Hey Friends!! We are getting into Spooky Season, which means the rigorous holiday season approaches shortly thereafter. We all know this time of year can be physically and emotionally daunting. We LOVE our family of course, but boy can they tire us out! A lot of us turn to alcohol during the holiday seasons because that is what we were brought up with. I’ll say in my family there is an emphasis on wine! You know, Italian! But, it makes trying to stay sober difficult since people are cheerfully offering you beverages! I wanted to talk about some tips and tricks I have to stay sober or not overdo it during the holidays!
Plan It Out
First things first, go in with a plan! Setting intentions for each occasion is key for me to have success and stay on track. For example, what's your response when people ask you if you want a drink? What if they happen to question why you are not drinking? Let's be clear, any answer you want to give “should” be sufficient for the asker buuuuut we all know that sometimes that is not how it goes. To the question “Would you like a drink?”, I usually just answer with a simple “No, thanks!” Although I do understand I have made, not drinking, my brand so most people in my life know I am sober LOL. You can say, “I don't really feel like it” or “I have a headache” or just a simple “I’m okay, thanks!.”
Another thing is, set a check-in time with yourself. How long are you going to stay? 1 hour, 2 hours? Set a time where you decide, “How am I feeling?” and either leave at that point or extend your stay. No one will know you are doing this! The hope is you just forget you even set a time and just listen to your body but you will get there!
Well, What Are You Drinking?
A handy trick for me, but not everyone, is to bring your favorite non-alcoholic beverage! If the host knows you don’t drink alcohol, the hope is they will have a non-alcoholic option for you but don’t count on it, at least not yet! I love to bring myself a bottle of N/A wine or a couple of non-alcoholic beers! My favorite N/A wine brand right now is Surely and my favorite N/A beer brand is Athletic Brewing Co. at the moment.
What If All This Is Just Too Much?
The last resort, but the most important, is deciding whether to even go at all. You might just decide not to go all together. I always say to put your mental health first. If you think that you are going to put yourself in an unhealthy situation and you are not ready, then you are not ready and that is certainly fine! Your friends and family should understand. If they don’t, honesty is HUGE! Tell them “Hey, you know, I am just not feeling mentally ready to be in a space with alcohol. I have to do a little more work to get to that point!” Being honest with myself was the best gift I could give myself. I don’t filter myself anymore! I tell myself and others exactly how I am feeling and it really does help work through thoughts and emotions! You can enjoy the day the best way you know how at this point.
Surround yourself with like-minded people this upcoming holiday season! Come to our October Sober Social on October 16th at Misuta Chows! This is a great time to meet friends and celebrate Halloween that may provide an alternative way to have a good time other than going out to the bars during the craziness! RSVP for a free mocktail!
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