When you quit drinking, the physical detox gets a lot of attention—but what about the emotional detox? In this episode of No More Wasted Days, Heather and Sara dive into what it really means to emotionally detox after quitting alcohol.

They explore why emotions feel so intense in early sobriety, how to move through them without fear, and how emotional healing is not just necessary—it’s transformational. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, irritable, tearful, or deeply vulnerable after quitting drinking, this episode will help you feel seen, supported, and empowered.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 💬 What emotional detox is and why it happens after quitting drinking 💬 Why sadness, anger, restlessness, and even joy can feel overwhelming at first 💬 How to navigate emotional flashbacks and unexpected feelings without shame 💬 Practical tools for managing emotional detox with self-compassion 💬 How to view emotional healing as a beautiful part of your alcohol-free journey

Key Takeaways: ✅ Emotional detox is normal—it’s your nervous system defrosting and healing. ✅ Feeling emotions doesn’t mean you’re doing sobriety wrong—it means you’re doing it right. ✅ Rest, nourishing yourself, and allowing feelings to move through you are powerful acts of self-care. ✅ Emotional growth doesn’t require perfection—it only asks for presence. ✅ You’re worthy of love, joy, and peace—no matter where you are in your journey.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Feeling is the work.” – Heather
• “Your body isn’t broken. It’s defrosting.” – Heather
• “You don’t have to fix every feeling. Sometimes you just have to feel it.” – Sara
• “You are not broken—you are learning how to feel again.” – Heather
• “You’ll never regret the work you do on yourself.” – Sara

Challenge of the Week: ✨ Think of one emotion you’ve been avoiding. Ask yourself: What is this feeling trying to tell me? Then give yourself permission to just sit with it—no judgment, no fixing.

Join the Daymakers Community or sign up for 1-on-1 coaching with Heather! ✨ Get personalized support, tools, and encouragement for your alcohol-free journey. 👉 Learn more here

Resources Mentioned:

• Daymakers Community: Weekly coaching calls, private messaging threads, and a supportive community. Learn more here.
• Heather’s 1-on-1 Coaching: Tailored support to help you navigate your alcohol-free life.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow caregiver and leave a comment on Spotify or YouTube. Let’s break free from the guilt trap together! 💛

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Looking for support on your alcohol free journey? Consider joining us in the Day Makers Community. CLICK HERE for all the details. Want some 1-on-1 support on your alcohol free journey? Work with Heather as your alcohol free coach. CLICK HERE to start working with Heather today.

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Follow the podcast on Social Media:

IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod

Follow Sara on Social Media: IG: @no_more_wasted_days

TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

Follow Heather on Social Media: IG: @theheatherleecollective

TikTok: @thealcoholfreecoach

Ready for an alcohol free weekend?? CLICK HERE to join the free No More Wasted Weekends Challenge. We start on April 25th, and I can’t wait to see you there. ✌️❤️

It’s Sara’s birthday! 🎉 In this special solo episode of No More Wasted Days, Sara reflects on her 46th birthday and what it means to celebrate another year alcohol-free. With five sober birthdays under her belt and nearly six years alcohol-free, Sara takes you behind the scenes of her personal growth, honest struggles, and the evolving mindset that’s shaped her journey.

To honor turning 46, she shares 4 powerful anchors that keep her grounded in her alcohol-free life—and 6 things she’s working on letting go of in her 46th year. From routines to nature, people-pleasing to perfectionism, this episode is filled with heartfelt wisdom and gentle reminders to help you reflect on your own sobriety journey.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🎂 Why sober birthdays feel better—mentally, emotionally, and physically 🌱 4 practices that help Sara stay alcohol-free and fully present 🧹 6 things she’s actively letting go of to grow into her next year ✨ How letting go of old identities, people-pleasing, and external validation opens up space for self-trust and joy 👣 Encouragement to reflect on your own sobriety anchors and growth

4 Things That Anchor Sara’s Alcohol-Free Life:

1. Nature – Daily hikes, her land, and even her chickens remind her how to slow down and stay present
2. Daily Routines – Structure, simplicity, and reclaimed mornings
3. Connection with Others – Through her community, her family, and new goals for real-life friendships
4. Health & Wellbeing – A shifting focus on intuitive living, joyful movement, and nourishing self-care

6 Things She’s Letting Go Of in Her 46th Year:

1. People-pleasing
2. Old identities (suburban mom, “fun drinker,” perfectionist)
3. Limiting beliefs (especially around body image, success, and worth)
4. Over-functioning (doing everything for everyone)
5. Outdated definitions of fun
6. The need for external validation

Memorable Quotes:

• “Now, I remember my birthdays—and I’m present for them.”
• “You can’t ‘should’ all over yourself and expect to grow.”
• “Sobriety isn’t just about what I let go of—it’s about what I let in.”
• “Growth doesn’t make me lovable—I already am.”
• “Your animals will teach you how to live a healthy life—watch them.”

Challenge of the Week: 🎈Reflect on what’s anchoring you in your alcohol-free journey—and what you’re ready to let go of. Share your answer in a comment or review as a little birthday gift to Sara!

📅 Starts April 25 ✨ Go through a full alcohol-free weekend with Sara as your guide 🧡 Includes a live kickoff call, daily check-ins, and community support 🎯 Whether it’s your 1st or 50th alcohol-free weekend, this challenge is for you 👉 Sign up here

Call to Action: 💬 If this episode inspired you, share it with a friend, leave a review, and be sure to subscribe to the podcast if you haven’t already.

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Looking for support on your alcohol free journey? Consider joining us in the Day Makers Community. CLICK HERE for all the details. Want some 1-on-1 support on your alcohol free journey? Work with Heather as your alcohol free coach. CLICK HERE to start working with Heather today.

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Follow the podcast on Social Media:

IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod

Follow Sara on Social Media: IG: @no_more_wasted_days

TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial

Follow Heather on Social Media: IG: @theheatherleecollective

TikTok: @thealcoholfreecoach