Christmas time can seriously affect those who already struggle with feelings of anxiety and depression. While it’s considered a period of joy and happiness for some, for others it can trigger negative emotional responses. For many people in recovery, it’s no surprise that the festive month presents some of the biggest challenges when it comes to maintaining sobriety. The key to making it through is to avoid becoming too stressed and overwhelmed. Below are a few things you can do to minimise stress and your risk of relapse.
Keep to your routine
The days leading up to – and in between – Christmas and New Year can become a bit of a blur. While it’s a great time to relax and have fun, you should try and stick to your routine as much as possible. If you’re someone who usually exercises or puts time aside for a bit of self-care, keep it up. In recovery, it’s important to maintain activities that boost your mental and physical health. If you stray from your routine too much, you might find yourself struggling to get back into the swing of things come January, and it doesn’t take long to slip back into bad habits.
Don’t overwhelm yourself
Christmas can be a joyous but incredibly stressful time, and it’s easy to let yourself get caught up in the chaos. Be realistic about what you can handle and don’t take on more than you can cope with. Doing so can lead to burnout, stress, and anxiety, which in turn can result in relapse.
Look for meetings
If you’re traveling for the holidays, be sure to do some research before you leave. Find your closest meeting and factor it in to your Christmas schedule. Planning this in advance will give you peace of mind because you know there is somewhere for you to go if you begin to feel anxious or stressed.
Arrive early, leave early
Alcohol and drug use can become especially prevalent as the night goes on. Arriving as early as possible means you can leave early, whilst still having spent a significant amount of time there. Some people in recovery have no problem being around alcohol, however, for those in early recovery staying away from substances is always advised.
Say “no” when you need to
If you’re concerned that certain events or activities might trigger feelings of stress or anxiety don’t feel bad about avoiding it altogether. Your recovery should be your number one priority, and you’re not obligated to agree to every function, especially if it could be detrimental to you.
Preparation is key
If you do decide to go out with friends or attend the office Christmas party, make sure you’re prepared. People may enquire as to why you’re not drinking, so it’s a good idea to have your excuse ready. That way, you won’t be caught off guard and you won’t feel forced to disclose any information you’re not comfortable with. You should also have your exit strategy and ride home planned just in case you need to make a hasty departure.
Reaching out for extra support during the holidays is always recommended, whether it’s extra meetings or therapy sessions, don’t let the festivities veer you off course, Instead, end the year by ensuring your recovery is stronger than ever.
If you find you’re struggling with sobriety during Christmas, you’re not alone. Please call Step by Step Recovery on 0800 170 1222 and speak with one of our addiction team for more advice and support.
