National Edge Day – October 17, 2022, history, significance

National Edge Day – October 17, 2022, history, significance

The straight edge lifestyle means refraining from alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. Would you believe a sub-genre of hardcore punk rockers inspired this movement? It’s true. On October 17, celebrate National Edge Day by resetting your mind and body — and exploring a unique way of life. If you always live the straight edge, this is a great time to encourage your friends to try it with you. Look no further for plenty of ideas and activities to make National Edge Day special.


NATIONAL EDGE DAY TIMELINE


June 1981
A punk band went “straight”
The hardcore punk band Minor Threat first released the song “Straight Edge” in 1981. The term was soon adopted as a title for the movement to refrain from using drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.



1999
National Edge Day was born
Although people had begun to live the straight edge lifestyle in the 1980s, the movement gained traction in the 1990s. National Edge Day was created in 1999 in Boston during an event called Edge Fest.



2000s
Some added veganism
By the early 2000s many people in the movement added veganism to their straight edge lifestyles. Although not officially part of the movement, some began to refer to themselves as vegan straight edge — or with the symbol xVx.


NATIONAL EDGE DAY ACTIVITIES
Write down your experience


National Edge Day celebrates restraint and reflection. If you’re trying it for the first time, look back on your experience at the end of the day so you can remember how it made you feel. If you’ve been straight edge for a long time, use this day to reflect on your journey and how living straight edge has changed you.


Make some mocktails
If you normally like to unwind with an alcoholic beverage, you can still get creative making a fun drink for yourself. Try making a virgin lemon drop by shaking lemon juice, simple syrup, and water and pouring it into a sugar-rimmed martini glass. Invite your friends over and throw a mocktail party on National Edge Day!



Go straight edge together
For some, the straight edge lifestyle might sound intimidating. Make it fun by grabbing a good friend and trying it together! You can share tips and reflect on the experience so you’ll feel positive and motivated throughout the day.



3 CELEBRITIES YOU DIDN’T KNOW WERE STRAIGHT EDGE


Bradley Cooper
After he felt like his drinking and partying were becoming too wild, the film star made the decision to become sober and live straight edge.



Steve Aoki
While attending UC Santa Barbara, Aoki adhered to the vegan straight edge lifestyle.


Phillip Jack Brooks or CM Punk
The retired professional wrestler embodied the straight edge movement in the ring, but now also adheres to the principles in his daily life.



WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL EDGE DAY


Straight edge is healthy
When you live without drugs, alcohol, and tobacco you may notice improved sleep and increased energy. Living straight edge helps you stay in control of your mind and body and might even prevent a substance abuse problem.



Straight edge saves you money
When you don’t spend money on cigarettes or alcohol, you can save a lot. For example, having one or two glasses of wine during the week can add up to hundreds of dollars by the end of the month. Think about all of the other things you could be doing with this money, such as planning a vacation or buying tickets to a concert.


Living straight edge gives you a different perspective
Whether you’ve lived straight edge for many years or celebrate once a year on National Edge Day, living the straight edge lifestyle can open your eyes to a different way of living. Take time to enjoy the simple things in life without any distractions!

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