TWENTY-EIGHT days without booze, sweets, coffee or technology might be some people’s worst nightmare, but for Warrnambool’s Lisa Rankin it’s refreshing.
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Council sustainability officer Miss Rankin is taking part in FebFast — an initiative calling on individuals or families to detox from alcohol, sugar, caffeine or digital devices for the month of February.
Miss Rankin said her motivations to give up the drink were three-fold; to discover a social life without alcohol, get her fitness back and to raise money for a worthy cause.
“When I moved here from Bendigo six months ago and to make friends I joined groups and would meet people after work.
“A lot of social events happen at the pub. I found it can be hard to balance your health and have a social life.”
Miss Rankin enjoys a beverage at her local watering hole, The Warrnambool Hotel, and said she would still socialise there, but with water instead.
She has given up alcohol for a month previously and said there was peer pressure to consume alcohol while socialising.
“Often if you don’t drink people interrogate you and pressure you to have one.”
This time around she has received support, having chosen to give up alcohol a week before FebFast began.
“Everyone is interested to know about it and have been really supportive.
“FebFast gives you a good reason to say no (to alcohol).”
Miss Rankin has extra backing, with Warrnambool friend Django Van Tholen and her partner from Melbourne also on her FebFast team. Funds raised from FebFast will support several organisations including Youth Support + Advocacy Service and Family Drug Support, helping young people regain control in their lives.
“Young people struggle with addictions and I know people who have had them. It’s really important these programs exist,” Miss Rankin said.
In an effort to take a whole-hearted approach to wellbeing, Miss Rankin is also undertaking a six-week program of healthy eating and exercise.
She said the results were already proving worthwhile.
“I haven’t found it hard and people say the first week is the hardest. I don’t want to ruin the good feelings.”
Miss Rankin and her team, Alco-nots, are aiming to raise $400. Donations can be made at febfast.org.au by clicking on the donate button and typing in Alco-nots.
