Don't let 'the fear' ruin your Christmas cheer!

#festivecheer #inmoderation #healthandwellbeing

Its the morning after your Christmas party you wake up with the absolute fear of god. Your mouth feels like the Sahara desert and your stomach is on a spin cycle mode which leads to a sprint to the bathroom and hug the toilet bowl....all sounds familiar?? Yup we've all been there.

As it is coming up to festive season I think it is important for us all to be aware of the risks of frequent binge drinking has on our bodies. I'm not here to write to say drink water only or avoid alcohol completely this Christmas, no, it's more about making smarter choices around alcohol and enjoying the occasional glass of red wine, mulled wine or whatever your favourite alcoholic beverage is.

Binge drinking is where we consume a large amount of alcohol in a short period of time. The the amounts of units can vary from person to person such as their gender or the speed they drink in. Health experts define binge drinking as consuming more than six standard, measured drinks in one session (Alcohol Action Ireland, 2019).

Long term heavy alcohol consumption has so many negative impacts on the body such as increasing your risk of heart disease, diabetes, digestive issues, weakens the immune system and can cause fertility issues. Here are tips that may help you reduce your alcohol intake over Christmas, some of the tips are from drink aware.ie;

• If you are keen pints drinker opt for half pints or bottles instead. • Choose a beverage with lower alcohol percentage such as a light beer or wine. • Hydrate, hydrate and hydrate. Drink water in between your alcohol beverages if you can. If you don't you can get dehydrated after few alcoholic drinks and tend to experience hangover-like symptoms such as headaches and vomiting. • If at a house party or drinking at home- please measure your drinks, instead of pouring spirits free hand into a glass...this can be so dangerous and can lead to alcohol poisoning. I have personally experienced this many moons ago and it's so scary, in fact it has completely changed my approach to alcohol and no one should have to find out that way.

• You shouldn't be pressured into drinking, if you don't want to drink simply say 'no'. I know this can be hard if you are out with your friends or work colleagues. Best way control this situation is to say "No thank you, I have one here" or "Thanks for the offer but I'll get my own drink in a little while." Avoid getting into rounds also, this can lead to you  drinking at a quicker pace or more than normal.

• If you experience anxiety, depression and you choose to drink quite a lot on a night out so you can 'calm your nerves' or give yourself confidence. Yes alcohol does offer the short term quick fix and make you feel confident but can create a much larger problem long term. Be mindful of this and don't be afraid to seek advice, ask for help and talk to someone if you feel that your are dependent on alcohol. 

Remember, if you are choosing to have a drink or two over the festive period, choose your one that you love, savour it and enjoy it slowly.....you will appreciate it more!

Happy Christmas to you all and have a healthy and prosperous New Year xx

References:

- https://alcoholireland.ie/alcohol-and-you/binge-drinking/

- https://www.drinkaware.ie/facts/tips-to-cut-down-on-alcohol

-https://www.healthline.com/health/alcohol/effects-on-body