How to Navigate the Holiday Season, Sober
If you’ve been doing the hard work to get clean or sober, firstly— congratulations! We understand that it’s no easy feat to be where you are right now. And, whether you are new to this sobriety journey, or you’ve been here for some time, you’ve likely felt some of that inner clarity and freedom that comes with this new way of life. As you head into the holiday season, it’s important to protect your inner clarity by placing your sobriety and wellness at the forefront of your plans. As we all know, alcohol, celebratory gatherings, and everyone’s emotions can flow more rampantly throughout the holiday season. It therefore makes sense to consider some protective strategies to help you stay on track.
Here are some suggestions to support your sobriety before, during, and after holiday gatherings:
Come & Go on Your Own Terms
Always take your own car or arrange for your own transportation to and from holiday parties and gatherings. This way, you can be the boss of your own destiny, meaning your destiny does not sit in the hands of an overly social family member who never wants to say goodbye.
Bring a Sober Friend
It might also be helpful, and more fun, to bring a sober companion. This person can be in the know, and on guard, for any relapse triggers. It’s important to remember, you do not have to be alone! A sober friend can be just what you need to help you stay supported throughout the holidays.
Prioritize Self-Care
You cannot make your best decisions when you’re depleted of energy, so it is important to keep yourself healthy during the holiday season. Prioritize your wellness: do yoga, go for a massage, meditate, pray, cuddle with your pet, go for walks, and do what helps you feel good and cared for. Proper nutrition and regular exercise will help you feel better, physically and emotionally.
Be Mindful of Family Dynamics
Be aware of who in your family might feel triggering for you. Perhaps it’s an uncle who drinks a lot or a sibling or parent who is critical. Head into any gathering with a plan to take breaks as needed. Call a friend, slip out for some fresh air, and gravitate toward those family members whom you are most comfortable with. Also, do consider not attending such events. Instead, choose to spend time with those who support you and your sobriety.
Come Prepared
When you do arrive at festive parties and gatherings, immediately grab a non-alcoholic beverage, and keep it in your hand. It may even be a good idea to bring some drinks of your own so you can sip on something you like. Whether it’s sparkling water, lemon kombucha or a bottle of ginger beer, others won’t be as inclined to push drinks on you if you have one already.
Focus on Connection
When holiday gatherings arise, think of them as an opportunity to meet some new friends or even to rekindle old connections. So, instead of making drinking and eating the priorities of the event, intentionally shift the focus to the people there. Zoom in on making connections and when you feel comfortable with someone, lean into it.
Give to Others
It’s important to stay grounded in our own needs. But sometimes, giving to others may be just what we need. It can help us feel a sense of purpose beyond ourselves. Consider making or baking some special treats for friends or neighbours and then head out to deliver them. You could also donate your time at a soup kitchen or a nursing home. Spreading care and happiness to others can fuel us in positive ways too.
Create New Traditions
Celebrate your sobriety and all it brings to your life by trying some new traditions. This could mean hosting a festive, sober, dinner party, or doing a Christmas day hike, a Boxing Day game of ‘Survivor’, or vision board making with friends on New Year’s Day.
Manage Relapse Triggers
Whether you are in recovery, or not, the holiday season can be a stressful time. With so much going on in one month, normal routines go out the window which can lead your anxiety to go through the roof. Try to let go of big expectations of yourself and others and consider keeping things as routine and as simple as possible this year. It’s okay to say “no” to invitations that come your way.
Make Sobriety Your Top Priority
If you think about it, holiday parties really are optional. Many things are, so if you don’t think an activity is going to be good for your recovery, it’s 100% okay to say “no.” Simply decline the party invite and make plans to see the host another time, and under circumstances that work better for you and your sobriety.
If you have chosen sobriety, then you’ve done so for reasons rooted in clarity. Protect that clarity this holiday season by staying focused on your own wellness. But remember, you do not have to do this alone. We have some addiction-focused counsellors here at Counselling & Co. Feel free to reach out to us for more information.