Complete Life Success

New Year’s eve is just around the corner. If you are like most people, you will be attending or hosting a party to ring in the new year. A few precautions and a little thinking ahead will ensure that your New Year’s eve celebration will be a positive experience. Most of you have heard much of this before, but sometimes repetition is a good thing:

1. If you are going to drink, don’t drive!- Plain and simple, drinking and driving don’t mix. Make sure you have a designated driver or a taxi/limo to get you home safe. If you are hosting a party, take the initiative and make sure that your guests have a safe means of getting home. If they don’t, offer to let them stay the night or call a taxi.
2. Monitor your alcohol consumption- Even if you won’t be driving, make sure to monitor your consumption of alcohol. Hangovers are not fun (speaking from personal experience a long time ago). Why struggle through the 1st day of the new year with a pounding headache and upset stomach? A tip that has helped my wife and I many a time is to alternate alcohol and water. Drink a large glass of water or other non-alcoholic beverage between alcoholic beverages. Trust me, nobody will notice so don’t feel like you are a party spoiler if you do this. If you are hosting the party make sue to have a few sparkling waters as well as cranberry juice, pop, etc.
3. Make sure to eat- Eating enough during the holiday season is usually not a problem. Just make sure to eat if you are drinking. Hopefully there will be semi-healthy foods like nuts and veggies available. If not, try to eat at least a little food between your drinks. You want food in your stomach to help absorb the alcohol.
4. Focus on the people, not the drinks- New Year’s is about new beginnings. Use the party you are attending as a way to meet new people and renew old friendships. If you focus on learning something new from the people you meet you will have a great time and be less likely to over indulge.

Have fun this New Year’s eve but remember to think ahead a little before heading out to celebrate. There is no reason to start the new year with a hangover, or worse, an arrest record. Make some smart decisions and start the new year happy and healthy.

May everyone have a safe and happy new year!