Is Less More?

Here are some sensible ideas for curtailing your intake while networking.

We all have our own reasons why. Maybe it is time to modify your alcohol intake and approach drinking while networking with a “quality not quantity” mindset. When done mindfully, you will begin a healthy task that will be worth your while. Let’s face it, you don’t need a drink to become relaxed and have fun, though you also don’t need to give up your favorite cocktail or glass of wine to be healthy and happy. Somewhere in-between we can all find middle ground and finding that zone boils down to thoughtful choices and moderation.

Conferences and trade shows always do a great job of building in time post scheduled meetings and prior to evening activities. This is when a solid number of us unwind by toasting to one another. Instead, selecting an enjoyable opportunity with colleagues allows you to focus on an activity with action (going to a museum, a sporting event, renting scooters, etc.) rather than inaction (becoming sedentary). Choosing a positive activity, or one that you look forward to like sightseeing, will shift your mindset. Determining what you can do instead that you look forward to may have the side effect of not consuming alcohol, or at minimum reducing your intake.

Exercising mindfulness while enjoying cocktails helps you enjoy and be grateful for what you are consuming without the impulse to over-indulge. How does mindful drinking work? Begin by being thoughtful about each drink you consume, and do not grab the next glass of bourbon just because you have finished your first.

Be aware of this routine, and be mindful to drink slowly and be present. Observe what it smells and tastes like, even how it feels on your tongue. Notice how it makes you feel. Are you tired, relaxed, talkative, maybe even a bit dehydrated? Appreciate the flavor. What type of glass were you served? Who are you with? And on and on. Not a simple task in the moment, but over time you’ll find that the more present you are, the less you will consume.

Habits can completely shift by tweaking the moments in-between drinks and mindful drinking can become your norm.

Try this next time you are drinking while in a social setting: Finish your last sip and then pause, reflect whether you truly want another drink, or if you’d like to take a break. This simple thought process can lead to making a choice based on how you feel. Maybe you will tap into a feeling of dehydration and order a glass of water instead. Pausing just might lead to realizing you are ordering another cocktail just because it’s there, not because it is bringing you enjoyment.

With any extravagance, awareness can go a long way to minimizing unhealthy consumption. Shoot for making each drink last 30 minutes, or even 45 minutes. When in a good conversation with colleagues and clients, you’ll be amazed at how time flies. As you continue this exercise, drinking slowly will become a reflex, rather than a task tracked by your phone’s alarm.

For some, deciding on a plan prior to the experience is the best move. This way, you are prepared, know what to expect, and begin your activity with a sense of mindfulness. Often, we hear of the two-drink maximum rule. You may tell a friend going into the bar, “I’m only going to have two drinks.” This tactic can set expectations and a target limit for how much you plan to consume. Even if you slip up (say there’s only a half a glass left in a wine bottle) let yourself enjoy it and note that you are showing awareness.

We are not playing drinking games in college anymore. You do not need to feel social pressure to finish every drink you order, especially if you are not enjoying it. This impulse can be so hard to overcome. Separate from social pressure, none of us like to be wasteful by not consuming the entire drink or when spending money. But we are all adults here and life is too short, so if you are not enjoying it, move on.