Picture this: you're walking into a holiday party, excited to have a good time. There are trays of food but also trays of drinks. Temptation is smiling at you. The host greets you with a glass of champagne. She has a great buzz going and wants you to catch a warm holiday buzz.
A polite decline feels impossible as everyone is partaking. You want to have a good time without waking up with a hangover (and hangxiety) the next day.
You don't want to be the buzzkill, but you set a drink limit ahead of time. It's getting stressful, and it feels like all eyes are on you.
Has this ever happened to you? It doesn't have to be this way. Today, let's talk about how to reduce your drinking and still have holiday fun.
Have a limit and a polite way to decline more drink offers.
When declining a drink offer, the key is to be polite and gracious while keeping your limit in mind. One way to do this is to acknowledge the offer with a simple "no, thank you," coupled with a smile.
You could also explain your reason for not accepting the offer, pointing out that you're driving or want to cut back for a big event later in the evening. Another strategy is to move on from the topic of alcohol, perhaps by changing the subject or greeting a new group of people in the room.
Whichever method you choose, remember that staying firm and respectful while setting limits can help preserve your health and happiness while drinking socially. And always keep in mind that if they keep pushing, all you have to say is, "So why do you care if I drink or not?"
You can also avoid drink offers by having something in your hand at all times. There are plenty of great choices if you're looking for tasty non-alcoholic drink options that you can enjoy all year long. Some of the most popular non-alcoholic drinks include fruit-infused iced teas, freshly squeezed juice, fruity mocktails, and herbal teas. Many of these beverages are not only delicious and refreshing but also packed with beneficial nutrients that can help support good health!
Ask your support system for help.
When the holidays roll around, it can be tempting to overindulge and spend hours enjoying festive drinks with our friends and families. However, too much drinking can interfere with your health and weight goals and negatively impact your memory, mood, and ability to think clearly.
One strategy you can use is to set a goal for yourself and share it openly with your friends and family. For example, you might decide that you will only have one drink per day during the holiday season or limit yourself to a few glasses per week. By sharing your goal with others, you are more likely to stick to it; if everyone knows that you plan on keeping things in moderation, they will be less likely to pressure or tempt you into drinking excessively.
Having social support while cutting down on holiday drinks can help boost your confidence and morale. And by focusing on the benefits – such as improved energy levels and clearer thinking – rather than dwelling solely on restrictions or limitations, you'll find it easier to achieve your desired balance this season.
Host your own gathering (and have a mocktail contest)!
Mixing delicious drinks is a complex and multifaceted art that is often underappreciated. If there's one skill that every adult should have in their repertoire, it's the ability to create tasty mocktails - non-alcoholic drinks that are full of flavor and complexity yet also easy to make.
Hold a mocktail contest, invite loved ones to try different beverage combinations, and judge which ones taste best. Take inspiration from the season and play around with hot cocoa and cider!
Other holiday activities that the whole family and friend group will love:
- Holiday movie marathons
- Tree-decorating party
- Baking
- Playing in the snow
- Volunteering
- Holiday crafts
The holidays are a time to come together with loved ones and enjoy good food and drinks. While it's tempting to indulge, keep track of how much you're drinking with the Reframe app. You can also tap into the Reframe community through the forum or check-in meetings. This way, you can stay in control and ensure this holiday season is your best!
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