It’s official: The holiday season has begun. Certainly, this can be a reason to celebrate – but it’s also a signal that you need to start safeguarding your mental health. For as happy and joyful as the holidays can be, they can also be stressful. Luckily, some of the same self-care activities you practice for your recovery can help manage your stress levels, too! Here are a few to try this holiday season:

• Make recovery to-dos a priority. This is an important one. The holidays can be tough and now is not the time to skip therapy or support groups or to stop caring for your physical and mental health and overall recovery by eating right, exercising, sleeping, practicing mindfulness, managing stress and triggers. In fact, you may even want to do more of these recovery activities this season.
• Exercise your right to say no. Staying sober is your priority so don’t push it when it comes to holiday functions – especially those that you think may jeopardize your recovery. It’s okay to RSVP “no” to a few invitations and just opt to spend one-on-one time with a family member or friend who has supported you along the way. Also, if you experience social anxiety, it’s perfectly acceptable to skip the crowded stores and do some online shopping.
• Shift your mindset. It’s easy to become sad about “where you should be” in life or about any missed activities or people around the holidays. Try to fight these feelings. Instead, do your best to focus on all of the little and big recovery milestones and all that you have to look forward to in your new, fulfilling sober life.
• Get in the spirit. Ask loved ones or close friends to go caroling or bake cookies and listen to holiday music together. You have a lot to be grateful for this holiday, so take a minute to slow down and enjoy the new sober holiday memories you’re making this year.

Here’s wishing everyone a safe, healthy, fulfilling and sober holiday season! Finding Support at Segue For more information about how our addiction recovery services can help you or someone you love care for your physical, spiritual and emotional health this holiday season, contact a Segue Recovery Specialist today: 833-485-0789.