop a positive coping mechanism for dealing with mental health issues. 

"Alcohol misuse is often linked to mental health struggles, so offering a healthier, non-alcoholic option reinforces their mission. We will be serving up the new Blue Balls beer at their regular dips. 

"These are sea swimming meet-ups that bring men together in a relaxed, natural setting and we hope this will encourage them to hang out and chat with friends after the swim.”

Blue Balls was set up in Cornwall by two friends, Ross and Tom, who wanted to encourage men across the county to join them and discover the benefits that cold water swimming can have on health and wellbeing, while raising awareness and providing support for men's mental health. 

Tom Mason, co-founder of Blue Balls Cornwall explains: “We're really delighted to be working with Firebrand Brewing Co. and really looking forward to celebrating with a Blue Balls Hazy IPA. Just like a fresh dip in the wild Cornish ocean, our collaboration beer is best enjoyed cold, surrounded by your mates.”

Blue Balls (ABV 0.5%) is a non-alcoholic hazy IPA packed full of fruity flavour. It's the perfect beer to enjoy cold, by the sea, with friends and without the risk of any hangovers. It's also gluten free and vegan friendly and is available from www.firebrandbrewing.co.uk RRP £2.80 per 440ml can. 

Joe finishes: “The statistics around men's mental health and male suicides are incredibly sobering. We are pleased to contribute in some small way to raising awareness for men's mental health and we will be donating £1, for every online order of Blue Balls throughout Sober October, directly to Man Down, the Cornwall-based men's mental health CIC. 

"We hope that, within the Blue Balls community and beyond, sharing a few of our non-alcoholic beers with friends will create a positive environment for supporting each other.”

Firebrand Brewing Co was created in 2012 in a converted milking parlour on the untamed edge of Bodmin Moor, North Cornwall. The idea was born from a passion for beer made from all-natural ingredients, Cornish spring water and American hops. For further information on Firebrand Brewing Co. please visit www.firebrandbrewing.co.uk or follow them on Facebook and Instagram. 

Blue Balls Cornwall is a  men's cold water swimming group that promotes the benefits that cold water swimming can have on health and wellbeing, while raising awareness and providing support for men's mental health. For further information on Blue Balls follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Man Down is a non-profit Community Interest Company founded in Cornwall, dedicated to supporting men with mental health challenges. Founded by Ross Jackson Hicks, they aim to foster open conversation and break the stigma which surrounds men's mental health, ultimately hoping to reduce the number of male suicides that take place every year. For further information visit https://mandown.org or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

Choose Better, Feel Better This Sober October With New London Light

Want to do something for Sober October? If so, you can fully embrace Sober October, and have a good time, with New London Light, an exquisite selection of contemporary non-alcoholic spirits and aperitifs crafted by the multi-award winning team at Salcombe Distilling Co in Devon.

Their truly visionary distillers have revolutionised the alcohol-free spirits landscape, redefining standards in taste and ensuring choosing alcohol-free no longer means settling for second best tastes.

You can immerse yourself in the captivating world of New London Light, which is available in three enticing expressions: 'First Light', 'Aegean Sky' and 'Midnight Sun'. 

Whether enjoyed straight, mixed with a tonic of your choice, or incorporated into a delightful and zingy cocktail, each variation promises an unrivalled sensory journey. All are available to order online at New London Light 0% | Salcombe Distilling Co.  (RRP £25, 70cl, 0% ABV).

Catering to both the alcohol-free community and those who are looking to reduce their alcohol consumption, New London Light offers options to effortlessly embrace a healthier lifestyle. 

Crafted using only fully natural ingredients without any artificial flavours and no added sugars, this elegant collection is crammed full of taste and also integrity. 

What's even better, every sip of New London Light makes our oceans healthier, with 1% of UK net sales revenue donated to the Marine Conservation Society, supporting the protection and regeneration of seagrass. 

You can elevate your drinking experience this Sober October with New London Light. Imbibe in the flavours of distinction, embrace new habits and contribute to the preservation of our precious marine ecosystems.

New London Light 'First Light'

Inspired by gin-making principles, 'First Light' is a bold, fully refreshing non-alcoholic spirit, with classic flavours of dry juniper, bright citrus and zesty ginger to create an outstanding spectrum of flavour. 

New London Light 'Aegean Sky' 

Capturing the very essence of the vibrant Mediterranean coast, New London Light 'Aegean Sky' is an innovative and totally complex non-alcoholic aperitif, combining sun-soaked bitter citrus and olive. 

New London Light 'Midnight Sun'

As unique as the rugged Nordic coast from where it takes its inspiration, New London Light 'Midnight Sun' is a layered and totally elegant non-alcoholic aperitif combining wild coastal berries, fresh kelp and pine.  

New London Light 'Midnight Sun' is also available to buy in selected retailers such as Waitrose & Partners stores (RRP £27.50, 70cl, 0% ABV) and available widely to drink in public houses across the UK. 

For further information about Salcombe Distilling Co. and New London Light visit salcombedistilling.com and follow them on Instagram and Facebook at newlondonlight.

That's Food and Drink feels that it would be a good idea to buy bottles for your Christmas and New Year celebrations as well as for Sober October.