Millie Mackintosh celebrated one year alcohol-free when she posted a poignant Instagram post on Friday to mark the milestone.
The reality star immediately looked radiant as she delved into how getting sober has completely changed her life for the better and radically reduced her anxiety.
The 34-year-old wowed in a summer wrap dress that showed off a hint of cleavage as she enjoyed a mocktail in celebration.
With a collection of photos from the past year, Millie showed how happy she’s been over the past year, while focusing on her health and her family, rather than the booze.
She captioned the photo: “Today I’m celebrating a year of alcohol-free life, my first sobriety!”
Milestone: Millie Mackintosh, 34, has opened up about less anxiety as she celebrated one year of sobriety in an Instagram post on Friday
Life-changing: The reality star looked positively radiant in the snaps as she delved into how going sober has completely changed her life for the better and radically reduced her anxiety
“I’ve been open and honest here about the reasons why I quit alcohol and how this was aimed at improving and protecting my mental health.
“In the beginning it was hard work and sometimes it still feels hard, especially with the social pressure to drink. In our society it felt almost impossible not to, but a big change happened when I realized I had the power to choose to say no! ‘
Millie is married to former Made In Chelsea star Hugo Taylor and the couple are parents to daughters Sienna, three, and Aurelia, 21 months.
The star shared some adorable snaps of her time spent with her daughters as they all wore matching floral outfits.
She continued, “It’s not about ‘giving up’ or ‘giving up,’ it’s about living my most authentic life in a way that makes me feel my best.
“I realized that saying no to things that no longer serve me opens up space in my life for things that bring me joy, and that has been a big part of this past year, rediscovering myself, who I am at 34 and what brings me happiness. I care less what people think of me and I have much less anxiety!’
Millie confessed that while she doesn’t drink alcohol for now, she can’t say for sure if it’s a choice she’ll make for life, but she vows to stay sober “as long as it feels right.”
“I have not set a time limit, but I will avoid alcohol as long as it feels right. I am so proud of myself for making it through a full year, for making a promise to myself and keeping it. Millie in her twenties or even a few years ago wouldn’t have had the courage to come this far and I’m so proud of that growth.
If you’re interested, I’m sharing more about my journey in my stories today. Be sure to also check out my recent chat with Hamish for the @soberawkward podcast.
“Tonight I’ll show you a mocktail and how far I’ve come and how much I’ve changed in the last 365 days!”
Congratulations: “Today I celebrate a year of alcohol-free life, my first sobriety!” Millie wrote
Healthier: Millie shared how going alcohol-free had improved her health, mentally and physically
Mother life: Millie can now spend more time with her daughters Sienna, three, and Aurelia, 21 months
Millie has spoken in the past about how her decision to quit alcohol came after deciding to improve her mental health.
She said on an Instagram story in July, “It was a decision I made because I wanted to improve my mental health, and in particular my anxiety levels, which were really high, especially after the second baby came out of lockdown.”
Sobriety has also helped Millie in her role as a mother to her two little ones.
“I feel like I’ve really found my identity as a mom, I’ve really enjoyed this year with my girls and we’ve made so many incredible memories together that I’ll cherish forever,” she added.
Millie shared her stories in a question-and-answer session on Friday, admitting she’s never tempted by alcohol.
“I’ve just gotten to a point where I feel really happy with my decision and I know it’s the best thing for me and my overall health and happiness, so there’s just no point in choosing a drink over my happiness and well-being the next day. it’s not really an option for me.’
Happy couple: Millie is married to former Made In Chelsea star Hugo Taylor
Put Herself First: Millie has shared how she went alcohol free to improve her mental health and in particular her anxiety levels which were very high
‘I haven’t set a time limit, but I will avoid alcohol as long as it feels right’: While the star said she hadn’t committed to sobriety forever, she isn’t tempted to start drinking again anytime soon
Not tempted: “I don’t see a drink and think ‘Oh, I want that’, all I think about is how I’m going to feel the next day and there are so many great alternatives,” she explained
“I don’t see a drink and think, ‘Oh, I want that,’ I just think about how I’m going to feel the next day and there are so many great alternatives.”
She also joked that while it has changed her social weekend plans, it hasn’t interfered with it as much as having kids: “It has some, but not as much as having kids!”
While discussing whether she would ever drink again, she admitted that she doesn’t want the pressure of saying she never drinks again, but she “definitely doesn’t feel like she wants to go back anytime soon, but who knows in the future.”
“However, I don’t think I can make it work, that’s my gut feeling, but we’ll see. If I did, I think I would drink very differently, but for now the alcohol-free life suits me.’