How do you handle holiday triggers without alcohol when every gathering feels like a test? The clinking glasses, "just one won't hurt" comments, and family dynamics can overwhelm anyone navigating an alcohol-free holiday season. Coach Zoe has a game-changing perspective: triggers aren't your enemy—they're messengers pointing to what you actually need. In this powerful Joy Edit episode, you'll discover the brain science behind holiday triggers and learn Annie Grace's visualization technique for preparing your nervous system before challenging situations. Instead of white-knuckling through parties, you'll explore practical tools like "curiosity goggles," the ACT method (Awareness, Clarity, Turnaround), and trigger mapping. Coach Zoe breaks down the most common holiday triggers—from party pressure to family flashbacks—and reveals the unmet needs hiding beneath each one. You'll learn why willpower crashes, but awareness builds lasting change, how to make "tonight commitments" instead of overwhelming forever promises, and simple regulation techniques like HALT checks (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired) and anchor gestures. Transform your holiday one breath at a time, and create the life you don't want to escape.
Coach Zoe is sharing:
How to handle holiday triggers without alcohol by treating them as information, not evidence that you’re failing
Why “curiosity goggles” can shift you from reactive to responsive at parties and family events
The difference between willpower and awareness, and why collecting evidence you can trust yourself matters
How visualization, “tonight I choose…” commitments, and experimentation reduce pressure and increase freedom
A science-backed look at stress, alcohol’s brain chemistry, and mindful ways to soothe your nervous system
The ACT tool (Awareness, Clarity, Turnaround) and how to build a personalized holiday trigger map
Practicing response instead of reaction so your wise inner adult—not old patterns—leads the way
How these grace-first tools help you stay present, protect your peace, and more topics…
Episode links:
nakedmindpath.com
Related Episodes:
Cravings & Triggers: What Exactly Are They And How Do You Deal With Them? - Reader Question - E36 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-36-reader-question-cravings-triggers-what-exactly-are-they-and-how-do-you-deal-with-them/ Effective Strategies for Setting Boundaries with Family - Reader Question - E622 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-620-readers-question-effective-strategies-for-setting-boundaries-with-family/
Getting Past Emotional Drinking Triggers - Reader Question - E616 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-616-readers-question-getting-past-emotional-drinking-triggers/
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