Staying Sober During the Holidays: Tips for Overall Mental Health & Wellbeing

As someone who is actively in long-term recovery from alcoholism, the holiday season can be tough time of the year. The colder temperatures, coupled with seasonal depression, in addition to the increase in holiday gatherings with loved ones, can bring this sense of overwhelm and overall avoidance. The holidays are a time of the year meant for us to slow down. Heck, we are given an extra hour to rest, and how many of us feel this need to be productive to the ends of the earth for that extra hour? This holiday season, I encourage you to intentionally take a step back and press the pause button. Sobriety is difficult in its own right, but coupled with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be recipe for relapse and dread.

Below I have compiled a list of attainable and achievable goals to have when maintaining sobriety during the holiday season.

1. Plan Ahead

Prepare for social gatherings by thinking through potential challenges and creating strategies to handle them.

2. Set Clear Boundaries

Communicate your decision to stay sober with friends and family and let them know how they can support you.

3. Choose Sober Activities

Engage in holiday activities that don’t revolve around alcohol, such as cookie making, volunteering, or having a movie night.

4. Bring Your Own Drinks

Prepare and bring your own non-alcoholic beverages to gatherings to ensure you have something enjoyable to drink.

5. Have an Exit Plan

If you start feeling uncomfortable, have a plan in place to leave the event early without guilt.

6. Seek Support

Connect with sober friends or support groups to share experiences and encourage each other during the holidays.

7. Focus on the Positive

Shift your mindset to the benefits of sobriety, such as better health, clearer memories, and more meaningful connections.

8. Practice Self-Care

Prioritize your mental and physical well-being with activities like exercise, meditation, or hobbies that bring you truly joy.

9. Avoid Triggers

Identify situations or environments that may tempt you to drink alcohol and have a plan for saying "no" when those triggers occur.

10. Celebrate Your Achievements

Take time to acknowledge your progress and celebrate milestones in your journey to sobriety.

Friends, sobriety is hard, but it is so worth it. Recovery is possible and when you have a community of people who support you, the sky is the limit. Don't ever be afraid to avoid situations because they hinder your sobriety. Sobriety is a high achievement, and you are doing it, each and every day! Know that I am so proud of you! Keep up the amazing work, friend!

Love,

Ashley P