Independence Day is upon us once again, bringing the increased risk of a relapse for many people in recovery. Holidays can be especially dangerous because they tend to lack the structure that defines normal days, leaving you with extra hours to fill. With that in mind, you’ll need to have a plan for how you’ll spend the day in a way that helps you avoid pitfalls and triggers. Here are suggestions for our top five sober Independence Day activities.
1. Attend a Recovery Meeting
You can start your day on a positive note by using the morning to go to a recovery meeting, either in person or online. Hearing from the other members of your group can help reinforce your goals and encourage you to stay sober throughout the day. The camaraderie of your fellow recovery group members will provide you with renewed motivation to continue making progress toward your goals.
2. Meditate or Do Yoga
Another way to bring mental clarity to your holiday is to do something that sharpens your focus, such as meditation or yoga. These two ancient practices are both highly beneficial for people in recovery because they encourage you to be mindful and live in the present moment. After a yoga or meditation session, you should feel happier, more relaxed and less tense.
3. Review Your Recovery Journal
If you’ve been keeping a recovery journal, holidays like Independence Day are an ideal opportunity to reevaluate the progress you have made and all the hard work you’ve put into getting sober. Take some time to revisit previous journal entries and remember how far you’ve come on your journey. Appreciate what you have accomplished and everything it took to get to where you are today.
4. Give Back to Your Community
Volunteering is an excellent way to spend your Fourth of July. Being a volunteer can help give you a new perspective on life, and contributing your talents and time to a cause you believe in will boost your self-esteem and put a spring in your step. It will also make you feel more connected to your neighbors and let you see how you can make a difference.
5. Spend Time With Your Sober Supporters
People in the earliest phases of recovery may feel tempted to “test” themselves by attending a traditional Fourth of July gathering. However, these parties can be very triggering for a newly sober person, and could quickly lead to a relapse. Forego the typical substance-filled celebration in favor of a small, quiet get-together with your family and close friends.
How to Achieve Lasting Freedom From Addiction
At Segue Recovery Support, we can help you achieve all your recovery goals and prevent a relapse with our structured high-accountability sober living environment. If you’re looking for a safe, supportive space where you can fully focus on your renewed sense of purpose, please contact us today to learn about all the benefits we provide.