Whether you’re facing holiday-specific challenges or navigating your overall recovery journey, we’re here to guide you. If you do attend a party where drinks are served, prepare yourself for the event. Plan your arrival and departure, who you will spend time with – and who you will not.
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Gratitude shifts your focus from what you’ve lost to what you’ve gained, fostering a positive mindset. „I’m just excited to see the sober movement growing and not just being a trend. I think people are being a lot more health-conscious and maybe setting better examples,” Lauck said. DeBoer also says she lost 30 pounds, became a marathoner, and started her personal styling business. Maybe a breakfast date with a friend or a morning walk in the park that will feel especially good because you won’t be hung over. It’s the perfect season “to have some lovely hot chocolates, take them outdoors and go ice skating,” says Kate Baily, a women’s health coach in the U.K. Top-rated alcohol-free hotels in the UK include boutique accommodations and wellness-focused hotels.
Mindful Experiences
- From calming yoga trips to long and strenuous hikes to breathtaking cruises, there are plenty of choices for an alcohol-free getaway.
- A healthy breakfast helps jumpstart your metabolism, which can help reduce cravings and support your recovery.
- Techniques such as meditation and deep breathing exercises facilitate emotional balance, helping individuals navigate holiday stresses with a clear and composed mindset.
- From bartending to business strategizing, Mandy Lauck does it all as the general manager of Holé Molé.
I had the most amazing experience and healed on so many deep levels, it was profound, and I will never forget it. I feel privileged to have experienced this beautiful weekend with such amazing soul sisters. Check out the Sober Powered Podcast to learn more about how alcohol affects the brain. To learn more about the HALT method, check out this podcast episode.
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Cultivating gratitude and using positive affirmations can significantly boost your mood and reinforce your commitment to sobriety during travel. Having a sober companion can make navigating potentially triggering situations easier and more enjoyable. It also ensures you have immediate support if you face challenges.
You can get support without disrupting the holidays—our resources fit into your life and help you stay balanced. But there are also a lot of situations you simply don’t have to deal with or allow. Before going into the holidays, look at ways to be mindful in avoiding situations that could damage your recovery journey. If you’re traveling this holiday season, consider connecting with a local sober community or attending a virtual meeting to maintain a sense of familiarity and support. Another good idea is attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings near you.
Alcohol-centric parties, social pressures, and old habits might test your commitment to sobriety. Yet, with the right strategies, you can enjoy the festivities while staying true to your recovery goals. The pandemic has added another layer of challenges during the holiday season this year. Many people have been more isolative throughout the past two years, as many holiday events were canceled last year due to COVID-19.
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Whether you are planning to mostly sit by the pool or so something more active, planning is part of the fun. New options open up when you know you will always be up feeling fresh, or that you can hire a car and drive. We have some ideas about how to strengthen your recovery, including eight tips for staying sober during the holidays. Understanding the impact of alcohol on your body and mind can reinforce your commitment to sobriety. Spend some time reading about the benefits of living sober, and learn about how others have successfully navigated the holidays without alcohol.
Create Step-by-Step Actions for Handling Urges or Cravings
Participation in charitable activities aligns well with sobriety goals, supporting emotional well-being and reinforcing a positive mindset. StrategyDescriptionStay Connected with Support GroupsEngaging with support networks can provide a sense of belonging and understanding. Supporting sober friends can enhance relationships and strengthen commitment to sobriety. Navigating social gatherings can be challenging during the holidays.
- CleanSlate provides MAT, behavioral health services, and care coordination to help you manage holiday stress and maintain sobriety.
- In Rome, I woke up with enough energy to walk six miles, from the Piazza Navona to the Roman Forum.
- In addition to these emotional challenges, the financial and logistical stress of gift shopping, travel, and a packed holiday schedule can leave little time for self-care or reflection.
- Longbranch Recovery and Wellness provides affordable, top-quality drug and alcohol rehab programs at our facilities in Louisiana and Arkansas.
Know your sober social window
Yes, there are all-inclusive resorts in the UK that focus on wellness and do not serve alcohol. They typically provide a range of activities, healthy meals, and non-alcoholic beverages. This allows guests to enjoy a relaxing holiday without the presence of alcohol. This shift offers a unique opportunity for individuals to enjoy time away without the influence of alcohol, focusing instead on wellness and social connections. Getting through the end-of-year holidays while maintaining recovery, especially for people newer to this life-changing process, is an important accomplishment—one worthy of celebration in its own right.
If needed, leave the event and connect with your recovery network. It might initially feel troublesome if you’re not used to yoga or meditation exercises. But as time passes, you’ll see a notable difference in how you approach things. These self-care practices can also help you center yourself when emotions run high. The holidays are an ideal time to focus on gratitude, a powerful recovery tool. Quit drinking on 23 July 2021 after a two-day bender and swapped bars for border crossings and 12-step meetings.
One of the most effective ways is through open and empathetic communication. Listening without judgment helps the individual feel understood and accepted. Sharing your sober journey can be a powerful way to reinforce your commitment and potentially inspire others. If you feel comfortable, be open about your sobriety when appropriate situations arise. Journaling is an excellent way to process emotions and track your sobriety journey while traveling. It provides a safe space for self-reflection and helps identify potential Sober living home triggers.
- These consistent support touchpoints can make a huge difference in maintaining your sobriety during this festive but sometimes overwhelming time of year.
- You might even encounter high-functioning alcoholics during gatherings.
- Bring a non-alcoholic drink, set boundaries, and prepare polite responses to decline offers of alcohol.
- The biggest gift that you can give to yourself and your loved ones is that of sobriety.
- The truth is you come by yourself on an exclusive retreat that is tailor-made for you.
- She suggested writing a gratitude list of five things you’re thankful for every morning.
Loved It
This can place individuals at a greater risk of returning to old habits or seeking treatment again. By implementing these strategies, sober holidays individuals can enjoy sober holidays with confidence, build new traditions, and strengthen their recovery journey. Many social events are centered around alcohol, creating potential triggers that can complicate sobriety efforts.