-:
00:20
Hello darling heart, and welcome to the Drink Less, Live Better podcast. This is the podcast that helps you to see that drinking
-:
00:29
less doesn't need to be stressful, lonely, or boring. I'm your host, Sarah Williamson, and I decided to have a year alcohol
-:
00:37
free as a little life experiment and haven't looked back. With my experience and training, I now help other women with their
-:
00:45
alcohol free or drink less adventures. I'm here to tell you that you can relax, connect and have fun without alcohol in your
-:
00:55
life. Join me here each week to find out how. Today I'd like to tell you a story about summer holiday drinking, what it used
-:
01:04
to look like for me, and what is possible when you step away from alcohol. I used to see the end of May as the start of rose
-:
01:15
season. I'd switch from my usual white wine and get excited about weekends of rose and play. I also associated summer with
-:
01:24
Pimm's and lemonade at parties and barbecues. Aperol spritz was a late discovery for me. I was in my thirties on holiday in
-:
01:34
Italy and have never had such a long lasting holiday romance. Then there was the relatively recent invention of limited edition
-:
01:43
flavoured gins for summer with sweet berry or citrus flavors, and of course summer cocktails reminiscent of exotic holidays.
-:
01:53
I'm a sucker for the luscious sweet and sour combo found in the perfectly mixed cold drinks served in a beautiful glass. And,
-:
02:02
of course, Fizz maintained a place in my heart at home on a Friday night or out with my girlfriends. Summer holidays meant
-:
02:10
a relaxing of my usual standards, earlier drinking start times, and weekday drinking snuck in. Holidays are an excuse for
-:
02:18
lowered standards in many areas of life. I used to kid myself that a bit of time off work meant that I could do what I wanted,
-:
02:27
drink wise, without any knock on effect. But, of course, there were always consequences. So whether you're holidaying at home
-:
02:37
or away this year, here are my tips to help you from overdoing it. If you are away, pick the right holiday location. Choose
-:
02:46
places where the culture is less focused on booze. A countryside cottage or a quiet campsite may have fewer alcoholic temptations
-:
02:56
than big cities or resorts. Plan activities around not drinking. Choose an activity led holiday. Whether it's walking, cycling,
-:
03:05
swimming, sight seeing or a mix of everything, if you have plans it's easier not to give in to a drink during the day. Perhaps
-:
03:14
give the brewery or the vineyard tour a miss. Be the designated driver. Choose restaurants that serve lovely food and drive
-:
03:23
to them so you have an in built reason not to drink any alcohol. If you are staying at home, stick to your usual few drink
-:
03:31
free days a week. Don't start drinking earlier in the day. Consider how some time away from work should mean less stress and
-:
03:39
therefore perhaps you don't need a drink. Maybe you can relax in other ways that make you feel good. Not having a hangover
-:
03:49
is a holiday gift. Mornings where you feel great are never wasted. You get more connected time with family and friends. After
-:
03:58
all, we take time away from work, in part, to spend more time with those we love. Get a massage or other treat or activity
-:
04:07
you love. Spend the booze cash on something more meaningful. Time away from work means a time to rest and recuperate, getting
-:
04:18
a really good sleep. One last word about holiday selfies. Do you love to put a picture up on your social media feed of you
-:
04:27
holding aloft a beautiful looking drink, big smile on your face in a fabulous location. Me too. Just remember, that drink
-:
04:35
in that pretty glass doesn't need to be alcoholic for you to show the world you're having a lovely time. Thank you for listening
-:
04:42
to this episode. Please listen in again next time. You can sign up to my 5 day drink less experiment and find out about working
-:
04:51
with me one to 1 at drink less, live better.com. It would make me happier than a Buddhist monk if you would please subscribe,
-:
05:00
5 star review, and leave a lovely comment about this podcast on whatever platform you listen. Imagine it like the tasting
-:
05:09
notes on the finest wine I am never going to drink. Thank you, and, PS, I believe in you.