Every year when February rolls around, every store gets decked out in large stuffed animals and everything pink and red. Valentine’s Day takes over, creating a loving time for some. For others, the idea of Valentine’s Day emphasizes loneliness and isolation. It can increase anxiety, depression, and even addictions. Learning to work through stressful holidays is an important part of your recovery journey. Here are a few simple tips to get you through the day.
Give Yourself a Break
Putting pressure on yourself because you think you should be spending Valentine’s Day a certain way can be dangerous. Give yourself a break and remember it is just a normal day. Everyone feels lonely at some point in their life. Do not scold yourself or stress yourself out because you may not be experiencing Valentine’s Day as you think you should.
Spend the Day With Friends or Family
Valentine’s day does not need to be spent with a romantic partner. Understanding and acknowledging how you feel is important. Spend the day with someone you feel safe with and try opening up about how you are feeling to them. The idea of spending the day with someone you love or care about goes far beyond a significant other. Who we choose to spend our time with can greatly impact our recovery journey. When we are choosing to spend time with positive, uplifting influences, it can have a greatly positive effect on the journey.
Take Yourself on That Date
Learning to be happy and content on your own is an important part of the recovery journey. As Valentine’s Day approached, work on being ok with simply being with yourself. Go get your favorite food, put in your favorite movie, or do something you genuinely enjoy doing. It is a great feeling when you do not need others around you to make you happy or content.
Valentine’s Day can be a joyous fun day for some. For others, it is a day when loneliness, depression, and anxiety can be greatly heightened. Learning to be content with yourself is an important skill to have in life. It is also important to surround ourselves with others who are uplifting and positive as we journey through our recovery. Here at The Guest House, we are ready to help you learn the skills needed to navigate stressful holidays and different situations you may face as you journey through recovery. Call us today at (855) 483-7800.