Written by: Caroline Holke, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
According to a 2018 study, Americans drink 100% more during the holiday season.
The main reason for this is that we socialize more during the holidays. The period between Thanksgiving and New Year is packed with year-end office parties and social events that just aren’t the same any other time of the year. More parties, meals and celebrations mean more occasions to drink.
We also tend to drink more in social situations. Either because we are swept away with the fun of it, or because alcohol helps us tolerate it (family dinner perhaps?).
Even though these factors make sense, this statistic really gave me pause. ONE HUNDRED % is significant.
And 2020 changed everything.
According to a RAND Corporation study, during the pandemic women increased their heavy drinking days by 41% compared to before the pandemic. This means that the baseline comparison is going to be higher. Will it be 100% on top of 41%?
There is a lot of pent-up demand after lockdowns. We didn’t have a normal holiday season last year. Will we decide to pare back the celebrations this year, or double down to make up for what we missed?
While we wait for the researchers and statisticians to figure out the numbers for 2021, there are several things that you can do to set yourself up for success this holiday season.
Have a plan and decide ahead of time how much you are going to drink. If you are going to have 3 drinks – great. The crucial step is that right before you go out, take 1 minute to re-commit to this plan. Then go to your event and enjoy your 3 drinks. Treat your drink plan like you would your meal at a wedding when you turned in your food order with your RSVP. You enjoy the salmon you ordered and consider it one less decision that you have to make today. You can shut down any mental chatter that comes up with "it has already been decided." This will make your life easier ... if you let it.
Rehearse what non-alcoholic drink you are going to order when you are at the end of your drink plan. This sounds silly but try it. You will notice that if you haven't practiced what you are going to order, then your regular drink order just comes out of your mouth unbidden. This is a well-worn neural pathway in your brain, so rehearsing will make you feel more confident, and it will be much easier on you when the time is right.
Elevate your glassware. Request your NA drink in a nice glass- wine glass, highball, whatever. I like my club soda in a wine glass with lime and no ice so that it still feels sophisticated and special- it is a party after all! There is no reason to feel like you are at the kiddie table- unless it is purposeful because sometimes those kids are having the most fun!
Practice Compassion for yourself and others. We all feel like everyone is watching what we are doing, “what are they going to say if I don’t order my regular drink?” But the truth is that we are all standing in our own spotlight worried about ourselves, not other people. This is called the spotlight effect and it is a good reminder that we are all in the same boat, so we might as well relax and enjoy ourselves!
Visualize how you want the event to go. Think about who will be there, what you will talk about, what will be served, etc. Remember that people are very predictable, yourself included, so let your imagination go there and decide ahead of time how you want the event to play out for yourself.
And most importantly, have fun – the point of all of it is the people, not what is in your glass. Use the suggestions above to help you figure out how to celebrate in a way that feels good to you.
Caroline Holke, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Caroline Holke coaches women who want to continue to drink alcohol without the downsides. Caroline’s unique approach is successful because it respects how the human brain works, is augmented with science and is tailored to each individual’s situation. By identifying and addressing what is holding each client back, Caroline is able to help her clients make sustainable change. At the end of her 12-week coaching program, her clients are happier and 100% in control of their relationship with alcohol.
