It’s the season to be jolly once again. If you’re not feeling it, then a few spirits should give you a bit of that holiday cheer. Yes, a few - too much can lead to a handful of health problems. However, since it’s the festive time of the year again, one bottle can turn to two, even four, causing some of us to need medicine for headache and fever the morning after the drinking sessions.
Don’t be one of them; do what alcoholic drink labels tell you - drink moderately. If you’re finding it a struggle to obey it, check out these tips.
Don’t stack up at home
If you’re trying to fight your urge to drink, don’t have any in the place that’s most convenient to you: home. By refusing to have any alcohol on your abode, you won’t have anything to grab whenever you’re feeling thirsty for some shots. Also, the sheer thought of the inconvenience of having to go out and buy drinks may deter you from the idea of boozing out.
Say no
Your resolve to stay away from the drinks may be as strong as the mountain, but it can crumble when your family and friends start talking you into it. However, that shouldn’t always be the case. You need to learn how to be unaffected by their constant asking, politely refuse them, and explain your reasons why. If you either don’t have the courage to turn these people down or they don’t accept no for an answer, then you should stay away from them.
Avoid the stuff
When you are exposed to something you are trying to avoid, chances are you won’t be able to stay away from it. Therefore, if you think you really can’t help yourself but drink, steer clear of places that sell them. And if you have to go to an event and have been informed that alcohol will be served, it’s best to prepare yourself to not ask for any and ignore those who are downing a few shots and/or offering you some.
Drink slowly
There will be times when you will want or even need to take a bit of alcohol. During those cases, it’s best to stick to what health advisories say regarding the activity - drink moderately. If you can finish a bottle of beer in less than thirty minutes, then slow down your downing and make the drink last for thirty minutes, or even an hour. If hard drinks will be served, ask if you can skip a round or two of shots. This way, you’ll drink a whole lot less without you even noticing it.
Be accountable
You can always ask for help if you have trouble with yourself, especially if it’s a habit that’s hard to break. If you think you’re not strong enough to fight your desire to drink, tell your friends and family that you need their assistance. By doing so, they can remind you of your need to stay away from alcohol. And if you think you need further help, consult a doctor, counselor, or therapist, as they can provide a more rigorous and structured program to help your drinking problem.
Drinking is a difficult wanting to get rid of. However, it’s not impossible. Through self-discipline and these five tips, you can have an alcohol-free Yuletide season.