5 tips for sticking to your weekly alcohol allowance

With staying in the new going out, and more time at home with less to do, you might be reaching for a glass of vino or G&T a little more frequently.

Especially without the discipline of usual work routines, coronavirus has thrown our normal drinking habits out the window – and it’s very easy to fall back on the old adage: it’s always Happy Hour somewhere in the world, right?

The European arm of the World Health Organisation (WHO) has now called alcohol an “unhelpful coping strategy” in relation to coronavirus induced anxiety and isolation. Meanwhile the temptation (and freedom) to top up far more often, can mean an increased risk of putting your health in danger, when right now, staying in and staying well and fit has never been so important.

According to the NHS, drinking more than 14 units a week – the equivalent to a bottle and a half of wine, or five pints of export-type lager (5% abv) – can be damaging to your health, and this applies to both men and women.

If you do drink as much as 14 units a week, the NHS suggests spreading this evenly over three days or more, and if you’re trying to cut down, a good way to achieve this is to have several alcohol-free days a week.

Tips for sticking to your weekly alcohol allowance

Here, are a few ways to drink responsibly, despite coronavirus…

1. Decide the days you’ll have a drink in advance

Keeping a diary and writing down what you’re drinking each day can really help. Mondays and Tuesdays are the obvious ones to abstain, and you can always set yourself a wine goal and make it fun. Think Wednesday sauvignon blanc night, Saturday merlot night, and try exploring wines from different regions that you might not normally consider. Think about the aromas and flavours, and you’ll appreciate that glass even more.

2. Try to make it a special occasion

With the trend for ‘drinking less but drinking better,’ think about sharing that special bottle you’ve been saving, serving it in your best wine glass (so you’re not tempted to quaff it), and pairing it with a favourite dish.

Otherwise, make it a Friday date night. Cocktails and a little black dress go hand in hand, and if you’re self-isolating, plan those ‘dry days’ beforehand, so you’re looking your best for your next skype call.

3. Out of sight, out of mind

If you can’t see it, chances are you won’t touch it. So as much as we love a glamorous cocktail trolley, full wine rack and fridge full of beer, try to keep your booze under wraps. Wheel the trolley out the way, place a cloth over the wines and don’t put the beer in the fridge until the right time comes, that way you won’t be so tempted to crack open a tinnie.

4. Find other ways to de-stress

These are unprecedented times, so if you’re feeling anxious or stressed, it’s only natural. Instead of reaching for a drink, weigh up other little luxuries to indulge in at home.

A mini spa treatment such as a face mask, long hot bath, or sitting down with a good book. If that’s not your thing, a spot of spring cleaning can be extremely therapeutic, as can stretching exercises, calling a friend, or something as simple as sticking your head out the window and breathing in the fresh air.

5. Think low and no alcohol

If you really can’t bear to part with your precious glass of vino at the end of the day, consider switching styles. The average glass of white or fizz contains around 11% to 13.5%  alcohol, while a German riesling ways in at a light, but deliciously fruity and refreshing 8.5% to 9.5%. Alternatively, make room for mindful drinking, low-and-no alcoholic spirits, beer and rustling up a cheeky mocktail.

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