How to Handle the Stress of the Holidays

The holidays can be rough for anyone, especially those who struggle with addiction. Spending time with family, decorating, and getting gifts is a lot of fun, but the holidays can be an overwhelming time of year. When the family is getting together, there could be alcohol present, you could become overwhelmed with family, and you could feel lost. The holidays are tough, but they are not an excuse to throw your sobriety out the window. Here are some easy, helpful ways to get through the holidays with your sobriety intact.

Stay In the Moment

Focusing on the current moment is essential when someone is newly sober. If you start thinking too far in advance, you can cause yourself to stress over something that may not even happen. Writing a plan of what you will do that day and checking off those things is important to help keep yourself motivated and know that even if they’re small accomplishments, they are still accomplishments. The thing to remember during the holidays is to take it one day at a time. If your crazy aunt starts causing you to want to lose your mind, leave the situation. Don’t blow up and do something you will regret. Take some space and clear your head. If you start getting overwhelmed, let someone know and let them know how they can help you overcome it. Thinking about what if this happens or what if that happens will only lead you to stress. Just take it one day at a time, and know you can do this!

Create Fun Mocktails

When former addicts go to holiday parties, typically, there is a lot of alcohol around. Some friends and families tend not to realize that alcohol can be triggering to some people. There are two ways to handle this. One is by calmly talking with your family and asking them if they could refrain from drinking while you are there or around. Many people understand and will see where you are coming from. The other is to make some fun mocktails for you to enjoy. Have a mocktail in your hand if you are worried about cousins trying to persuade you to drink with them. It would look like you have a drink and be a fun way to enjoy a special drink without ruining your sobriety.

Find Fun Hobbies

During the holidays, there are many different activities people enjoy doing. One of the things you could occupy your time with is going ice skating. Getting exercise and spending time with the ones you love is always fun. Another fun thing to do is if your family gets a live tree for the holidays is going to pick one out. Getting out and smelling all the trees is fun, and it’s nice to get out and look around.

Another thing is decorating. When you’re decorating, you can listen to Christmas music, sip hot chocolate, and decorate your house for the holidays. Spending time with family and doing uplifting holiday activities is an excellent way to keep your mind busy and have a fun holiday season.

Treat Yourself

Spending time with your family can be fun and enjoyable, but sometimes it can be a bit much and become overwhelming. One thing to remember is don’t forget about yourself. During the holidays, so many of us are focused on ensuring our families are happy and everyone is getting along. It is important to keep your happiness in mind during the holidays. You can turn on your Christmas lights, get some cozy pajamas on and turn on one of your favorite Christmas movies.

Another thing is going shopping. During the holidays, we are focused on ensuring everyone has the perfect gift, but you can always treat yourself to a little retail therapy. Another thing you could do is drive around your town and look at all the different Christmas lights people have put up. Get some hot chocolate, put on some Christmas music, grab a friend if you want, and get in the car. There are so many different things you can do and enjoy during the holidays, don’t forget to treat yourself.

Help Others

During the holidays, some people get wrapped up in their grief and misery and forget that others out there have nothing. Donating clothes, money, or even your time is a great way to help others and boost yourself up. Many don’t realize how uplifting it is to help others and how fulfilling it can be. Giving up a couple of hours of your time to help those in need will not only help you get the reality check you may need, but it will bring so much joy to your community and those who genuinely need it.

I hope these tips helped give you ideas on keeping your sobriety intact this holiday season. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction this holiday season, know you are not alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help; no one deserves to spend the holidays struggling. But there is a way to get through it, and there are people happy to help. Here at Narconon, we understand the holidays can be tough and if you need help, call us. We wish you a happy holiday!