This week has seen me out 6 evenings in a row for various functions. A combination of work and social engagements have been very enjoyable. We all know that too much of a good thing can be bad for our health. Wrong food, too much food, excessive alcohol can all be deleterious. The good news is that it is possible to live a full social calendar and stay in balance. Here are a few tips!

1) Easy on the grog- Whilst the human body has no physical requirement for alcohol, there is no doubt that sharing a drink with friends creates an invisible bond that enhances and vivifies friendships. The drinking culture of European countries is to be applauded, as opposed to binge culture of Australia. That is slowly changing. If you choose to have a few drinks, make sure that you consume one glass of water after each drink. Don’t mix drinks and keep the quantity to a moderate amount.

2) Food- Make good choices with food selection. Go for fresh, colourful, healthy and tasty choices. Limit quantity to around 3/4 full. Overeating is one of the biggest problems. You don’t have to finish everything. Eat with awareness and go with what feels right. Unfortunately, food in mass dinners can often be suboptimal in terms of quality.

3) Sleep- we all have our minimum quota of sleep to function well. I generally wake up at my usual waking hour between 5 and 6am even if I have slept late. Later in the day I will catch some cat naps of 10-20 minutes. That is enough to recharge the system!

4) Exercise- there is no doubt that excessive partying can spoil a fitness and training routine. Rather than an all or nothing approach, I prefer to take a “something is better than nothing” approach. Yesterday, instead of the usual 5 km run, I did a 30 minute brisk walk. Once the festivities have settled, I get back to my more disciplined routine.

5) Yoga- it is very difficult to integrate yoga (spiritual path) with bhoga (path of indulgence), but I am pleased to report there is a way. It just takes a little sensitivity and awareness. You may not be able to sit “on the mat” in traditional meditation with any success after a big night out, but once the effects wear out, make it a point of coming back to your practice. Once you learn to experience spiritual in the material then all conflicts disappear.