HEALTH + WELLNESS
HOW TO COPE WITH FOMA THIS CHRISTMAS
BY POLLY HUMPHRIS
IT ’ S LIKELY YOU ’ VE HEARD OF YOLO ( YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE ) AND POSSIBLY FOMO ( FEAR OF MISSING OUT ), BUT HAVE YOU HEARD OF FOMA ? IT MEANS ‘ FEAR OF MISSING ALCOHOL ’. ALTHOUGH A HEALTHY WAVE OF SOBRIETY APPEARS TO BE SWEEPING THROUGH MANY GENERATIONS AS PEOPLE ARE RAPIDLY TUNING INTO THE DAMAGE THAT AN UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIP WITH ALCOHOL CAN DO , SPECIAL OCCASIONS SUCH AS CHRISTMAS – WHICH , LET ’ S FACE IT , IS AT LEAST A MONTH OF PARTIES AND OVERINDULGING – CAN REALLY STIR UP FOMA IN THOSE TRYING TO AVOID BOOZY BINGES . IF ALL YOU WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS TO AVOID ALCOHOL , FOLLOW THESE TOP TIPS TO GIVE YOURSELF THE BEST POSSIBLE CHANCE .
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Set your intentions
Setting yourself goals in most aspects of life generally works well , and experts in alcohol and behaviour change have identified setting your intentions before you head into a tempting situation as one of the best ways to help cut down on boozing . A bit like manifesting , but practically , having that goal in your mind ’ s eye reaffirms the commitment to yourself that you will stay on track no matter how many times Linda from accounts tries to make you neck a shot at the Christmas party . Goals that stick though must be realistic and achievable , staying just the right side of challenging , so make sure you ’ re certain that you want to stay sober before jumping in headfirst . Once you know a sober silly season is your aim , write down a list of reasons about why it ’ s so important to you . Maybe you want to stay away from alcohol over Christmas so you can be fully present with your family and cherish the memories you make for years to come . Whatever your reason , it ’ ll be that burning motivation that will ultimately lead you to fulfil your intention .
Commit to your party plan
Now your intentions are firmly set , you need to set yourself up for success and properly prepare for your festive plans . Everyone has that one friend that rarely takes no for an answer and always ends up twisting your arm through jovial encouragement that often ends up in a horrible hangover . First thing ’ s first , think of what you need to tell them to disarm their quest to get you tipsy . If honesty is the best policy , just tell them that you ’ re committed to a period of sobriety and will not be deterred away from that . If you don ’ t think the truth will suffice , whip out the classic ‘ I ’ m driving ’ white lie ; joking about it and brushing off any comments with a lack of defensiveness will also help to make light of your decision as they both show confidence , which will subconsciously make your friends and family less likely to try to sway your choice . Calling ahead to brief the friend or family member you know will support you is never a bad idea - give them a ring before you arrive and explain why you ’ ve made your decision so they ’ re on hand to get you out of any tricky situations .
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