Stay away from Stressors
By planning ahead, you can make these days easy on yourself. For one, stay away from the people and places that remind you of your previous holidays involving substance abuse. Holidays are a time to connect with old friends and family, but if these connections make it harder for you to remain in sobriety after an alcohol treatment program, it is not worth it. It’s ok to avoid people, places, and events that hinder your own sobriety. Your own sobriety is more important than these luring relationships. Your everyday relationships are dependent on your sobriety – it doesn’t make sense to sacrifice all of those relationships for another.
Keep in Mind Why You are Sober
Watching everyone around you drink and have a good time can be difficult. But remember to tell yourself you can be just as fun without alcohol. In fact, remind yourself why you are sober in the first place. Making a gratitude list of all the reasons you are grateful for your sobriety will remind you and keep you strong-willed. Take this opportunity to not only celebrate the holidays but celebrate yourself for being sober and healthy.
Establishing New Traditions
Generally, if you were to look back on your traditions while using, they most likely involved drinking of some sort: whether that was parties, bars, or just drinking at home. This year, try to use your creativity and establish a fun and new tradition. This can be anything from board games, baking, cooking, movies, sledding, skiing, volunteering, caroling, a road trip vacation, or hiking. If you have kids, take this time to reconnect with them. Ask them what they want to do. Spending time with them can give you much greater enjoyment than any party.
Keeping Your Daily Routine
Holidays are a busy time. You have countless obligations to keep, such as buying presents or going to social events but try to plan these things out ahead of time so they don’t interfere with your daily schedule. Exercise is one of the main things that gets put on the backburner, but especially for someone in sobriety, exercise is extremely valuable. Keeping a strong willpower and mindfulness is crucial during these times; exercise is an easy way to do this. There are other ways are limiting your social stressors and keeping your mindfulness: if you are hungry – eat; if you are tired – make time for rest; if you are angry – talk about it with someone. This leads to the next point.
Spend Time with People Who Support You
Going to holiday parties, whether a family, friend or a professional one, it can be difficult alone. When you are the only one not drinking, it can be hard to resist temptation. Try to invite another sober friend or surround yourself with people who understand and support your situation so you can hold yourself accountable. In any event, always try to have someone in your back pocket you can call when times get difficult. This can include your sponsor, or a family member, or a friend who has your best interest of sobriety at heart.
Volunteer
This is a great way to stay busy during the holidays. Not only is this a great distraction, but the rewards you come away with will be fruitful and help give you a sense of purpose as well as brightening your spirits.
The holidays are some of the best times a year and they will be for you too. Just remember to plan ahead and keep a high priority of your sobriety. Remember why you became sober and be thankful for all of the ways sobriety has made your life better. Happy Holidays!
