We all know how pushy people can get when they’ve had a few, so feeling comfortable to assert your boundaries around alcohol is important when you’re trying to be more mindful about your consumption.

As psychiatrist Dr David McLaughlan previously told Stylist: “In my clinic at the Priory Hospital, we teach drink refusal skills for these kinds of situations to help us maintain our drink boundaries. You’re much more likely to maintain your drink boundaries if you practise these skills and have a few stock responses up your sleeve.”

The types of refusals you can use include being diplomatic (such as saying something like ‘I’ll have a drink with you next time we’re out’) or educational (such as explaining some of the benefits you get from not drinking).

For more information on practising these techniques, check out Dr McLaughlan’s guide to setting boundaries around booze.

Mindful drinking tips: 7 techniques to try if you want to cut down on alcohol