It’s the most wonderful time of the year! It’s a time to unwind and enjoy time with loved ones during the holidays. But for many people, the holidays can also be a time of stress and overindulgence. If you’re trying to cut back on drinking this holiday season, here are a few tips to help you stay on track.
Set realistic goals: Determine how much you want to drink ahead of time
Determine how much you want to drink ahead of time. This will help you keep track of your consumption and stick to your goal. Choose drinks that you savor and alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Drink plenty of water throughout the night to help prevent a hangover the next day.
Have a plan: Choose specific days or events where you will drink alcohol
If you’re trying to cut back on your alcohol intake, it’s important to have a plan. Choose specific days or events where you will drink alcohol. On these days, limit yourself to one or two drinks. Alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages while sipping slowly. Keep track of how much you’re drinking and don’t allow yourself to get too drunk. If you find yourself struggling to stick to your plan, talk to a friend or family member who can help you stay on track.
Avoid high-risk situations: Do not put yourself in a position to overindulge.
Additionally, this is a time when drinking excessive amounts of alcohol is more common. Avoiding high-risk situations that might encourage binge drinking is important.
One way to do this is to steer clear of social situations where alcohol will be flowing freely. This might mean avoiding parties or gatherings where you know there will be drinking, or simply not staying at the bar for too long if you’re out with friends.
Another way to reduce your risk of overindulging is to set limits for yourself ahead of time. Decide how many drinks you’re going to have before you even start drinking, and stick to that number no matter what.
Stick to your plan: Do not let peer pressure dictate your drinking
This holiday season, don’t let the cheer turn into a hangover. Stick to your plan and cut back on drinking by following these tips:
- Set a limit for yourself and stick to it. Don’t let others pressure you into drinking more than you’re comfortable with.
- Pace yourself. Sipping slowly will help you drink less overall and prevent you from getting too drunk, too fast.
- Alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. This will help you keep hydrated and slow down your drinking.
- Know your limits. If you know you can’t handle more than two drinks, then stick to that limit. There’s no shame in cutting yourself off early.
Practice Mindful Drinking
Be aware of how much you’re drinking by practicing “Mindful Drinking” and make sure to pace yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in the festive atmosphere and lose track of how much you’ve had to drink. Try making cocktails with less alcohol or non-alcoholic drinks. This way you can still enjoy the taste of a festive drink without overdoing it on the booze. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to say no thanks if someone offers you a drink. It’s your prerogative to cut back on your drinking and there’s no shame in saying no.
Seek support: Talk to friends and family about your goals.
Talk to your loved ones about your goals if you want to reduce your alcohol consumption this holiday season, according to experts.
“It’s really important to have that support from family and friends,” said Dr. Sarah Worsley, a psychiatry resident at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont. “If you’re trying to make a change with your drinking, tell people about it.”
Worsley said people are more likely to stick to their goals if they have the support of those around them. “It can be really hard to do this alone,” she said.
If you’re not sure how to bring up the subject, Worsley suggested saying something like: “‘I’m worried about my drinking and I want to try to cut back.
Conclusion
Remember that moderation is key when it comes to alcohol consumption during the holidays. There are a variety of ways to cut back on your drinking, from limiting yourself to a certain number of drinks per night to choosing lower-alcoholic beverages. Whatever method you choose, stick to it and enjoy a happy, healthy holiday season!
Read more at: https://sevenarticle.com/