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The holidays can be a difficult time for people recovering from addiction, as well as for their friends and families. The parties, the gatherings, and the endless barrage of commercials all seem to conspire against sobriety and serenity.
With a little bit of planning and effort, it is possible to get through the holidays without succumbing to temptation. Here are ten ways to practice sobriety and serenity during the holidays.
1. Make A Plan
The best way to stay on track during the holidays is to have a plan in place. Know which events you will be attending and what you will be doing there. If there is an event that you know will be exceptionally difficult, it is best to come up with a strategy for how you will handle it.
For instance, when it comes to events that you know will be harder to get through, it’s okay to bring your own beverage. It could be one that makes you feel better when you drink it, or even one that makes you feel more ‘normal’ when you are surrounded by drinkers/partiers.
Always remember that as a grown adult, you are not obligated to attend or be present at any event or function that makes you uncomfortable. It is okay to say no!
2. Avoid Temptation
It can be helpful to avoid places and events that are likely to trigger cravings. This might mean skipping the annual office party or avoiding your friend’s house where the drinks always flow freely.
It can also be helpful to have a list of activities that you can do instead of drinking or using drugs. Try something new, like a yoga class or rock climbing. Or, if you prefer the more traditional approach, volunteer at a soup kitchen or take part in an outdoor holiday event such as caroling or tree decorating. There is something about the holiday spirit, if you allow yourself to get into it, that can make you feel really great.
3. Stay Busy
When you are busy, it is less likely that you will think about drinking or using drugs. Keep yourself occupied with festive activities like decorating your house or baking Christmas cookies. It can also be helpful to plan activities with friends or family members who are also in recovery.
Finally, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Make sure you get plenty of rest, eat healthy meals, and stay active. Treat yourself to something special that will make you feel good, such as a massage or a trip to the movies. The holidays can be a trying time, but with the right attitude and support system, you can get through it unscathed.
4. Get Some Exercise and Practice Mindfulness
One way to stay on track during the holidays is to get some exercise. Exercise is a great way to combat stress and anxiety and it also helps keep your mind off of drugs and alcohol. Taking a walk around the neighborhood or going to the gym for a workout session is a great way to release tension. This will help you stay healthy and focused during this busy, and oftentimes, stressful time of year.
Another great way to calm your mind and decompress from all the pressures of the outside world during the holiday season is doing yoga or meditation. There are many ways to practice yoga and meditation without needing to spend money on a class or even attend a gym. You can check out the plethora of fantastic yoga classes available for free on YouTube, there are thousands!
As far as learning about meditation or taking a class, there are so many different types of meditation videos available for free on YouTube as well. For instance, if you are just starting out, a great option would be finding a guided meditation session to listen to. It’s a very simple, yet fun way to decompress and keep your mind at ease.
For ultimate relaxation, all you have to do is dim the lights in a quiet room, or even better get some colored lighting, light a scented candle, like a lavender one, and just close your eyes. Guided meditations are the best for beginners because they help prevent any intrusive, or negative thoughts that may pop up, since your mind is following and paying attention to the voice guiding the meditation in the video.
5. Eat Healthily
Eating healthy foods helps keep your body strong and resistant to temptation. By making sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet during the holidays, you will feel better about yourself which will in turn motivate you to stay sober.
It’s also important to avoid the highs and lows that are associated with the overconsumption of sugar. Most people don’t know that when you consume too much sugar, it can trigger cravings for drugs or alcohol. That’s why it is best to try to limit your intake of sweets and sugary snacks during the holiday season. Although every once in a while, it is okay to treat yourself to those delicious holiday cookies!
7. Stick To Your Routine
If you usually go to bed at 10 pm, don’t stay up until 2 am watching holiday movies just because everyone else is doing it. Stick to your regular routine as much as possible so you don’t get off track.
Sticking to a routine can be an important part of resisting temptation and staying sober, especially in the beginning. Having a consistent routine to follow, allows your mind to forgo any of the worries that come with having to pre-plan or overthink a potential situation.
It may seem counterintuitive to some, but by not only accepting your routine, but also sticking to it, it can alleviate certain stressors in the brain and give you an overall feeling of relaxation. When you are aware of what is coming, you will feel ready to tackle anything that comes your way.
8. Get Enough Sleep
Lack of sleep can leave you feeling tired and stressed out, which can lead to cravings for drugs or alcohol. In general, getting plenty of restful sleep is very important to your overall health and healing, but this is especially true during the holiday season.
We all know the feeling that comes with getting no sleep, or just a couple hours of sleep, and still having the entire day ahead of you. Not only do you become overwhelmed at the thought of getting through the day, but you still have to tackle all of the responsibilities that you may have.
When you feel cranky and over exhaustion creeps in, it can be extremely hard to stay on track. There is no doubt that starting the day feeling good about yourself is the ideal way to stay sober and on track during recovery. Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the best ways to feel positive about yourself and ready to start the day.
9. Spend Time With Sober Friends
Spending time with people who are sober is a great way to help keep you on track during the holidays. If you are lucky enough to have friends who are also going through recovery, this is one of the best ways to feel less alone during the holiday season.
It may even be beneficial to tag along to holiday parties together, if possible, so you won’t feel like you are the only one there not drinking/imbibing. Finding supportive friends who understand what you are going through can make the holidays much easier.
10. Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help
If you feel like you are struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for help from a friend or family member. The holidays can be tough for everyone and there is no shame in asking for support.
For those who feel that they may not have anyone in their direct inner circle to confide in or ask for support, there are always options to find what you need. Thanks to the internet there are a variety of ways to feel less alone during the holiday season.
There are many online forums that are dedicated solely to helping people stay connected and stay sober. For instance, on Reddit there is a subreddit called, r/stopdrinking, which is devoted to offering individuals advice, support and empathy to help them stay sober. There is also a chat feature, where someone is almost always available when you need help most in real time. For those who are looking for support when going through other substance addictions, there is r/addiction, along with many others as well.
At North Jersey Recovery Center, Practice Sobriety and Serenity All Year Long
One of the most important things to remember is that you are not alone. There are plenty of people who are going through the same thing as you. Lean on your friends and family for support, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Remember that the holidays are only a brief part of the year, and they will eventually come to an end.
The friendly team of professionals at North Jersey Recovery Center are committed to providing not just effective treatment plans for those embarking on their journey to recovery, but also a solid supportive environment to help keep you on track. We are here to remind you that you are never alone, especially during the holiday season.
Talk to us today to learn more about our programs so that you can get started immediately.
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This content is brought to you by Karishhma Mago
Photo provided by North Jersey Recovery Center.