The holidays are a fun and festive time, often filled with loved ones and special traditions. The holidays can also be a busy and stressful time of year as well. You may find yourself spending time with distant or close relatives that you do not enjoy much. Or you may find yourself immersed in activities or behaviors that do not align with your recovery or sobriety.
Creating a plan to maintain your mental health and sobriety through the holidays is an essential task. Think about what you need and devise a holiday schedule that you not only enjoy but also benefits your mental health. The following suggestions can get you through the holidays sober.
Start New Sober Traditions
The holidays are often filled with traditions. Many of those traditions may include behaviors in which you no longer participate. A lot about your life changed when you decided to work through your addiction and better understand your mental health issues. The way you used to celebrate will probably not be the same way you need to celebrate now.
The best way to tackle old traditions is to create new traditions that align with your sobriety and recovery. You may be surprised how good new traditions feel as you experience life beyond your addiction. You will be proud of yourself as you look back and see the changes you have made and how much better you feel.
Practice Saying No
Practice makes perfect. Find someone you trust and feel comfortable with, and try roleplaying. Practice saying “no.” It may feel silly or weird at first, but there are many benefits of roleplaying. You can practice different scenarios and figure out what feels right and natural to say. Saying no is not always easy, and recovery is a process. While it is typically best to avoid situations you are not ready for if you happen to find yourself in one, having the ability to strongly and confidently say no is essential.
Know Your Limits
Know what your limits are. Know when you need alone time, when you are being triggered, or when temptation is getting strong. When you can understand what you are feeling, you can begin to learn to know when you are nearing a dangerous moment for your mental health.
Pushing yourself beyond what you are comfortable with can be dangerous. Relapse is a scary thing, and the possibility of relapse should be taken seriously. Work with a mental health provider to know your limits and understand at what moments you should learn to step back and recenter yourself. Utilize all of the skills and tools you have learned in treatment, and remember to follow your instincts.
Enforce Strong Boundaries
One of the many benefits of the holidays is that it often brings people together. You may find yourself spending time with people who you normally would not see in your daily life. Those people may not know your journey or what boundaries you have set in place.
Continue to enforce your boundaries and maintain any routines that you had in place. If you are spending time with people who do not respect your boundaries, then that may be a sign that those are unhealthy relationships for you. Just because it is the holidays does not mean you should sacrifice your mental health and overall well-being.
Lean On Your Support Network
Having a solid support system as you journey through recovery is incredibly important. You will face challenges, triggers, and unexpected moments that will test your skills. The holidays can be a stressful time. You may be spending time with people that you do not enjoy overly much. Lean on your support network when you begin to feel stressed or uncomfortable. Talk to these people, and relax with them. Your support system is in place to help you during tough times. They want to help you succeed and work through the stress you experience, particularly during the holidays.
Schedule “You” Time
Your recovery is important. You worked hard to get to the place where you are in your life. Remember that even during busy times, it is crucial to dedicate time to your mind and body. If you enjoy activities such as yoga, meditation, taking walks, or watching movies, it is important to still find time to do those activities. You may also find it necessary to spend time by yourself at times to relax. Your mental health needs are unique to you. Try to take time to think about what you need and what your recovery needs to stay mentally and physically strong through busy and stressful times, particularly during the holidays.
Staying sober through stressful and busy times, like the holiday season, is something that requires effort and determination. The holidays are often busy times filled with loved ones and events. While it is often a fun time, for some, this time can lead to stress and packed schedules. Always remember your recovery and sobriety need to remain a priority. Enforcing clear and strong boundaries is a great first step. Know your limits and practice roleplaying situations where you may have to say no. Lean on your support network and always remember to take time for yourself. Here at The Guest House, we understand that everyone’s recovery is unique to them. We are ready to support you through your recovery and gain the skills and tools necessary to face any challenge before you. You do not need to face your challenges alone. Call us today at (855) 483-7800 to learn more.