Your addiction recovery routine is a lifeline—it helps you maintain your sobriety and provides structure to support your mental and physical health. As holiday events, family gatherings, and travel plans threaten to throw you off track, it’s important to make a plan that keeps your recovery routine intact while still allowing space for holiday cheer. Here are three ways to maintain your sobriety routine and stay grounded in your recovery.
1. Prioritize Your Daily Recovery Habits
The holidays can quickly fill up with obligations—parties, family dinners, shopping, and more. While these activities are fun, they can also push aside the daily habits that keep you grounded in recovery. Maintaining routine during the holidays means making a conscious effort to keep those daily recovery habits a priority, no matter what’s on the schedule.
- Stick to your meeting schedule – Whether you’re attending 12-step meetings, group therapy, or virtual recovery meetings, keep these commitments on your calendar. If you’re traveling, find local meetings or log into virtual ones to keep connected.
- Practice daily mindfulness – Start each day with mindfulness to help keep you present. This could mean taking ten minutes for meditation, practicing deep breathing, or simply sitting with a cup of tea and reflecting on your intentions for the day.
- Check in with your support network – Whether it’s a sponsor, a friend in recovery, or an Alumni Coordinator, checking in regularly with someone who supports your recovery can help you stay accountable and feel connected. Make time for these connections daily, even if it’s just a quick phone call or text.
2. Set Boundaries Around Holiday Events
Holiday gatherings can be full of joy, but they can also be filled with triggers—especially for those in recovery. Protecting your addiction recovery routine means setting boundaries that keep you safe and comfortable. This might mean making hard choices but remember that your health and well-being come first.
The first boundary to set is around alcohol and other substances. Talk to your support system if you’re not sure how to handle events where alcohol or other substances might be present—or if you should attend them at all. Be honest with yourself and others and yourself about what situations you can handle, and which ones might be too much, especially early in your recovery journey.
You might need to set boundaries around family dynamics. Holidays can bring up difficult emotions and conflicts, which can be especially tough for those in recovery who are still working on healing relationships or setting boundaries with toxic family members. Remember that you have the right to say no and prioritize your well-being.
3. Create New, Sober Traditions
The holidays are often tied to traditions—many of which might have included alcohol or other substances in the past. Part of maintaining routine during the holidays is creating new traditions that support your recovery and bring you joy without the risk of relapse. Recovery is about building a new, healthier life, and the holidays are the perfect opportunity to create meaningful, sober celebrations.
A few ideas:
- Host a sober gathering.
- Schedule recovery-friendly activities.
- Volunteer.
- Practice gratitude.
- Travel to a new destination.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and think outside the box when it comes to creating sober holiday traditions. Involve your support network in planning and try new things together.
This Year, Make Your Recovery a Priority
The holidays don’t have to be a threat to your recovery routine. If you’re struggling, know that you’re not alone. Reach out to your support network and prioritize your well-being above all else. You’re giving your loved ones the gift of a happy, healthy you when you prioritize your recovery during the holiday season. Keep in mind that this is just one season out of many and focusing on your sobriety now will set you up for long-term success.
Recovery Centers of America’s recovery resources can help you stay on track with your recovery goals during the holidays. Call 833.926.5486 or reach out online to learn more.