The holiday season is upon us! Excitement is building and everyone is looking forward to time with family and friends. However, the season can bring increased pressure and stress. Whether traveling to be with family or doing last-minute errands or gift buying, most people feel under pressure during the holidays. And, as you might suspect, the holiday season can be a season of excess, especially when it comes to alcohol.
It’s easy to get carried away and take things to excess when you’re in a celebratory mood. But, staying mindful and making good choices can help maintain a healthy mood and lifestyle, especially around the holidays.
The following simple tips for consuming alcohol in moderation throughout the season will keep you on track:
• Say no thank you. Resist the pressure to drink or serve alcohol at every social event. Just because it’s there, doesn’t mean you need to drink it. Rest assured, it’s not rude to choose a non-alcoholic beverage over an alcoholic one.
• Options are a good thing. If you’re hosting a party, keep a variety of non-alcoholic drinks on-hand. Guests will feel more comfortable declining your invitation to the bar if the other options are located in a convenient and obvious place. It also puts the focus on the holiday rather than your tipsy Uncle Mike.
• Plan ahead. It’s important to designate a driver or ride service before the party begins. This will remove any option to drive under the influence, minimizing the possibility of endangering yourself or others on your way home.
• Choose your limit. If you are going to drink, do what responsible drinkers do. Decide ahead of time how many drinks you will have and stick to it.
• Remember…alcohol is a complement, not the purpose. Sometimes we lose sight of the holiday and the meaning behind its importance. Keep the focus on family and friends and remember the reason for the gatherings: a time to celebrate with those you love.
• Practice moderation. Holidays are a time for treats and traditions. Savoring every sip and enjoying each bite can curb your desire to go back for another round. Drinking in moderation and encouraging your loved ones to do the same is always a good idea.
• Drink water between alcoholic drinks. Alcohol can cause dehydration, which is often why we don’t feel our best the next day after over-drinking. Commit to alternating between alcohol and water to stay hydrated and slow down your pace.
The holidays are special and a great reason to celebrate. While it can be tough to stay mindful through the hustle and bustle, use these tips to maintain wellness and set an example for others on what it means to enjoy the holiday season.
Sarah Merkle is an author, health coach, yoga teacher, and motivational speaker on a mission to transform lives. She is the founder of Zen4, a company that helps organizations achieve their full growth potential by providing Connected Employee Solutions. She can be reached at sarah@zen4.co.
