Here are some much-needed tips to take the plunge and swear off booze for the winter.
Maybe your motivations are health related, or perhaps your arm was twisted so far it almost broke but whatever your reasons here you are – taking the plunge and swearing off booze for the winter. Well first, good for you! Second, here are some much-needed tips to turn the season of missing out into an empowering time you may just want to repeat.
Flip your thinking.
A sure-fire way to fail is to focus on what you’re missing out on. If you’re looking at your dry season as a time you’re depriving yourself it’s going to be hard to stay motivated and want to succeed. Focus on the positives of why you’re doing it – you’re going to lose the holiday weight since you’re not consuming empty calories. You’re saving money. You’re sleeping better. Small victories add up and help pass the time much quicker!
Observe your thoughts.
Take the time to reflect on why you’re craving a drink. What purpose do you think the alcohol is going to fulfill? Is there another option that would also work? Working through your feelings and beliefs surrounding alcohol will allow you to understand the reasons you drink and find alternatives to consuming alcohol.
Know how to navigate your No’s
The pressure to drink can be overwhelming, especially when socializing with friends. Since saying “no” (to anything) can be awkward, the best way to turn down an alcoholic drink is by saying yes to a non-alcoholic drink. You can do this by making the first move, and getting something delicious and non-alcoholic in your hand before you are asked. If someone asks you if you want a drink simply respond; “Yes, I would love a soda and lime.” If someone asks you specifically if you want a glass of wine or a beer you will have to say no, but you can quickly flip that to a yes by saying; “No thank you, I actually need a bit of caffeine and would love a diet coke.”
