Wake up with No Regrets
Christmas Party season is upon us and it seems to get earlier and earlier each year! With the No Regrets Alcohol Free Christmas Party coming up , we are here to give you the lowdown on sensible drinking this season.
As we all know the festive season often comes with plenty of chances to enjoy a drink, and with more time to relax, it’s easy to have too much.
Whether you’re joining us to par-tea with Charra Tea or wanting some advice ahead of work or family gatherings – we’ve got you!
Here are our top ten tips to Keep Calm over the Christmas Period:
1. Slow your drinking pace
It’s tempting to get another round of tequilas or jump onto the next free glass of Prosecco before it runs out. We all know a free bar can lead to a free for all! But remember, the quicker you drink, the harder it is to stay in control. Slow down and control the pace of your drinking.
2. Avoid rounds
Whilst it can save the hassle of guessing how much everyone owes, this can cause you to drink quicker than normal and go at the speed of the fastest drinker. It also will probably end up saving you money as everyone orders different drinks!
3. Enjoy soft drinks
Alcohol dehydrates you, so have a soft drink after every alcoholic drink. Alternating them can help control your drinking. This will also help you feel less hungover the next day! Be aware that caffeinated drinks can also dehydrate you which is something to keep in mind when having shots like Jager bombs. You won’t feel as bad the next day if you have lots of water or alternative soft drinks.
4. Eat before drinking
Food helps to slow the absorption of alcohol, stopping it going to your head too quickly and helping to protect your stomach lining. Carbs and protein like pasta, potatoes and chicken are good to eat before or while you are drinking, meaning you finally have a good excuse for that post pub kebab! They’ll keep you full and the slow release of energy will help you last the distance.
5. Watch your measures
Or watch what your host is pouring you. When drinking at home, be conscious that measures might be bigger than you are used to or larger than a pub measure. When pouring spirits, measures vary a lot. With wine being topped up around a table it’s very easy to lose count of how much you have had. Watch what you are being given. If you aren’t sure, don’t rush on to another drink or ask for something different instead. Punches and mulled wine can also vary in strength considerably.
6. Peer Pressure
It’s very easy to feel peer pressure when out and about. Whether at the office party or at home. If someone says you should have another ‘for the road’ or ‘another one won’t hurt’, it’s OK to say no or leave a drink untouched. Most of the time, they won’t even remember it the day after!
7. Works parties
Don’t be that one person at the work Christmas party who talks their managers ear off. Enjoy going out with your colleagues this Christmas and do so in the knowledge that when you see them again you won’t be the person being talked about for the wrong reasons. Know your limits.
8. Don’t let yourself be their entertainment
When there are free drinks, rounds or peer pressure it is easy to have more than you planned. Some colleagues might have ulterior motives for getting people to drink more than they intended. Don’t get talked about for all the wrong reasons. Consider what images people might have on their phones of that night. Remember, people have lost their jobs, careers and reputations on nights out. They’ve been injured, hurt in fights or got into trouble with the police. Stay safe and keep your reputation intact.
9. Don’t drink and drive
If you’re going out, even just ‘for one’, don’t take the car. Never drink and drive. Uber allows you to add separate destinations which can be useful when splitting a taxi with people. Remember alcohol content builds up in the body so you can still be over the limit travelling back from a party the next day.
10. Getting Home Safely
Make sure you have downloaded an app if you’re using Uber, Veezu or a similar service. If you are a bit more old school and prefer to call, make sure you have a taxi number saved and if you know when you’re likely to be leaving you can even think ahead about pre-booking. Check out ahead of time what offers are around and which taxi firms will get you home safely. If you’ve got a long wait for a taxi, stay somewhere safe and well-lit until your cab turns up, ideally with a friend.