Vacations are a time to unwind, relax, and temporarily remove your focus from daily responsibilities. However, many people don’t realize that you can achieve these goals without using alcohol to do so. In fact, alcohol only masks our feelings, it doesn’t change the way we feel long-term.
If you want to truly experience a stress-reducing and inspirational vacation, then take a sober route. You’ll actually find that you felt better, experienced more, and enjoyed your vacation more without alcohol.
Hydrate, Don’t Intoxicate
During your trip, you may be tempted to have an alcoholic beverage at lunch. Chances are you’ve risen early and already completed a pretty full itinerary during the morning hours. You want to see the most and do the most that you can during your travels. Remind yourself that maximizing your experience is the most important thing to you and that vacation time is precious.
That glass or bottle of alcohol will only slow you down. The increased amount of daily activity alone is bound to wear you out, so don’t waste more energy than you need to. Instead, do your body a favor and rehydrate with a glass of water. You’ll feel refreshed instead of sluggish after your meal.
Skip the Complimentary Wine During the Flight
There is a common misconception that alcoholic beverages consumed while in-flight increases intoxication. The truth of the matter is that this myth has been tested and proven false. So you don’t have to feel like you’re missing out when you turn down that free drink and opt for a healthier option like tea or juice.
Arrange Your Schedule Accordingly
By preplanning your trip, you’ll prevent yourself from detouring off the path of sobriety. Choose a schedule that requires you to be up early. Then, choose to take care of yourself and get a full night’s rest.
If you arrange your schedule thoughtfully then you’ll avoid staying out into the wee hours of the night and feeling tempted to have a drink. The way you plan your day and the locations you choose to visit will inevitably affect your sobriety. If you do choose to go out at night then look for events that aren’t alcohol-centered social gatherings.
Take these factors into consideration when determining the location of your travels. Some destinations will be more accommodating than others when it comes to the availability of sober night-life activities.
Keep a Supportive Friend on Speed Dial
If you’re nervous about being tempted by alcohol during your vacation then reach out to a friend from a support group before you travel. Better yet, take someone along with you who will hold you accountable. Either way, whether it be by phone or in person, make sure that you have someone you can turn to when you need support.
Practice Mindfulness Techniques
When feeling tempted to drink, take a step back to acknowledge your feelings. Being aware of your feelings does not mean you have to give in to those feelings. On the contrary, acknowledging your feelings will allow you to prevent the feelings from overtaking your actions. Take a deep breath and repeat for several minutes. Let your feelings pass.
Know What You Want
You know yourself and your journey better than anyone. So, if you feel tempted to drink on your trip, think about what it is you really want. Will buying that drink satisfy your true desires? If you want to be happy and live a full life then the answer is “no.” Picture your best self and only choose actions that contribute to creating that best version of you in the real world.
Remember That You’re in Control
It may sound simple, but sometimes individuals who are struggling with sobriety forget that they are in control of their actions. You have the power to say no to a drink. Don’t let yourself or new friends pressure you into feeling like you need to drink to have a good time.
Remember that what you’re actually enjoying when you’re out with friends or meeting new people is their company. And, if you are around a crowd that doesn’t respect your wish to abstain from having a drink then go do your own thing. It’s important to set boundaries for yourself and that the people around respect those boundaries.