You only have to open up your Instagram, and you see that 9 out of 10 people are partying and doing whatnot on the weekend. The reason for me to delete Instagram is because it gives me FOMO. What I don’t know, can’t touch me either.
I can imagine that’s too big a step for you, so I thought it would be interesting to do some research on the Internet to see what other people think about this and what if any, benefits there are if you choose to stop partying. I hope this is helpful to you if you are considering the idea of quitting partying and adopting a different lifestyle.
Why Do We Party?
So, when I was in my early 20s it was really all that me and my friends did, on a Friday night we would go to the city, and then on Saturday we would go again. Now, of course, it helped that when you are younger you can handle hangovers better, so going to town twice (or more) a week was no problem.
But what is it actually about partying that draws us people to it so much?
It’s quite simple: partying connects people; it creates a sense of belonging. It is something we humans have been doing for centuries to perform certain rituals, for example. Associated with many rituals is a feast where people come together to celebrate a certain event. This is a universal human trait that is reflected in just about every culture and religion. Consider, for example, getting married (the ritual) and the celebration afterward.
Applying this to the present day, it’s clear that people still crave connection. However, many, particularly young people, face significant pressure and often seek relief by going out on the weekends. With a drink in hand, they temporarily forget the week’s stress and feel like they are living in the moment. It’s important to recognize that this is an illusion—how can you truly live in the moment if you aren’t fully aware of it?
It is a fact for both young adults and adults in this day and age to experience a great deal of pressure. We are experiencing pressure due to the feeling of always having to do everything right, having to be constantly available, care responsibilities, and the combination of work and family life. Another cause is social media, which makes us often feel we are not good enough.
Enough reason to numb ourselves, right?
Benefits Of Stopping Partying
We all know the straightforward benefits such as saving money, not having hangovers the next day, being able to pursue your goals, and so on. However, I want to go into some of the deeper, long-term advantages it can offer, which I believe are truly beneficial.
Why Do You Party?
You might figure out that drinking and partying is just not for you. Quitting gives you the freedom and opportunity to start discovering what it really is that you like doing.
Let’s face it, it is considered normal to do certain things at a certain age: it is determined by society that it is normal to party, and drink and that this is the (only) way to have a good time in your 20s.
But have you ever thought about whether this is actually what you want to do? Are you getting out of it what you think you’re getting out of it? Or are you just doing it because otherwise you don’t belong and you feel like you’re missing out on everything?
You Will Make Meaningful Connections
The connections you make are meaningful. Looking at my party career, the connections I made with people in a club or at a festival; were not very meaningful. But how can you expect to have an intellectual conversation while you can’t even hear what you are the other person is saying since your ears are blasted off by the music?
I haven’t tried it yet, but I can’t wait to go to a party once sober and watch people. Not to judge them, but just to see what it’s really like. I expect it to be hilarious.
Anyway, my point here is that you make so much more valuable connections with people when you’re sober. You can think clearly and quickly see if someone is a match yes or no. Saves you quite some time in the end don’t you think? I am not talking about love relationships, but also potential friends.
Now I hear you thinking, but where on earth am I going to meet people? Yes, you will even have to put some effort into it but believe me there are plenty of places. Think about team sports, try some new hobbies such as claying or painting – use Google and you will see there is a lot more than just festivals and clubs.
Your Life Gets Richer
Think about it for a second. Going to a club every weekend, seeing the same people, drinking the same drinks. Maybe you are going to different places each weekend, but it comes down to the same thing. How boring is it to do this over and over again..
Quitting partying forces you to think about other things to do with your life. Looking at myself, I have been trying a lot of new things lately – playing the piano, taking yoga classes, sculpting a cat coffee mug with a friend, and trying different sports classes. And no I don’t like everything, but you have to try things to find out what you like to do. And even if you only do it once, it is and always will be fun to try new things.
Bonus point – by trying new things, you also meet new people. Probably people who have the same interests as you. This can lead to valuable new friendships and at the same time helps you diversify your social circle.
Possible Challenges
All My Friends Are Party Animals
But all my friends are party animals, how will I be able to break free from it?
Peer pressure, FOMO, I get it. But you need to get clear for yourself why you are making a decision. Ultimately, you are doing it for yourself and not for someone else. If you are, chances are it won’t last. So, first and foremost, understand your reasons and communicate them clearly to your friends.
Also, be prepared that your friends may not take it as positively as you would like, and that’s totally okay. It’s common to encounter resistance or misunderstanding when making lifestyle changes, especially if these changes impact your social dynamics. Realize that you might serve as a mirror to them: Perhaps you have made a choice they would also like to make deep in their hearts.
What I have done personally is propose other fun things to do. Me and my friends now have breakfast dates, going for a workout class together, and going for walks in the forest. I have also noticed that we get to know each other on a whole different level.
Be prepared for the possibility that you might lose some friendships along the way. In my personal experience, I’ve had to say goodbye to some people with whom my main activities were drinking and going out. Remember, staying true to yourself and your goals is crucial. Real friends will support your decisions, even if it takes them some time to adjust.
But How Do I Spend My Time?
I am going to be a bit firm here, but please please please wake up. There is so much more in this beautiful life than what you think there is. There is so much more than what you have discovered so far. So be a little open-minded and willing when it comes to this.
Google is your best friend. Go explore new hobbies, go explore new cities, try new recipes, go learn some new skills. So many fun things that you can try and you are so worth it to explore all those.
In my experience, there will be some resistance, because you are about to create a life that you do not know yet, and you will leave behind the familiar. Our brains crave safety, and this journey will push you out of your comfort zone. However, trust me when I say your life will become richer for it—that’s how it’s been for me. If I can do it, so can you!
So, these are my thoughts and tips for when you decide to say goodbye to the party life. Remember that it is a huge decision you are making and it might be difficult in the beginning. But I do believe if it is what you really want, you will make it work.
