Navigating Peer Pressure in Social Drinking:
Insights from a Millennial Runner

Hello everyone, and welcome back to another entry in my ongoing journey—Ep1631 of the Runpreneur Diary. Today, I want to dive into a topic that resonates deeply with many of us, especially those in my generation: managing peer pressure within the context of social drinking.

Growing up as a millennial, socialisation often went hand-in-hand with alcohol. It was part and parcel of our social experiences—whether right or wrong—that drinking was an embedded aspect of our culture. However, as we transition into a more health-conscious era, particularly for younger generations who often socialise more online than in-person, we see a shift in these dynamics.

For me personally, living a healthy lifestyle has become a priority. I exercise daily, and I’m very mindful of what I consume, utilising tools like the Zoe app to help me make healthier food choices. As a result, I barely drink nowadays. But when I do, it's usually in a social setting and, admittedly, not in moderation. The occasional night out can lead to binge-drinking, an unhealthy practise we should aim to avoid.

Interestingly, upcoming generations appear to be more health-aware and less inclined to binge-drink due to a rise in online social interactions and a growing focus on fitness. This is promising. However, for those of us who still find ourselves in environments that encourage heavy drinking, it's crucial to understand strategies for navigating these situations without succumbing to unhealthy peer pressure.

Recently, I had the opportunity to put this into practise while attending the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton. It was set to be an event marking not just a grand sporting spectacle but, for the crew of dads from my village going along, a boozy affair. We planned to start early—around 2:30 or 3:00 in the afternoon—and continue well into the night.

In scenarios like these, it's easy to get pulled into heavy drinking. To manage this, I stick to lower calorie alcoholic beverages—my go-to being gin and tonic. While potent, it comes in smaller volumes compared to a pint of beer, helping me moderate my intake. Furthermore, mixing in glasses of water between alcoholic drinks is an effective method I use to stay hydrated and maintain better control over my consumption.

Over the years, I've grown wiser and more comfortable asserting my own boundaries. It's essential to recognise that there is no merit in matching drink for drink with others. Enjoying an event isn't determined by how much alcohol you consume, but by the quality of the experience and interactions you have. By pacing myself and prioritising my health, I avoid the severe hangovers and health repercussions that I might have faced in earlier years.

For those of you who may also feel the pressure in social drinking settings, my advice is to be conscious of your limits. It's completely acceptable to skip rounds, opt for water in between, and remind yourself that the ultimate goal is to have an enjoyable and memorable time, not to outdrink one another. Particularly for millennials who have grown up with such a culture, breaking away from these norms can be challenging, but it's definitely achievable and rewarding.

In conclusion, if you're facing similar circumstances, it's about finding balance and taking control of your intake. We're fortunate that societal views are shifting and health is becoming a focal point. So, don’t get swayed by peer pressure; instead, stay true to what feels right for you.

Thank you for being part of this journey. I welcome any questions or comments and will respond to every one. If you resonate with my mission of saving children's lives by running the ultimate ultra-marathon—a lap of the world barefoot—please subscribe, share, like, and comment. Every bit of support helps us reach more people, raise more funds, and ultimately save more lives.

Stay positive, stay happy, and I'll see you all again tomorrow!

Cheers, Kevin Brittain