Navigating Sobriety During the Holidays
Self-Love and Sobriety This Holiday Season
Tips and New Traditions
This time of year is often filled with joy, togetherness, and celebration with loved ones. However, it can also bring moments of stress and overwhelm, and it's easy to fall back on old coping mechanisms that may not have been helpful in the past. Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Stay connected, prioritize self-care, and embrace the opportunity to create new traditions! Below are some tips to help guide you through this season.
Be kind to yourself.
There is no such thing as a perfect recovery. Take time to celebrate your progress, whether it’s attending a meeting, making a call to your support network, or simply taking time to rest. Focus on nourishing your body with foods that make you feel good, mindful movement, and restorative sleep. Prioritize the richness of your sober life with some self-care!
Stay connected with chosen family and other folks in recovery.
In this busy season, it’s tempting to skip out on meetings, appointments, and groups. It’s key to stay connected to your recovery. Look to the people you trust that will stand by you in your journey.
Hatch an exit plan.
Take some time to be honest with yourself about whether upcoming Holiday events feel right for you to attend. Ask yourself, am I dreading the day? Am I becoming irritable with loved ones in the time leading up to the plan? Am I obsessing with what might happen at this event?
Know that it is okay to say no. Your recovery is priority, if you feel uncomfortable, that is more than enough reason to say no.
Volunteer.
Being of service can help take your mind off of things and provide a sense of purpose and happiness. Consider opportunities with some of our community partners such as Rose Haven, Basic Rights Oregon, Blanchet House, PDX Saints Love, Outside In, and more.
Treat yourself to a fun non-alcoholic beverage.
Non-alcoholic drinks don’t have to be a bummer! No one knows this better than our wonderful partners at Ever AFter Alcohol Free, Portland’s first NA Bottle Shop and inclusive alcohol-free community. Currently popping up inside Colibri, Ever AFter offers delicious components for booze-free drinks like fresh made syrups, kombucha’s, elixirs, shrubs, and zero-proof spirits. Give yourself a chance to try something new and delicious!
