Are you searching for ways on how to drink less when going out? I get it, the social buzz of the bar scene is hard to say no to sometimes. You want to be with friends, laugh, have a good time... But, do you have to drink all that much?!
You know deep down that when you wake up the next morning you want to feel refreshed and nourished... Not sick and unwell.
So how on Earth can we have the best of both worlds?
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I really began a positive relationship to alcohol about two years ago. Now that I am in rhythm with my body’s natural cycles, going out and drinking is like a meteor hitting my house and rocking my world. Ultimately, The effects of going out and drinking are so immense it blows my mind!!
Though, we can utilize these nourishing tips on how to drink less when going out to hack our mind and body into decreasing our alcohol cravings, drinking less, staying hydrated, and waking up refreshed and nourished.
This post is all about how to drink less when going out.
How to Drink Less When Going Out
Mindful remedies to prepare
When we can mentally prepare ourselves for a night out and embed the intention of connecting with friends (instead of the drinks) we are way more likely to be successful!
1. Eat a balanced meal
Studies show that eating high protein helps to slow the absorption of alcohol in the body, so opt for a high protein meal!
2. Visualization meditation
Take a moment to close your eyes and imagine the night out. Visualize your night as you wish it to be. Maybe you feel relaxed, in control, and laughing with friends.
3. Avoid setting "rules"
Too often I go will go out and say, "I can't drink too much. I'll take it easy and head home." Then, before I know it... It is too late! Instead of setting rules for yourself, try setting intentions and goals.
For example, "my goal is to have 2 drinks, catch up with my good friends, and slowly make my way back home."
4. Remind yourself why you are drinking less
A lot of times I will also go out, and after a few drinks, forget why I don't drink that much! That might be the alcohol talking... But, to remind myself, "Ali, you want to feel refreshed and able to work in the morning" helps me to remember why I am choosing the drink-less lifestyle.
5. Have the "perfect drink" in mind!
Do you ever get those moments when you are craving that ONE glass of wine? And you have been for weeks?! Those are the nights you want to go out to delight yourself in that glass!
When I don't have a drink in mind it is way easier for me to get swayed by the crowd on what to drink, and eventually, I lose control... My drink menu was not pre-destined for me, but for what everyone else was drinking!
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Tips to drink less when you are out
These ideas are meant to keep you out and socializing with your friends, while not over-indulging on the drinks. The more we can focus on connecting with our community, the less we will focus on consumption!
6. Alternate from drink to sparkling water
A killer trick is to alternate from an alcoholic drink to a sparkling water before having another alcoholic drink. Naturally, it will slow your drinking down AND get you hydrated. What could be better than that?!
It can be easy to ask the bartender for a sparkling water, over ice, with lime!
7. Opt for straight-sided drink glasses, trust me!
If you see a cocktail or wine glass that has straight sides (it does not go outward like a martini glass) then ask for that glass! Studies show that people who drink out of straight sided glasses tend to consume less, compared to those who drank from outward-sloped glasses.
8. Follow the 1/2/3 rule
I have mentioned this before in my content, and it is worth repeating on how to drink less when going out! Write "the 1/2/3 rule" on your wrist before going out. Then, when you are out drinking follow the rules: No more than 1 drink per hour, no more than 2 drinks per occasion, and no more than 3 drinks per day.
9. Avoid shots at all costs
If I could put up a flashing red light that says "DO NOT DO THIS" I would. But, since I am only words on a page to you... Capital letters will have to do!
Shots are meant to radicalize your experience at a bar. It is the opposite of mindful drinking. When your friends start bringing out shots, either run away or take your shot and pour it into a water cup... Seriously!!
10. Follow the 20 minute rule
Another great tip that I mention often is the 20 minute rule. Once you finish a drink OR when you feel you are craving one, set a timer for 20 minutes.
Rumor has it that our alcohol craving can last for a few minutes to 30 minutes, so if we can kick that urge in the beginning minutes we are more likely to be successful in drinking less!
11. High quality wines will save you
High quality wines, or high quality drinks in general, can transform the way you drink and how you show up when going out. Basically, raise your standards!
Cheap drinks come in abundance. What happens with drinks in abundance? We over-consume. Quality, higher end, drinks are a scarcity. We are less likely to drink 10 when our wallet gets lighter after the first one! Not only that, higher end drinks invite a sense of mindful and respectful drinking.
12. Stay hydrated
Ok, duh! Right?! Hydration can actually boost our energy levels by giving support to our mitochondria in our cells. So, when you are out drinking, and also staying hydrated, you will feel more energetic. Which can prevent you from reaching for a drink to get that boost of energy.
13. Have a comfort ring
When I go out, I have one ring on my finger that I twist around. It is especially beneficial when I am out drinking because it occupies my hands. A study showed that cigarette smokers who used a "hand activity" showed a significant reduction in their tobacco cravings.
Though research is lacking with alcohol cravings, or drinking in general, we can take this tool and use it to our advantage on how to drink less when going out.
14. Leave while you're still glowing
This might be the most challenging tip... To leave when you are feeling the best... Why would you want to leave when you are having a great time? Well, notice the sweet spot of when you are feeling great and you can tell the night is winding down (winding down or about to get crazy!).
Social tips and strategies
15. Focus on connection
When you are out drinking, continually bring your attention to connecting with friends. I have done this, where drinking is the main event. Actually, connecting is the main event! Set that intention and continually focus on being present with those around you.
16. Have a few excuses ready to go
Such a classic issue people find, their friends don't want to accept that they are not drinking as much! So, have a few excuses in your pocket ready to go. For example, "I am getting up early for a workout" or "I am pacing myself!".
17. Recruit one friend
Everything is always easier with a partner... So, recruit a like-minded friend that you can be side by side with while you are out. You can both being doing the 1/2/3 rule, the 20 minute rule, the alternating between water and drinks, etc. Then, when it's time to leave you both go together!
18. Deep breaths
Too often we can get caught up in the worldly experiences around us and forget to breathe! Coming back to our breath and intentionally taking a moment to take 3 deep breaths can re-center us. I find this SO helpful when I am out drinking. It really helps me to stay in tune with my body.
Post-evening nourishment
19. Have a nourishing nightcap ready when you get home
My favorite, have a cup of herbal tea that is calming and sedative. Or even a magnesium mocktail that you can make when you get home. Magnesium is great for bringing our bodies to a relaxed state.
20. Be gentle on yourself
If you drank a little too much for comfort, be gentle on yourself. I like to reflect and ask, "Why did I do that? What was I really needing?" Sometimes, I don't like the answer, but it gives great insight so you can improve next time.
21. Reward yourself for your successes
Honor your wins, especially if you are noticing how you are doing better with drinking less. Make sure to pat yourself on the back.
This post was all about how to drink less when going out!
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