Whether it’s just to see how you feel after a 30-day break, or if you’re worried about it becoming a habit, or if you want to lose a few pounds—taking a pause from drinking alcohol is always a good idea.

Sometimes, it may feel like so many events revolve around drinking—the office party, friend meetups, and sports games—but they don’t have to. Turns out the events will still happen even if you don’t drink, and you may even have more fun.

If you seek a drink in hand, sub in these non-boozy drinks:

• Carbonated water/club soda

• Tea

• Mocktails (think virgin Paloma, virgin Moscow Mule)

• Cucumber or fruit-infused waters

• Ginger beer

Here are a few reasons living sans-alcohol may increase your daily happiness:

You sleep better:

It’s interesting that “as many as 20 percent of Americans use alcohol to help them fall asleep,” according to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF). Because while it may help you to doze off, it contributes to poor sleep later in the night. Turns out, alcohol blocks REM sleep, which is considered the most restorative type of sleep.

You save money:

America’s national drinking habit costs society $249 billion a year, according to American Journal of Preventative Medicine. But even if you’re a more casual drinker, consuming about two drinks two times a week, that may add up to about $2,000 a year.

You lose weight:

Each can of beer you drink is typically anywhere from 150-200 calories, while a bottle of wine can rack up 600. Then there’s the high-calorie snacking that usually goes along with drinking. If you skip those high-caloric beverages and snacks, you may shed pounds quickly.

You’re in a better mood:

You might think alcohol puts you in a better mood, and it may for the short term, but according to a study published in American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, people reported less happiness as they used more alcohol, and felt less happy the day after drinking.

Here’s to a happy life without alcohol! And remember, if you do give up alcohol, and find yourself experience withdrawal symptoms, such as:

• Nausea
• Dehydration
• Seizures
• Insomnia

Be in touch with your healthcare provider immediately.