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What we really want this Christmas is to stay sober and keep our immune systems running smoothly. Isn’t it?
Alcohol feels fantastic in the moment, especially that first sweet sip after another brutally stressful day, or when you’ve finally managed to wrestle the kids to bed. But after that, it does us no real favours.
All the research is clear: alcohol is bad news for your mood, mental health, thinking ability, gut, heart, brain and of course your liver (which then circles right back around to affecting your mood, mental health, and so on). You get the idea.
So, what’s next? And during the festive season, no less—FML.
Anyone who knows me knows I love a drink and Christmas is no exception. So if you want this blog post to advise you to go alcohol-free then you’re in the wrong place.
Instead, let’s talk about how to keep yourself healthier even if you’re not entirely sober right now, with some tips for the big nights out. Then, come January, we’ll discuss how to navigate alcohol more peacefully and plan your drinking for the year ahead. Sounds a bit backwards? Hear me out.
For anyone hoping to safeguard their mental health during the social whirlwind, here’s one suggestion: let go of the idea that you absolutely must cut out all booze in January—especially after weeks of leaning on it to cope with festive stress and constant socialising. Read on for a practical compromise to all-or-nothing December and dry January.
Facts:
Drinking makes you sad, anxious and more impulsive. When you stop, these feelings might ramp up initially.
But here’s some good news: as your body recovers and you find your footing, you’ll start feeling better physically and mentally. Research even shows you’ll likely be less impulsive and lower your risk of cancer (honestly).
Another key point: alcohol annihilates gut bacteria (both good and bad). That’s why your gut is often in chaos when you’ve been drinking, which then messes up your mood.
Needless to say, the more you drink now, the bigger the repair job will be in the New Year when you try to ease off. Add to this the twisted logic of “I might as well go all in now if I’m going to quit later,” which is often a prelude to giving something up.
Let’s abandon the idea that January is the perfect time for extreme sobriety measures.
So, what’s the plan, then?How about we not push ourselves even further into a corner this Christmas? The inner tug-of-war—friends, family, and adverts urging us to indulge, while our body pleads for sobriety—can feel especially baffling this time of year.
I don’t have all the answers, sorry. But this year, I’m trying out a slightly different approach.
With that in mind, here’s what we’re experimenting with this festive season:
Make a plan Book a taxi home before the point you’d normally start on the shots, begin your night with a mocktail (yes, even if it’s sugary—just enjoy it), or treat yourself to one really special, high-quality drink and savour every drop.
Get your body ready Alcohol wipes out good bacteria, so load up on nutritious foods and probiotics to support your gut.
On the night The only real solution is dilution—water between drinks is your friend. Steer clear of the strongest stuff that makes your eyelashes singe (there’s actual research on this). And never drink on an empty stomach—you know the drill.
The morning after Sorry, no hangover cures are backed by science. But you could try some B vitamins and folate and if you’re really struggling, a bit of cold water therapy might give you a dopamine boost and help you be kinder to yourself.
Cut yourself some slack Focus on getting good nutrition into your body. Avoid beating yourself up to dodge that rebound blowout and the inevitable pity party.
And what’s the endgame for all this drinking? Maybe if we commit to a gentler, more realistic approach in 2025—treating it like any major lifestyle change—we can actually enjoy this season one drink at a time, giving our bodies and minds a better chance of forging a healthier relationship with alcohol. Sound good?
Cheers, I’ll drink to that!
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