Alcohol is a big part of many social activities, celebrations and work events. Summer and winter holidays can be especially festive, but all the parties may leave employees foggy and tired at best, or worse, sick and embarrassed (there's even a word for it: hangxiety). That's why HR teams are wise to seek out and provide support for employees who may be looking to cut down or eliminate their alcohol use.

While Sober October, Dry January, FebFast are popular and international invitations to take a month-long break from alcohol and other substances, the sober curious movement takes those breaks a step further: it encourages us to be ever-mindful of our alcohol use and choose when, and if, to drink instead of defaulting to habit or social expectations.

The term 'sober curious' is from a book by Ruby Warrington, who poses the question: How different would our lives be if we stopped drinking on autopilot? Unlike the months dedicated to abstinence, however, sober curious is more a philosophy and lifestyle change. When we are mindful about alcohol use, we may choose to drink less often, less heavily, or stop altogether. The reasons for taking control of and better managing our alcohol use are uniquely personal: better sleep, improved mental and physical health, stronger relationships, or as a way to save money. The choice depends on the individual and abstinence isn't the only option.