Wooooah! Don't we go hard at this time of year - all the decisions, commitments and executing of pans! Shall we try things a different way this winter? Listen in for five solid ideas!
Book a space in my Zoom Diary to discuss 1:1 coaching here
BTW - If you didn't already know, I'm Sarah - Drink Less; Live Better founder, best-selling author, expert speaker, life coach and, as you already know, podcast host!
We don't have to hit rock bottom, we're allowed to want something different and we can CHOOSE to improve our lives from this point onwards.
I work in the magic space where doubt, hope and action meet... oh.... and
Subscribe to this podcast so you don't miss an episode - also please do leave a like or review and share the love! Thank you
Found the podcast useful? I'd love to have a coffee with you - you can buy it here THANK YOU!
Transcripts
-:
Hello, darling heart, and welcome to the drink less, live better podcast.
-:
This is the podcast that helps you to see that drinking less doesn't need to be stressful, lonely, or boring.
-:
I'm your host, Sarah Williamson, and I decided to have a year alcohol free as a little life experiment and haven't looked back.
-:
With my experience and training, I now help other people with their alcohol free or drink less adventures.
-:
You can find out more and sign up to my 5 day drink less challenge at drink less live better dot com.
-:
I'm here to tell you that you can relax, connect, and have fun without alcohol in your life.
-:
Join me here each week to find out how. November gentleness.
-:
Here is your annual reminder from me that November is a perfectly placed month in our calendar.
-:
Can you hear it in the name November November? No.
-:
November is a brilliant time to practice some self care and kindness for future you.
-:
November actually runs beautifully through December January.
-:
Do you ever look at your diary at the beginning of December and question how you're going to get through the month?
-:
That used to be me, friend, but no more, no more.
-:
So use this month wisely and you'll end up with an end of year that feels expensive, cosy, restful and fun.
-:
Well, unless you want manic, exciting and fully booked.
-:
I have just realized that that does sound judgmental of me, and maybe it is.
-:
If you love manic, exciting, and fully booked, I should say no judgement here.
-:
I guess what I'm telling you is I value winter rest, log fires at home, and long walks in cosy hats and scarves, the opposite of overwhelm.
-:
If you value more extrovert activities then go for it, shoot for the moon.
-:
Maybe this episode isn't for you, and that's okay.
-:
Here are 5 ideas you can gently say no to this month if you'd enjoy a slower paced December that feels less overwhelming. Number 1, overcommitting slash people pleasing.
-:
It is okay to decline that event, whether it's friends or family, if it's causing you stress. Say no to overloading your schedule.
-:
Don't hesitate to say no to unnecessary stressors. Prioritise your mental and emotional well-being.
-:
Focus on what's truly important to you and your closest family. Number 2, negative self talk. Be kind to yourself.
-:
Say no to self criticism and horrible, horrible self talk.
-:
Replace it with self love and a little bit of positivity.
-:
It's so easy to fill this time of year with words like should.
-:
I should be volunteering at the school fair.
-:
I should be organising the collection for the food bank.
-:
I should be home making the kids' angel costumes for the nativity. Maybe, or maybe not. Go easy on yourself. Number 3 Excessive shopping.
-:
Say no to impulsive purchases and the pressure of holiday shopping.
-:
Stick to a budget and make thoughtful, meaningful choices.
-:
If you love the buzz of the shops, still go out and enjoy the music, the lights, the displays and good cheer.
-:
Maybe visit a Christmas market for a hot chocolate and a mooch around with some friends. Number 4, neglecting self care.
-:
Say no to putting self care on the back burner.
-:
Prioritise activities that nourish your mind, body and soul, especially if it means setting some time aside quietly for yourself.
-:
And number 5, comparing yourself to others.
-:
Say no to the habit of constantly comparing yourself to other people.
-:
Embrace your uniqueness and focus on your own journey and progress, your own way of wintering.
-:
Comparisons do lead to unnecessary stress and self doubt, so giving yourself the freedom to operate November December how
-:
you want to, without self judgement, is a beautiful gift to yourself this time of year.
-:
Every year at this time, I go through my diary, and each weekend I block out a day and an evening that says, busy.
-:
I do this in our family desk diary and in my online calendar.
-:
Busy means don't book anything, and busy means I'm busy doing nothing. This space is protected.
-:
Enjoy this beautiful month, Use some of these gentle invitations if they sound good to you, and if you do the month a different way, then that's all good too.
-:
Thank you so much for listening in today.
-:
Check out the show notes on this or any other episode.
-:
You'll see the link to a hidden podcast episode to help you with your 5 PM cravings, and you'll be able to read about my one