Hote to TAME THE BOOZE HABIT

Alcohol doesn't need an all or nothing approach. Use this advice to say goodbye to a sore head this season

As fun as dinner parties and drinks dates are, you may wish to avoid spending the following day horizontal with a splitting headache. Or perhaps you're worried about how all the sparkling wine and cocktails will affect your weight or wellbeing? Then mindful drinking may be for you. It's an increasingly popular solution for those of us who enjoy drinking, but want to get a handle on how much we do it. 'It's about being actively involved in the moment, noticing how each drink makes you feel and what may be driving that urge or desire to drink,' says Angela Calcan from drinkcoach.org.uk.

Through the process, you will become more aware of your drinking habits and, if you want to, can change your behaviour accordingly. Here's how to reclaim control over how much you drink and avoid unwanted binges this festive season - you may find it's healthier for your bank balance, too.

Crunchtime for bingeing

It's all too easy for one glass of Prosecco to lead to an entire bottle. The tendency to binge drink in social situations is often driven by peer pressure, no matter how old you are. 'If you are surrounded by heavy drinkers, it's normalised,' says Ray Sadoun from OK Rehab. 'Others binge drink as it gives them confidence they don't possess when sober.

'We are lucky to live in a time where there is more acceptance of different drinking preferences, adds Angela.

We also have a greater understanding of how alcohol damages our health, increasing our risk of cancer, liver disease and mental health problems like depression.

Healthy limits