When people ask me for advice regarding drinking, one of the most common things that they say is, “How else will I have fun if I’m not drinking?” I simply say, “There are plenty of ways!” Too many folks seem to think that the only way to have fun at parties, sporting events, dinners, and on weekends is to unwind or celebrate through drinking – but that’s not true at all. Although I fully understand why someone may think that way, I also think that even though it can be fun for a short while, alcohol is a bad crutch for happiness, and it can wreck your body so you’ll regret it in the future. I’ll point out a few situations where you can have plenty of fun and be happy without liquor.
Parties
Whether it’s at a work party, birthday party, or other celebration, a common element at each one is usually alcohol. It’s easy to just pick up a drink when everyone else is drunk, but I think that it’s best to be the sober one. When you get hammered at a work-sponsored event, no one ever forgets it. Or do you want to be that one person who gets drunk at a birthday party and ruins your friend’s special day? Don’t even get me started on how no one ever forgets when someone blacks out at a wedding.
What can you do instead? Take the time to mingle with people from other departments at your job who you don’t get a chance to speak with often, and just enjoy yourself! Birthday parties usually have some type of game going on, and those can be plenty of fun sober. What about weddings? Weddings are all about fun! Take the time to dance, meet new people, eat tons of food, and if you’re in a new area, then do some sightseeing before the ceremony and share your experiences!
Weekends and Free Time
If you use the excuse of “I had nothing better to do” to get drunk in your free time, then to you I say, “You need better hobbies.” In a world with so much to do, places to go, and people to meet, why would you spend your precious weekends after a long work week drinking? The list of things you can do is endless. If you’re stressed, try meditation or yoga instead. If you want to be lazy, then just watch TV or play video games. If you just want to pass the time, then a good nap is always nice, too. Maybe use your free time to learn that musical instrument you’ve been postponing teaching yourself for years, or finally get around to reading that book that your friend recommended. When you have such little free time, cherish it and enjoy it.
Still Not Fun?
Before you get to a sporting event, party with friends, or need to relax, ask yourself, “Do I really need alcohol to have fun?” Too many people jump right to drinking to start and define their night out, and they just assume it’s needed to have fun. It’s really not needed! You can replace that cocktail with soda and talk to new people. Put the wine down and dance with your family at a happy, energetic wedding. You can talk to your boss in a more casual way at that office party, instead of having a few too many beers and blurting out something stupid. I think life is pretty fun without a drink in my hand, so find ways to make yourself happy while still being sober.
