Families wait a whole year for this season when every family member is present at home to celebrate happiness and togetherness. All family members demand your time and attention during this season and want to create perfect happy holiday memories. The family menu is loaded with delicious items and you are expected to eat everything even if you are on diet.
How does one stay sober during the holiday season? You may ask yourself this question if you are in your recovery phase and going through the holiday stress of booking your flight, preparing for the holidays, getting presents for everyone, and dedicating your time to the family with all patience. If you find yourself asking this question, continue reading this to prepare yourself for the perfect holiday season without relapsing.
You may follow these tips to stay clean and sober during the holiday season:
Plan Ahead of Time
First things first, plan your holiday ahead of time and schedule meetups with people who are sober and work-related. You may schedule a meet-up plan with your sponsor or invite a sober friend for a meet-up. Holiday parties are often soaked up in alcohol and you may need support to avoid the relapse. Do take your car to such parties and a sober friend who can support you in remaining sober. Taking your car will remind you that you will have to drive yourself to go home.
Be mindful to avoid difficult people and stressful situations and have an escape plan if such situations arise. If you are prepared to protect your sobriety, you will be able to avoid potential relapses.
Know Your Limits
We all have Aunts who will roast us during the holiday season asking about our careers, marriage, and future goals. Do not get overwhelmed by such questions and know your limits. Be mindful of the time you spend with your relatives and avoid unnecessary stress. Uncle David from your paternal side may insist you have a famous drink with him but do not let yourself rationalize and convince yourself you are entitled to drink. Surround yourself with supportive and sober people who will help you stay clean and sober during this season. Do not test your limit as there is a high chase you may relapse in the recovery phase.
Make Self-Care a Priority
Take care of your mind, body, and soul during the holiday season. Give yourself a self-care present in the holiday season, you may opt for a yoga class, meditation, and prayer. Proper nutrition and healthy physical activities will add freshness to your holidays and help you remain sober during this season.
Stay Helpful to Stay Sober
Helping others during the holiday season will help you to stay sober. Look for every opportunity to help your family, friends, and acquaintances. Serving meals at a homeless shelter, spending time at an old age home, and getting presents for orphans can be good ideas for soberly spending your holidays. Every opportunity of giving will help you lower the feelings of fear and self-pity.
When you connect with others, you experience empathy and you begin to be grateful for the blessings in your life. This is an easy and joyful way to remain sober as you would not want to ruin such beautiful moments by drinking.
Schedule Fun Activities
Most families during the holiday season engage themselves in activities that often include drinks and someone in recovery assumes one drink won’t hurt but the truth is with just one drink, you can potentially relapse and struggle to remain sober. Engage yourself in fun activities involving sober friends and kids from family. This way you can enjoy your holiday season joyfully and peacefully. Be aware that only you have the power and control over yourself and make plenty of plans for holidays which does not involve alcohol to make them memorable.
Prioritize What’s Necessary
The holiday season can be overwhelming and it is common for people to pull themselves in different directions during this season. Don’t say yes to every invitation and friend, prioritise your mental and physical well-being and adjust your priorities accordingly. Identify possible triggers when meeting with people and try your best to avoid situations that can be a reason for you to have a drink. The holiday season can be difficult for some people, especially for those who have unpleasant memories attached to the holiday season. Surround yourself with positive people during the holidays to remain happy.
Celebrate Your Sobriety
Once the holiday season is near to end and you have not touched even a single drink at parties, it’s time for you to celebrate your sobriety and be happy with your progress. You may take yourself to a coffee shop or a restaurant for a treat or a mall to get yourself a nice present. Such gestures will help you remain motivated and reduce the desire to touch the drink again. Embrace your sobriety and be grateful for your good health. If you are someone who is helping a friend to remain sober during this season, say good words to him and remind him he did great.
Remaining clean and sober during the holiday season can be difficult but with the right support and willpower, you can make the most out of your holiday season. Follow these tips to make your holiday season more peaceful and memorable. Do not hesitate to take support from your loved ones and remind yourself that you have the power to overcome the desire of drinking. Make the right choices and plan to avoid relapse. Don’t forget to take care of yourself during this season and make self-care your top priority.
We know that it’s easier said than done, so if you keep having problems with alcohol, then you should consider asking for professional support.
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