Flip Prior

It might be tempting to drown your sorrows in alcohol when it feels like the world is falling apart. But there are better, healthier ways of dealing than drinking, writes Flip Prior.

Parents are suddenly facing a whole new world of homeschooling and while it's daunting, there's plenty of advice out there to help make it work and keep kids engaged and learning.

Flip Prior has at times had a sense that some people think she's white-knuckled her way through this year, looking forward to the day she can pick up a shot glass and knock it back. It's not like that.

For some people, hearing that their friend, family member or colleague has cut back or stopped drinking alcohol can make them think about their own relationship with alcohol — and that can inspire a negative reaction.

Hanging out with colleagues in social situations often brings a not-so-subtle pressure to drink — it's ubiquitous, and opting out can feel uncomfortably weird.

If you've had a crack at Dry July, you might be wondering if you can take this journey even further. Flip Prior has just reached six months, and has been learning to deal with the highs and lows longer alcohol breaks bring.

Before I quit drinking this year, I knew in advance if I quit all the social activities I loved along with alcohol I'd be miserable, so I've made a conscious effort to get used to doing things without booze, writes Flip Prior.

Just four months ago, the idea that I would wake up early on Saturdays to exercise was pretty laughable. But since giving up alcohol, I'm arming myself with tools to make regular workouts a habit, writes Flip Prior.

Of all the challenges of a year of not drinking booze, visiting Italy must surely be up there with the hardest of them. But not being hungover and having extra cash to spend made it all worthwhile, writes Flip Prior.

Despite one minor slip-up during a potato gem baking competition, Maggie Collins is halfway through a six-month break without alcohol. But working in the music industry (hello, free drinks) means it's challenging.