Surviving Party Season Without The Fizz!
I used to look forward to and dread in equal measure this time of year. It just always felt inevitable that I’d have to drink through the Autumn, into the end of year parties and by Christmas Day, honestly I felt so tired, frazzled and lacklustre I’d always question whether there was another way!
Are you taking a break from alcohol or looking at cutting back and wondering how?
Here are my top 3 tips!
🍾 Bring Your Own Drink 🍾
One of the easiest ways to avoid feeling left out is to come prepared with your own non-alcoholic drink, I love to take a sparkling Kombucha in a champage style bottle - Marks & Spencer do a good one and so do LA Brewery and I’ll just pop it in the ice bucket when I arrive, pick up a champagne glass and no one is any the wiser. In early sobriety I felt a lot less conspicuous with this little hack! If Kombucha isn’t your thing there are tonnes of other options so get curious!
🫶🏻Focus on Connection, Not Consumption
The essence of parties isn’t the alcohol—it’s the connection. Shift your mindset to focus on conversations, dancing, and laughter. If you dive into the moment and engage with people, you’ll quickly realise that the fun doesn’t depend on what’s in your glass. I know it feels weird to begin with but don’t give alcohol the credit for a good evening, you might surprise yourself by feeling sharper and more present, making your interactions more meaningful.
😉 Have a Go-To Response Ready 😉
There’s always that one person who wants to know why you’re not drinking. Having a quick, confident response can help you navigate those moments with ease. Something simple like, “I’m taking a break from alcohol,” or “I’m the designated driver tonight,” is often enough. Most people will move on quickly, and you can enjoy the party without feeling like you need to explain yourself.
Staying alcohol-free doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the party season. With a little preparation, a focus on fun, and a positive attitude, you can enjoy the festivities without a drop of alcohol. And, the best bit? You’ll feel amazing the next morning too!
