Gillian Tietz on The Power of Sobriety and Navigating Dry January
Dec 11, 2023
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Gillian Tietz, biochemist and entrepreneur, shares her journey of sobriety and its positive impact on productivity. They discuss the physiological and psychological effects of alcohol, the benefits of taking breaks from alcohol and caffeine, and the pros and cons of the popular 'Dry January' trend.
Dry January can provide valuable insights about one's drinking patterns and the effects of alcohol, but it's important to keep an open mind and extend the break if beneficial.
Understanding the physiological and psychological effects of alcohol can help develop self-awareness and make informed choices about drinking habits.
Deep dives
The pros and cons of Dry January
Dry January, where people abstain from drinking for the month of January, has both pros and cons. The pros include improved health, learning about one's drinking patterns, experiencing social situations without alcohol, and gaining valuable insights about the effects of alcohol. On the other hand, some cons of Dry January are the focus on the end goal of drinking again, missing out on the cognitive benefits that take longer to develop, and the pressure it can create for some individuals. It is important to keep an open mind and consider extending the break from alcohol beyond January if it feels beneficial.
Understanding the physiological and psychological effects of alcohol
Alcohol can have significant effects on the brain and body. Over time, excessive alcohol consumption can change the brain, making it more rewarding and inclined towards alcohol. It can lead to emotional instability, heightened anxiety, and amplified negative emotions. Additionally, alcohol can disrupt sleep and impact overall productivity. Understanding these effects can help individuals develop self-awareness and make informed choices about their drinking habits.
The personal journey and creation of Sober-powered Media
Gillian Teats, the host of Sober-powered Media, shares her personal journey with alcohol moderation and the negative impact it had on her productivity and self-confidence. After four years of sobriety, she launched Sober-powered Media as a way to provide information and support for those considering sobriety. Gillian's background in biochemistry helped her understand the physiological and psychological effects of alcohol, which she combines with her personal experience to create valuable content for her audience.
The benefits of sobriety on productivity and well-being
Gillian explains how quitting alcohol has positively impacted her productivity and overall well-being. Previously, she used her career and educational achievements to justify her drinking, but she realized that she was only operating at a bare minimum, spending a significant amount of time recovering from and thinking about drinking. In sobriety, she has experienced increased confidence, consistent sleep patterns, and the ability to pursue her goals with determination. Quitting alcohol has allowed her to achieve personal and professional milestones, and she encourages others to explore the benefits of sobriety for their own productivity and success.
This week I was excited to speak with Gillian Tietz. Gillian is a biochemist, educator, and entrepreneur who, after struggling with alcohol moderation, found productivity and success in sobriety. Gillian is the host of the Sober Powered Podcast and works as a biochemist in the Boston area. When she quit drinking in 2019, she dedicated herself to learning about alcohol's influence on the brain and how it can cause addiction.
In this episode, Gillian shares her personal journey of realizing the negative impact of drinking on her productivity and confidence, and how sobriety has led to numerous accomplishments. The conversation explores the physiological and psychological effects of alcohol, the importance of self-awareness, and the potential benefits of taking breaks from both alcohol and caffeine.
Gillian also shares resources for those interested in exploring sobriety further while breaking down the benefits and drawbacks of the popular “Dry January” craze that has become extremely popular amongst young professionals. The episode concludes with Gillian and I reflecting on personal habits and making informed decisions for a healthier future.