If you feel like you drink too much at family get-togethers, think about the root cause. Do you drink more at family gatherings than at other events because they stress you out, for example? Do you get bored?
Figuring out what may fuel your desire for alcohol can help you develop a strategy to drink less. Following some basic rules for pacing your drinking will also help.
Find Ways to Relax
Fitting in a workout the morning of a family get-together can help you stay relaxed throughout the day. Other people may find that booking a massage or a pedicure helps them stay relaxed.
Learn some deep breathing exercises to practice any time you feel your stress levels rise before or during the event. Some people also find that holding onto a drink eases anxiety by giving them something to do with their hands, so consider choosing a non-alcoholic beverage (or light alcohol like champagne or wine) and see how you feel.
Sip That Drink
One of the best ways to drink less at any event involves sipping to pace yourself. Stress can cause you to drink faster. If you often feel stressed when you get together with your family, order one glass, and then sip it for a set time.
Maybe limit yourself to one drink before dinner, one during and one after you eat or decide to have just one drink per hour and then a glass of water. By setting goals for yourself, you will be more aware of how much you drink during the event.