6 Tips to Drink Less Alcohol Over the Holidays (or any time)

There are a lot of different reasons that people are choosing to drink less alcohol - or not drink any - these days. Whether you're on the fence about it, sober curious or just want to feel better come 2025 - read on for six tips to support you in your journey.

1. Decide on your why.
   
   Right here, right now as you are reading this article: Get clear on what is bringing about this curiosity for you. Why do you want to drink less alcohol, what are the benefits of choosing to take care of yourself in this way? **
   
   This is also a check-in to make sure that it's not for someone else. When we make commitments to ourselves, we are more likely to uphold them and feel proud of ourselves after the fact.
   
   

2. Alternate with water.
   
   In a former lifetime, I worked in advertising. There are a lot of opportunities to network and drink in that world so let me just say I figured out pretty early how to ask the bartender for sparkling water and a lime in a cocktail glass. It went a long way.
   
   Water is key to feeling full and satiated and hydrated. Make sure that you are meeting the recommended daily water intake (half your weight in ounces) by drinking a glass of water after every alcoholic beverage you do have.
   
   

3. Tell someone your plan.
   
   Let a trusted friend, coworker or partner know your intentions before the event that you're going to and that you want to drink less alcohol. If you feel comfortable, share with them your Why for doing this and how you’re going about it.
   
   Ask them for the support that you need. Do you want them to hand you water if they see a drink in your hand or do you want them to check in with you and see how you're feeling throughout the night? Just two examples. Whatever it is, don't be afraid to ask for it.
   
   

4. Experiment with mocktails and NA Beer.
   
   Thankfully there is a lot out there and available these days so when you have the opportunity, try one out and see what you think. If you drink it with the intention of ‘how much can I enjoy this?’ vs ‘I am depriving myself of what I really want’, it can go a long way. 
   
   

5. Drink other beverages that aren't water and aren't alcoholic.
   
   Think cucumber sparkling water or kombucha, as an idea. A lot of times, what we're after is the carbonation or something sweet. So give yourself permission to get curious about other flavors that you might enjoy. You can start or end your night with these beverages and still enjoy alcohol throughout the party. 
   
   

6. Ground yourself before, during or after the event.
   
   The holidays are a crazy time and giving yourself even just a few breaths can go a long way. Remind yourself of your why, how incredible you are and how you want to feel leaving the event.
   Take a walk if you need to, literally put your bare feet on the ground or even go to the bathroom and take a few breaths in a stall.
   
   Whatever you need to center yourself and remind you that you're in charge of you, go for it.
   
   

As always, I suggest choosing just one or two of these to get started. Simon Sinek says, start with your why. Then from there, pick and choose these and experiment as you like.

It takes time to change old patterns and old behaviors. It takes time to figure out what supports you best. 

Remember the power of self-compassion, grace and patience.

Here’s to entering the next few weeks intentionally, in a way that supports who you are right now and who you want to be in the future.

Hey, I’m Caitlin! I’m a certified health coach and life coach and I’m here to bring sustainable change into your day so that you have the time and energy you need for the things that matter most. 

Want more support? Check out my other posts, learn more about coaching here or book a call with me here. You can always sign up for my newsletter, below, to receive these posts straight to your inbox, too!

**Please note: I am not here to shame anyone for drinking alcohol. The facts show the negative impact alcohol has on our health and therefore the positive impact not drinking can have on our health. That’s all I’m speaking to here. If you have an addiction and need more support, please call 1-844-289-0879.