The sober-curious guide to party season
As new research shows 60 per cent of us are trying to cut back on how much alcohol we consume, Elizabeth Archer finds out about an innovative way to drink less as we head into the booziest time of the year
The season to eat, drink and be merry is almost upon us – but if you’re worried about how much you’ll be drinking over Christmas, you’re not alone.
Research has shown that almost two thirds of drinkers overindulge during party season, with nearly a third feeling under pressure to drink more than usual.
So perhaps it’s no surprise that as a nation we’re trying to cut down. In fact, 60 per cent of us are now thinking about how to drink less, according to a survey from alcohol-free events company Club Soda.
But how do you do it? For an increasing number of people, the solution is being ‘sober-curious’.
“This isn’t necessarily about being teetotal,” says Laura Willoughby, co-founder of Club Soda.
“Being sober-curious is about saving your drinking for the people, places and drinks that you love the most, and avoiding the incidental drinks you would rather not have.”
Here, Laura shares her tips for navigating the coming party season with a new mindset.
BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Be selective: Look at which boozy events are in your calendar and think carefully about those you’d like to attend. Parties with heavy drinking aren’t compulsory, so say no to the less attractive ones and save your energy for bashes you know you’ll enjoy. Choose when to drink: Think about which days you’d like to drink, and which tipples you’re most looking forward to. Allow yourself to enjoy those occasions, knowing that you have chosen to drink on those days. Rethink your budget: On average people can save up to £300 a month by not drinking, according to a Club Soda survey. Consider the money you’ll save by drinking less this year, and what you’d like to spend it on.
You may have more money for Christmas presents or an extra outing.
DURING PARTY SEASON
Start non-alcoholic: If you’re at a party and unsure whether you want to drink, have two alcohol-free drinks first.
This will give you time to decide whether you’re enjoying yourself, and want to stay and drink.
Go home: If you’re not enjoying a party, allow yourself to go home.
Don’t worry about what other people will think, often they will be too drunk to remember what time you left. Then plan to do something you really enjoy the following day, safe in the knowledge you will feel rested instead of hungover.
Be clear: When talking to friends and family about your decision, be firm. If you sound like you’re unsure, people are more likely to pressure you to have a drink. Instead, say: “I’ve decided this is how I want to spend Christmas and it’s a decision I’ve made for myself. It would be really helpful if you didn’t put me under pressure to drink.”
CHRISTMAS DAY
Treat yourself: Christmas is a time for indulgence, so look for some delicious non-alcoholic tipples as a treat for Christmas Day. More and more supermarkets are now offering low and no-alcohol drinks, so shop around for your favourite. You could even make your own non-alcoholic cocktails, or try mulled apple juice.
Reduce stress: Remember that Christmas Day can be stressful as well as fun, which can increase the temptation to reach for a drink to help you unwind.
Rather than relying on alcohol, try doing a short mindfulness meditation or breathing exercise.
Try low-alcohol: If you’re cutting down on drinking but still want to enjoy a tipple on Christmas Day, why not try new low-alcohol drinks?
Some have the same taste as a shot of gin but a quarter of the alcohol, meaning you have to drink four times the amount to feel the same effect.