A New Year's Eve party is a lovely way to give your farewell to the current year and welcome the next year hoping it would bring prosperity and happiness for your family and friends. Food and drinks, especially spirits that adults can enjoy, form an integral part of these NYE celebrations. But to have a great experience at the party without a mammoth hangover or worse on January 1st, 2024, you have to make sure that you enjoy your alcohol responsibly and in moderation.
This not only helps you have the best time at the party but enjoy good times without any major impact on your long-term health. Drinking responsibly can also ensure that you can take good care of yourself and your loved ones without any major hazards at the NYE party venue. So, here are five important tips that you need to follow to drink responsibly at the New Year Eve's party.
Put A Limit
It is easy to forget about responsible drinking once you grab a drink and immerse yourself in the nightlife. Saying, "One more won't hurt," and soon losing track of how many drinks you've had are possible outcomes. Setting a boundary before you enter the party is therefore a good idea.
Decide on a maximum amount of beverages before you leave your residence. To make an informed decision, you must be aware of your own boundaries. How many drinks before you start to make bad decisions or lose your composure? What is the safe drinking limit? Two cocktails are a fair starting point if you're unsure.
If you need a reminder, put two coins (or as many coins as the amount of beverages you intend to consume) in your back pocket. Move one of the coins to your front pocket after each drink. You'll know it's time to stop drinking when your back pocket is empty.
Drink Mindfully
Pacing oneself can also be achieved by switching between alcoholic and non-alcoholic liquids, ideally water. It is not a good idea to finish your two drinks in the first ten minutes of the celebration if that is your limit! Go slowly.
Try not to exceed one drink every hour, regardless of the restriction you've established. Rather than loitering at the bar taking shots, sip on beverages while conversing or dancing to prolong the time you spend with one drink. Pacing oneself allows you to become more aware of your boundaries and to listen to your body.
Avoid Caffeine
Try not to combine alcohol and caffeine. Even if you're tired and the alcohol has made you sleepy, taking a coffee or energy drink seems like a good idea, but it's not. The coffee and alcohol will combine in a large, overpowering surge of energy, leaving you wobbly and nervous before collapsing on a massive low.
Eat Something
If you are unsure whether food will be served, eat something before going. Eating before drinking aids in the absorption of alcohol, reducing its effects. It's usually a good idea to avoid drinking when you're hungry.
However, knowing what to eat also matters. Don't indulge in excessively rich, heavy or fatty foods while drinking as this can lead to indigestion and other issues. So, stick to healthier and more filling food options.
Switch To Mocktail
What do you do when the set limit of alcoholic drinks you have thought of is over, but the party isn't? Have a mocktail, soda, or water instead of alcohol if you still want to drink but don't want any more. It won't be noticeable to others that you're not drinking as much vodka as they are if you sip from a wine or cocktail glass.