Are you worried about surviving the winter holidays this year? It can be challenging for people in recovery. If you’re new to recovery, you may have very raw feelings. These feelings are normal but can be intense during the holiday season. You may feel a lot of feelings about the past or lonely in the present. This is especially true because of the COVID-19 pandemic. You may be worried about the holidays this year and how you will celebrate. It’s essential to stay sober no matter what other plans you make.
Staying Home for the Holidays
Many health departments recommend that you stay home for the holidays and only celebrate with others in your household. This is great if there is space, and your roommates can do this. However, if you’re alone this holiday, it can be a danger zone.
Make sure you plan to go to online meetings. They are available whenever you’re awake, so there’s no excuse. If you have insomnia, loneliness, or just need to hear the voice of somebody else in recovery, they’re available almost everywhere and every time of day.
Make sure to check in with your support network and sponsor, too. Call the family that you’re comfortable with. This is your holiday this year, and you can make it what you want. Do healthy things you enjoy.
Feeling Your Feelings
Whether we like it or not, everyone attaches feelings to the holiday season. They aren’t always like a Hallmark card, however. Sometimes you will feel guilt, sadness, loss, or anger. You’re human, and of course, you’re allowed to feel your feelings.
The holidays don’t have to be perfect this year. You don’t have to do anything hard to show up. However, if you are staying home for safety reasons, you might get lonely. Try to plan your time at home to watch a spirit-lifting movie and eat your favorite foods.
Dealing With Holiday Blues
Many people get the blues around the holidays. It’s normal, but it can lead to isolation and depression. If you’re feeling low, reach out to others. Here are some activities you can try to get your mind off of your sadness:
- Listen to your favorite downloads as you go for a brisk walk.
- Go for a bike ride.
- Learn some yoga through online classes.
- Look forward to next year by creating a “vision board” for the things you would like to accomplish.
- Tackle a recipe you’ve never tried before.
- Watch a marathon of your favorite tv show.
- Spend time with a pet playing or cuddling.
- Organize your closet and make a box for charity.
- Call a supportive friend or family member and ask them about their day.
Taking your mind off the holiday can help if they’re difficult for you. You’ll get through it this year, and you’ll be stronger for it next year. We don’t know what the next year will hold for us, but it will get better as a new coronavirus plan is laid. Just hold on, and call your sponsor when you need to! This too shall pass, and you WILL continue to recover.
Getting Help for Addiction
Do you or somebody you love have a problem with alcohol or drugs? Addiction can cause a lonely and frightening spiral. You don’t have to live that way anymore. There is hope and help in recovery! Give us a call to learn more about your options for getting and staying clean and sober. You can reach us at 1-800-970-8774.