Ahh, the holidays. A time of general good cheer and wellbeing around the world for millions of people. While this time of year can be a lot of fun and enjoyable, it can also be extremely stressful, which can be dangerous for your sobriety if you’re not prepared to handle it. From family and friends constantly visiting to the ever-present alcohol at many gatherings and parties, there’s not shortage of ways the holidays can stress us out even more, despite being a festive time of year for family and friends.
The best way you can work to keep your cool this holiday season is to remember exactly why you’re all getting together, whether it’s a work party or family gathering. This time of year is about wishing the people in your life well, and that includes yourself. Focus on the positives of the season, spend time making cherished memories with your friends and family, and you’re going to find that you’re not giving yourself time to be stressed out, which is a good thing.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, it’s also important not to overload your schedule. Don’t agree to go to a dozen parties in a week if you’re worried about triggers or already overloaded with other tasks you have to get done for your own family. If you’re not putting excess expectations on yourself, you’re keeping yourself from getting worked up into stressing about pleasing other people, which can be an intense trigger for some people. Focus on what matters most to you, rather than cramming your schedule with things you’d rather not do.
Most of all, just tell yourself to breathe a little. If you’re worried about alcohol at gatherings, have a plan in place on how you can deal with any cravings that get triggered, whether it’s having a sponsor ready to call or a way to step out of the situation. By putting a little thought ahead into your holiday gatherings, you can prepare yourself for any unexpected triggers or stressors that you may not have considered that could put a damper on your holiday spirit.
Managing your stress all through the year is one of the most important things you’ll learn during treatment, and everyone has to manage that stress in their own way. Like no two people are the same, no two treatments or recoveries are the same. At The Springboard Center, residential and outpatient plans are customized to YOUR needs and what will benefit you the most. If you’re struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, take control back into your life from addiction and call today: 432-620-0255.
