Hello you
Can you believe we’re already halfway through 2025? Six months in, six months to go – and yes, that means Christmas is twinkling on the horizon (sorry, but did I mention that I love Christmas almost as much as Disney?).
July is the perfect time for a reset – and I’ve got something that could shift everything.
🚀 The July Alcohol Free Challenge Starts on Tuesday 1 July 🚀
30 days. Massive impact. And this time, I’m not just joining in – I’m part of the coaching team, supporting women across the UK and nearby time zones every step of the way.
And here’s the best part: Sarah and the rest of the team are covering all time zones, so wherever you are in the world, there’s support waiting for you.
Sarah’s in Perth, Fleur’s in Sydney, Caitlin’s in Melbourne, Alex is in New Zealand – and I’m here in the UK, cheering you on from that side of the globe.
I actually joined one of Sarah’s Alcohol Free Challenges just like this one back in January 2024. It was one of the best decisions I made.
And this July? The lineup of guest speakers is insane. One month of learning, connection, and growth. You don’t want to miss it.
I took a break from alcohol because I wasn’t sleeping well. My energy was flat, I wanted to shift some weight, and drinking just didn’t feel fun anymore.
I didn’t know that alcohol was making all my menopause symptoms much worse.
🔥 Hot flushes
🌙 Night sweats
💥 Heavy bleeding
😔 Confidence crashes
🤬 Sudden rage outbursts
I thought that it was just “normal” midlife. Turns out, wine was making things much worse.
When I stopped drinking, my symptoms improved or disappeared completely. I started sleeping better, thinking more clearly, and feeling like me again. A better and real version of me.
Here’s why: alcohol disrupts hormone balance at a time when our hormones are already all over the place. It messes with how our bodies handle oestrogen and slows down the liver’s ability to process hormones.
So while wine might feel like a stress reliever at the end of a busy day, it can actually increase anxiety, disrupt sleep cycles, and make menopause symptoms even more intense.
Why July is Perfect
✨ Lighter evenings = more energy to invest in yourself.
✨ Social events = real-world practice (with support).
✨ A mini mid-year reset = momentum for the rest of 2025.
If you’re even slightly curious, I can’t recommend it enough.
Instead of focusing on what you might be giving up, pause for a moment and ask yourself: What might you gain?
It could be the greatest gift you ever give yourself.
💡 Join the Challenge now – 99 AUD (which is around £47).
The challenge starts on Tuesday 1 July, and the group will open over the weekend for introductions and set up. I’ll be with you in the group every day – cheering you on, sharing wins, answering questions, and reminding you why you started.
💗 Replace Alcohol With a Little Self-Love Ritual 🩷
I’ve been loving a calming evening ritual with Tropic’s So Sleepy Pillow Mist and Body Love Firming Buttercream. It’s such a nourishing, peaceful way to wind down before bed. No brain fog, no 3am wake-ups – just calm, cosy vibes.
And did you know? Tropic is rated No. 1 skincare brand on Trustpilot – and for good reason. Their vegan, cruelty-free, sustainably made products are packed with powerful natural ingredients that actually work.
As a proud Tropic Ambassador, I’d love to help you swap overwhelm for a little luxe.
👉 You can explore all the lovely Tropic products here.
July Favourites: Feel-Good Picks
🎧 Podcast: Sh*gged. Married. Annoyed. – Chris and Rosie Ramsey
Not health-related, but absolutely brilliant for your wellbeing. I’ve listened to every single episode, and without fail, I end up with at least one proper laugh-out-loud moment. It’s relatable, hilarious, and the perfect antidote to a heavy week. Available for free on Spotify.
📖 Book: Beyond Booze by Sarah Rusbatch
The book I wish I had at the start of my journey – packed with real talk, inspiration, and tools to help you feel better without the booze. You can get your copy from Amazon.
🧘♀️ Vagus Nerve Breathing Meditation by Camilla Sacre-Dallerup on Insight Timer
In this short meditation (only 6 minutes), you’ll learn a breathing technique to support your vagus nerve and help your sympathetic nervous system relax and support your mental health. And, if your a Strictly fan, you may recognise the name and voice. Camilla is a former ballroom dancer turned author, life coach and hypnotherapist.
Final Thoughts
This time of year is a powerful opportunity to pause, check in, and gently ask, “What do I need right now?”
Whether you’re thriving or just getting through the days, you deserve support, clarity, and space to feel like yourself again.
If the information about the challenge has sparked your curiosity – or you’ve got questions, doubts, or just need a little nudge – I’m always here. Feel free to send any questions or feedback my way. Just hit reply.
Let’s make this your season to feel better, sleep better, and surprise yourself.
With love
Gilly
X
P.S. Here’s a recap of the key links and info we covered: