Welfare Wednesday

It's really easy to get carried away over the festive period and drink more than you intended. Hangxiety fuelled mornings tend not to be on our Christmas wish lists so here are a few strategies for drinking less at events and parties this year… 1. Sounds counter-intuitive, I know, but arrive early. If you're meeting for drinks in the pub after work get there 5 minutes early and order your alcohol free drink. Have something in your hand so that as people offer to get you a drink you can say ‘No thank you I’ve got one.’ You can order a tonic and allow people to think it’s a G and T. 2. Designate yourself as the bar-runner/drinks host. If you’re at someone’s house you can top everyone else’s drinks up for them whilst keeping your own watered down or alcohol free. 3. Take a moment before the event/party to question why you might be feeling like you need a drink. If it’s because you are anxious, overwhelmed or nervous can you think of another coping strategy or tool other than alcohol to help you through? If the party gets the better of you and your hangxiety/anxiety is through the roof the next day be very gentle on yourself. You’ll now know what you can do differently on a night out next time. On mornings accompanied by hangovers – sleep, rehydrate and then get out in the fresh air for a few hours. Sarah Williamson Sarah works with people who are reconsidering their relationships with alcohol. You can follow her on instagram @drinklesslivebetter Find her here www.drinklesslivebetter.com And lister to her podcast here: https://drinklesslivebetter.captivate.fm/listen