“Never, ever underestimate the importance of having fun.” Randy Pausch
(Companion essential oil: Young Living Grounding™)
And if it’s the annual office Christmas party, never, ever underestimate the importance of staying sober while you’re at it.
We get used to having ‘undo’ buttons at our disposal to fix brain-drain moments when we’re writing up documents and setting up a flurry of formulae in spreadsheets.
But there’s no Undo Button after one too many Mad Men-inspired cocktails leads to a riches of embarrassment you can never put back into the bottle. If there was, its manufacturers would be laughing all the way to their privately-owned chunk of island paradise on their Learjet. And probably knocking back Mad Men-inspired cocktails all flight long.
So our office party survival guide starts with the blaringly obvious. Tip #4? Less so. And you’ll be glad to know it.
1. Choose sparkling mineral water with a dash of lemon and bitters and request it be served in a champagne or martini glass
Walking around with a glass that usually signifies alcoholic content is a great smokescreen. It heads off at the pass annoying explanations as to why you’re not drinking and possible sledges as to being a party pooper, thereby leaving you in peace to enjoy your sobriety and focus on creating happy memories you’ll actually remember in the morning. What’s more, alcohol dehydrates and can take the shine off glowing eyes and skin, so you’re actually doubling the benefits when you abstain and drink water instead.
You’ll also wake up fresh in the morning, unafraid of turning on your phone and confident heading out for your usual early morning walk knowing the only embarrassing texts or calls you might receive will be courtesy of something you did in full command of your faculties. Smiling with a mouthful of chocolate-coated teeth after a trip to the dessert bar is not ideal, but easily forgotten. Slapping your boss on the back and saying their significant other is a looker while winking and visibly appraising their credentials ? Less so.
2. Dress Appropriately
Yes, it might be a party. Yes, the dress code might even say ‘festive casual’. But remember it’s essentially a work function. If you can see through it, down it or up it, put it back in the closet. And just as fashion stylists encourage chic but comfortable footwear at the races — it’s a long event and you’ll be on your feet for most of it — leave your hobble-inducers at home or prepare to be in pain. You can be as sober as a church mouse but take off your shoes at a work party and you’ll be taking a level off your professionalism, too. The sozzled folks might not remember, but you aren’t the only one planning on keeping ahead of the rest by having a negligible blood alcohol level.
Bonus tip: If you do end up with blisters, a drop of authentic melaleuca alternifolia won’t go astray.
3. Have Engaging Conversations
Armed with your sparkling sobriety, use this as a chance to further friendly working relationships and get to know what inspires and drives the people you spend much of your life with most days of the week.
The easiest way ? Ask open-ended questions about them, keeping them light and non-obtrusive. “So what’s been one of the highlights of your past year?” If their answer is work-related, great ! You’ll gain insights into what lights their fire. If their answer is social/family-related, great ! You’ll gain insights into what lights their fire. And as people generally enjoy talking about themselves, they’ll walk away knowing you’re interested and care.
4. Prep with Essential Oils
Young Living Grounding™ is a fabulous oil blend when you’re heading into a large group situation and want to bolster your calm, confident demeanour. It was especially formulated to do what the name suggests: stabilise and ground so it’s harder to be knocked off your centre. When energy is running high, even in a fun and exuberant way, it’s easy to be influenced by that, which can be a great thing when everyone’s enjoying themselves. But add free-flowing alcohol into the mix plus long-awaited time off drawing near, and it’s a slippery slope into more derring-do than is wise amongst professional colleagues.
Before heading to the party, rub several drops of Grounding™ into the palms of your hands, cup them over your nose and deeply inhale for 10 seconds or so, then slip off your shoes and rub the oil into the soles of your feet as well. Apply another drop behind your ears and you’re good to go!
Grounding™ includes the essential oils of:
- white fir (grounding, anchoring)
- cedarwood (balancing)
- juniper (creates feelings of peace)
If you don’t have this blend on hand, cedarwood is a great substitute to try. As always, please choose a top quality oil and follow the usual guidelines for safe use of essential oils.
This will also connect you up with The Good Oil Team for our personal support and coaching. We'd love to help you on your journey to vibrant well-being the natural way!
Any questions? Please get in touch via our Contact page.
5. If You Ignored Tip #1
Have a serve of Young Living AlkaLime™ for a fresh, bubbly mineral complex to top up your potassium, magnesium and calcium and make your mouth feel human again. (Not recommended if you’re on a sodium-restricted diet.) It’s 100% natural and has a very light lemon-lime flavour thanks to its essential oil ingredients and zero fat, carbs and sugar.
Rehydrate, sleep, inhale peppermint oil (energises while settling squeaminess) and drink plenty of NingXia Red, too.
Relax and have fun — just be sure to make healthy choices while you’re at it.
