1. Pace yourself
If you are drinking alcohol, swap every second drink for a non-alcoholic beverage such as water or soft drink.
This will help to keep you hydrated but also reduce the amount of alcohol you drink.
2. Eat some food
While drinks are usually easily accessible at Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties, there is usually always food available and often it is really delicious.
Don’t forget to take a pause from drinking to enjoy the food, particularly early in the night.
This helps to fill your stomach so that the effects of alcohol do not hit you immediately and also gives you something to do instead of drinking.
3. Hold something in your hand
Having a drink in your hand can help you feel comfortable in social situations.
Remember, the drink doesn’t have to be alcoholic. Pick up a glass of water or soft drink to avoid drinking alcohol mindlessly.
4. Know your limits
Alcohol effects each person differently, and some people are seemingly able to tolerate the effects of alcohol for longer than others.
Know your body and your limits.
If you start to feel the effects of alcohol, slow down, have some water or something to eat so that you don’t push your body beyond its limits.
5. Plan activities that don’t involve alcohol
Not every social occasion has to involve alcohol over the holiday period. There are lots of events you can be involved in that focus on food or activities instead.
If you do have lots of events scheduled that involve drinking, consider planning activities the following days so that you have a reason to slow down and stop drinking.
