My (Not) Drinking Diary, Eleanor Conway

Welcome to The (Not) Drinking Diary Series! I’ll be chatting to people on alcohol and on life; about their sobriety, mindful drinking and/or alcohol free, not drinking period.

Eleanor Conway is a stand up comedian, currently on tour with her debut smash Walk of Shame. I am SO excited to have her on the blog, I went to see her show with my lovely friend Cath & it is bloody (can I swear on my blog … I guess I just have!) brilliant. Her next London show is 6th July and you should definitely go, in fact I might go again … click here for tickets. 

Read on for her not drinking diary …

Name: Eleanor Conway

Location: London, UK

1.What led you to think differently about drinking?

Too much of it, I barely had time to work on my actual life. Too many hangovers, too many accidents, lost jobs and injuries!

2.How would you describe your relationship with alcohol now?

I’m indifferent to it at the moment. I actually don’t think I could drink a glass of wine.

3.What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced since your approach to alcohol shifted?

I’d say learning how to connect and feel connected. There’s a difficulty in finding a place where you can zone out. I probably need to meditate and exercise more to be honest. I hear that’s beneficial.

4.What lessons have you learnt about life (and yourself) since your relationship with alcohol has changed?

Loads actually; it’s ok to have a rubbish day and to wade through the emotions that brings. It won’t last forever.

5. How do you start your day? Do you have a morning routine?

A strong black coffee. I know I should have a more zen morning routine, but I’m always a bit hyped up to what I need to do that day I forget to take ‘me’ time to be honest.

6. Do you have any rituals you always make time for?

I don’t really to be honest, I call my sober mates and have a catch up with those are that newly sober. I’m really bad at self care I’m going to be honest.

7. What’s your favourite thing to do (hangover free  & not drinking) at the weekend?

Meet up with mates over brunch, it’s pretty dull if you compare it to my old life where I would be doing the walk of shame at that time… But I’m ok with that.

8. When it comes to your own personal development, what is one thing that you’re working on or learning right now?

I’m trying to be healthier around relationships and trying to get back into exercise as well. Also not being to hard on myself.

9. What is the one thing you’re obsessed with at the moment that’s making your life better?

I’m very focused on my comedy career at the moment and touring my show Walk of Shame around… That does take up most of my time if I’m honest. And it gives me loads of pleasure.

10. And finally, thinking differently about alcohol can be challenging and isolating, is there any advice you turned to or do you have any words of wisdom for people reading this?

Find other people that are also in the same boat, either through the traditional ways or via online support groups. Take it a day at a time and finally, it will get easier!

Eleanor Conway’s next London show is on the 6th July & you can get your ticket here.

Follow Eleanor Conway on Instagram, Twitter and check out her website & be sure to check out the other Not Drinking diaries, there is a new one every Tuesday.