A Guide To Surviving The Holidays – Merriment in Moderation

Ah, the holidays. The “most wonderful time of year”?

It is a time for relaxing. Usually with lots of food and for those of us who are of the legal age of majority, that does mean having a few alcoholic drinks. It’s what we know in society as a way of celebrating – popping the champagne on New Years Eve or having an eggnog during the Christmas festivities. With that said, it’s important for us to think about how we are mindfully eating and drinking smart at holiday events.

Health Canada outlines the following recommended drinking guidelines. One drink is the equivalent of:

• 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits.
• 5 ounces of wine.
• 12 ounces of beer.

To limit long-term health risks:

• women: 0-2 drinks a day, up to 10 drinks a week.
• men: 0-3 drinks a day, up to 15 drinks a week.

When drinking alcohol:

• Don’t drive. Make plans to sleep over, have a designated driver, or grab a ride with a ride app (examples: Lyft, Uber, taxi)
• Drink water or have something to eat between each alcoholic drink.
• Know your tolerance level, be realistic, and set realistic holiday drinking plans before an event where drinking might happen.
• Think about who you’re drinking for. It can be challenging in a work setting or with friends or at home to say no to a drink if it’s being pushed on us. It’s okay to say “no, thanks” or grab a non-alcoholic drink if you’re feeling awkward without one (cranberry soda, perhaps?).
• Practice moderation. Grab a straw and sip at your leisure or make sure that you taste the food you’re eating. It’s not a competition. You’ll probably enjoy your drink and meal more if you get to fully experience them.
• Consider how you’re feeling. Often feelings of guilt, anger, frustration, or sadness result in more eating and drinking. As a general rule, don’t use drinking and eating to numb your emotions. It will most often backfire and make these feelings feel worse after (aka result in us feeling guiltier, angrier, sadder, or ashamed).

With that said, be safe and enjoy the festivities of the holidays. For those who need more support around their drinking, you may want to look into a 12 step program, local Alcoholics Anonymous groups, reach out to your supports, and maybe give your therapist a call.