The holidays are always a time for cheers, toasts, and celebrations! These joyous occasions are what we look forward to all year long, but they can also lead us to consuming more alcohol than we would like to or planned for.
Mindful drinking has become a hot topic over the last few years, and we want to give you a few tips to actually make that holiday wish come true this year!
Arguably the number one reason for over-consuming and feeling awful the next day is not eating enough food and/or not eating at the right time.
Eating a meal first can make a big difference in how your body absorbs the alcohol you consume thereafter, rather than eating a lot after consuming all your alcohol for the evening (or worse - not eating at all).
Fill up on the essential stuff first!
This little mindful drinking trick has multiple benefits. It slows down your consumption, allowing your body the time to process the alcohol it has already consumed.
Having a glass of water between boozy drinks can also ensure you are hydrated and not overdrinking alcohol out of actual thirst!
Having something non-alcoholic (yet tasty) in your fridge is crucial for mindful drinking! More importantly than just having one LaCroix flavor on the shelf is keeping a wide variety of options on deck. This way, no matter what you’re craving, your possibilities will be endless!
From red wine to IPA to nitro stout, check out the full Grüvi lineup for your holiday stocking.
Being able to concoct a fancy mocktail is the real secret to avoiding FOMO and overconsumption this holiday season. We all want to feel included in the drinking activities while having something delectable and complex to sip on.
So keep that bar cart stocked with all the ingredients, like Orange Bitters from All The Bitter, and the always versatile Grüvi Dry Secco, for your delicious bevs! We also have loads of tasty holiday mocktail recipes for you to explore.
Volunteer to be DD, stay home watching Christmas movies with the kids, or plan an event not revolving around drinking (like a private yoga class or attending the local children's choir concert).
Not your thing? How about hosting a NA beer or wine sampling night as a unique activity for your holiday gathering this year?
Sometimes sitting around with nothing to do leads to more drinking than normal, while planning something intentional or health-forward can truly assist with drinking less!
Planning your drinks ahead of time might not seem “fun” at first thought, but it really can help with mindful consumption during a holiday season that might be chock-full of drinking opportunities.
You can try setting a limit on the number of drinks you will have in one evening, or decide on days you want to drink and days you will abstain.
However you decide to go about this, making a plan and sticking to it can be an effective way to drink mindfully and savor the good times had.
Lastly, staying mindful in general can help you consume carefully. Whether you want to drink less for health reasons, to not embarrass yourself, or to be present with your loved ones - keep reminding yourself of your reason why!
The magical feelings of the holiday season are meant to be felt to their fullest. It’s a time for love, connection, and gratitude. Though alcohol can be consumed with good intentions, it’s also nice to have clear memories of these times and avoid that ongoing holiday hangover.
We hope you cherish your holiday season with lots of cheer(s) and maybe some NA beers!
