I Quit Drinking at 57. Four Years Later, I’m Stronger Than Ever | Polly Lovell

At 57, Polly Lovell knew something had to change.

Her blood pressure was high, her cholesterol was elevated, she was experiencing heart palpitations and anxiety, and her sleep had become a cycle of passing out, waking up at 3 a.m. and promising herself she wouldn’t drink again.

Then 5 p.m. would come, and she’d tell herself she’d just have one glass.

Alcohol had been part of Polly’s life since she was a teenager growing up in the UK. It followed her through university, years living in Chicago and New York, motherhood, divorce and a demanding career in education. As the stress of leading schools increased, drinking became a way to switch off and numb herself.

During lockdown, it escalated even further.

One afternoon after her 57th birthday, Polly was lying on the couch watching her heart rate climb while experiencing a panic attack. Deep down, she knew what was contributing to it.

Alcohol.

Inspired by changes she had watched her daughter make in her own life, Polly decided it was finally time to change hers.

In this conversation, Polly and Melissa talk about quitting drinking later in life, wine culture, using alcohol to cope with stress, anxiety and health concerns, and the surprising changes Polly began noticing after she stopped drinking.

Polly also shares how sobriety eventually led her to become a sober and life coach, why changing your life doesn’t have to happen all at once, and how small daily habits can build into something much bigger.

Today, Polly is in her 60s, alcohol-free, coaching other women and stronger than she has ever been.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re too old, too stuck in your habits or too far down the road to change your relationship with alcohol, Polly’s story is proof that a completely different chapter can still be ahead of you.

Follow Polly on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/sobercoachpolly/

Polly's Website:

https://www.sobercoachpolly.com/