THE WITCHING HOUR RESET GUIDE
Reclaim your evenings with the Witching Hour Reset
A gentle guide to help you ride out the evening drink call, your way.
Evenings can be the trickiest time. The day is done. You’re tired. And the habit - the ritual, the reward, the relief - calls loudest. This isn’t about willpower. It’s about meeting yourself with compassion, not criticism.
Whether you're just taking a break, thinking about it or trying again, this guide is here to help you pause, reconnect and choose differently. Not forever. Just for tonight.
Try out the ideas below that resonate with you the most. If one doesn’t work, try another. A couple of helpful things to keep in mind when an urge rears its ugly head is; no one has ever woken up saying, ‘I wish I’d drank last night,’ and another thing to remember is the urges ALWAYS pass.
Recognise What You Really Need
Evening drinking is often a shortcut to something deeper. Ask yourself gently:
The 10-Minute Trick
Before you pour anything, wait 10 minutes. Try one of the following:
Play It Forward
Imagine two versions of tonight:
Picture both honestly, no judgement. Let your future self help make the decision.
Say Something Out Loud
Try one of these mantras:
The Soothe & Switch List
Try one thing from each column below. These small switches can meet your need without pouring a drink.
Body Soothers
Mind Shifters
Connection Moments
Drink Replacements
Keep the ritual, change the drink
A Quick Reframe
Evening Plan: Fill the Gaps
Make a simple plan for 5-10pm:
Gentle Reminders
This is just a tiny taster of what we have to offer. If you’d like more support, encouragement or ideas for your break from booze or your alcohol-free journey, we’re here whenever you’re ready.
A gentle guide to help you ride out the evening drink call, your way.
Evenings can be the trickiest time. The day is done. You’re tired. And the habit - the ritual, the reward, the relief - calls loudest. This isn’t about willpower. It’s about meeting yourself with compassion, not criticism.
Whether you're just taking a break, thinking about it or trying again, this guide is here to help you pause, reconnect and choose differently. Not forever. Just for tonight.
Try out the ideas below that resonate with you the most. If one doesn’t work, try another. A couple of helpful things to keep in mind when an urge rears its ugly head is; no one has ever woken up saying, ‘I wish I’d drank last night,’ and another thing to remember is the urges ALWAYS pass.
Recognise What You Really Need
Evening drinking is often a shortcut to something deeper. Ask yourself gently:
- Am I tired? Overstimulated? Lonely?
- Do I want comfort, quiet, connection or just a break from the day?
- What would feel kind right now?
The 10-Minute Trick
Before you pour anything, wait 10 minutes. Try one of the following:
- Brush your teeth
- Change into comfy clothes
- Step outside and breathe
- Cuddle a pet or soft blanket
- Make a hot drink
- Move to a different space
- Go for a drive
Play It Forward
Imagine two versions of tonight:
- One where you drink
- One where you don’t
Picture both honestly, no judgement. Let your future self help make the decision.
Say Something Out Loud
Try one of these mantras:
- Not tonight.
- This feeling will pass.
- I want something better.
- Just for now, I’ll stay with myself.
The Soothe & Switch List
Try one thing from each column below. These small switches can meet your need without pouring a drink.
Body Soothers
- A warm bath or shower
- Changing into something soft
- Self-massage or stretching
- Dimming the lights
- Wrapping up in a cosy blanket
Mind Shifters
- Watch a favourite show
- Do a short guided meditation
- Read 5 pages of a good book
- Doodle, paint or knit
- Write down 3 things you’re proud of today
Connection Moments
- Call or message a friend who understands
- Send a voice note to someone you trust
- Journal as if you were texting a friend
- Read a blog or story from someone who’s walked this road
- Remind yourself: You’re not the only one
Drink Replacements
Keep the ritual, change the drink
- Sparkling water with fruit or mint
- A fancy mocktail in a wine glass or an NA beer
- Herbal tea with honey
- Warm almond milk with cinnamon
A Quick Reframe
Complete the sentence: ‘If I don’t drink tonight, I will…’
- Sleep better
- Feel proud
- Keep a promise to myself
- Wake up with clarity
- Remember how strong I actually am
Evening Plan: Fill the Gaps
Make a simple plan for 5-10pm:
- Make sure you eat early
- Watch something relaxing
- Connect with someone
- Prepare a warm drink
- Go to bed a bit earlier
Gentle Reminders
- You’re not broken
- You’re not alone
- This feeling will pass
- You don’t have to be perfect
- You’re doing something brave
Keep The Witching Hour Reset close. Print it out, pin it to your fridge or screenshot it on your phone.
This is just a tiny taster of what we have to offer. If you’d like more support, encouragement or ideas for your break from booze or your alcohol-free journey, we’re here whenever you’re ready.
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