As you maintain your sobriety or manage your mental health, attending social gatherings during the holiday season feel like too much to manage. It’s OK to decline invitations when you’re not yet comfortable amongst partygoers and the expectation to partake in drinking. In fact, a season of solitude can be merry and bright when you focus on your faith and well-being. Here are some ways to make the most of your time alone without feeling lonely.
Share Your Plans
Avoid awkward invitations and regretful responses by giving friends, family, and coworkers a heads up that you’ll be spending the holidays solo. You don’t have to get personal with the explanations unless you feel comfortable doing so.
Mention that you won’t be around or available for parties or gatherings this year, or that you’re taking some “me time” to refresh and reboot. You may just convince others to forgo partying for a little peace and quiet themselves!
When it’s clear that you are looking forward to the holidays on your terms, the pressure’s off and everyone can plan accordingly.
Declare a Season of Self-Care
The holiday season may bring up memories that are related to your addiction journey. We tend to focus on family and friendships, good times, bad times, and how far we have (or haven’t) come. This can cause worry and doubt, which can be especially challenging to deal with when you’re centered on sobriety.
Give yourself the gift of protection this season. Prioritize your well-being by ignoring negative thoughts and circumstances that are out of your control. Don’t concern yourself with what others may be doing while you’re home alone. This is your time to benefit from the belief you have in yourself that you can face hardships and find happiness. Surrounding yourself with partygoers would be more of a distraction than a resolution.
Set Boundaries
The holiday season sets the stage for the new year to come. Perhaps you’ve been slack in the boundary-setting department in the past year, or maybe you’ve never been able to establish healthy limits. These boundaries could be internal or external, and both deserve attention.
An integral part of a successful sobriety is putting your needs first. This isn’t selfish; it could be a lifesaver. As you spend the holidays reflecting on your recovery and relationships, recognize the ways in which you can apply perimeters to best serve your interests.
You could keep a journal, create a vision board, or simply talk yourself through the process of how you plan to progress from this point forward. Set limits. Say no. Spend time alone. Whatever you need to do to thrive is valid and valuable.
Have a Little Fun
It is the holiday season, after all. Just because you won’t be going to a bar or gathering doesn’t mean there’s no fun to be had. Celebrate yourself. Revel in your recovery. Honor your commitment to becoming a better version of yourself, every milestone you’ve managed to meet, and the self-respect you’re actively embracing.
Get dressed up. Make something delicious for dinner. Put on some upbeat music. A “party of one” is the perfect guest list.
Continue your journey toward sobriety at Beachside Rehab in West Palm Beach, Florida. We offer inpatient and outpatient detox, drug and alcohol rehab, and holistic recovery as needed. Call 866-349-1770 to speak with one of our trained admissions counselors.