How to control drinking during the festive season

Cardiovascular diseases are increasing these days. Reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that heart disease is the foremost cause of death in the United States. Irrespective of age and gender, heart ailments affect people in adverse ways. The season is a time of fun, enjoyment and saying cheers to one another but at the same time, it can hamper your health and weaken your heart.

Symptoms of heart problems include:

• Headache or dizziness

• Chest palpitations or pain

• Feeling weak

• Shortness of breath

• Feeling nauseous

If you sense any of these symptoms, visit the nearest healthcare center.

Here are a few tips to enjoy the holiday season by controlling and managing your alcohol intake.

Know your alcohol limit

It is common for most people that the consumption of alcohol increases during the holiday season. Binge drinking or frequently drinking peg after peg isn’t a good thing. Social drinkers, especially, tend to drink a lot during the holidays as compared to other days. It can affect your heart health, increase your blood pressure levels and force your heart to work more. Constant drinking causes heart palpitations and uneven heartbeats, which can eventually increase the risk of stroke and heart attack.

Be mindful of trigger points

These can be people, parties, places or situations. Study yourself well. Know what can trigger you and make you feel tempted to drink.

Resist pressure

‘Come on, it’s just a drink!’ ‘One more drink, nothing will happen!” Yes, you’ve heard it all. People come under pressure from friends, family or colleagues and eventually end up drinking. You just want to gel with the crowd. Learning to overcome or resist this pressure can help you avoid taking a drink. If you are offered a drink, you can be polite and say no.

Avoid temptation

If you want to avoid getting a drink or being offered a drink, you can simply opt out. Make plans that do not necessarily involve alcohol. Go for a drive, grab a coffee and catch a late movie. When you are left with no options during a family gathering, excuse yourself, take a long walk with your ear pods plugged in and listen to your favorite music! That should make you feel relaxed and better. This also will serve as a boost to say no. Learn to say no. It’s ok to not go with the mob.

Look for alternatives

It’s the holiday season and you want to blend in with the others. Pick alternative beverages that are less alcoholic or non-alcoholic and enjoy the time together. Swap hard liquor with soft drinks. Cocktails are another alternative. If you must drink, pick a mild wine. Wine is actually good for health in small proportions. Sip on it and take it slow.

Be supportive

If someone says no to a drink or says they’re happy with just one drink, do not force them. Instead, be supportive. Understand and respect their space. Make them feel welcomed and comfortable just the way they are.

Enjoy responsibly!