The holiday season is upon us, which also means it’s officially “let’s circle back after the holidays” season. It’s the one time of year when everyone seems to agree to hit pause on regular obligations to enjoy times of celebration and relaxation with friends and family.
However, one thing you should never put on hold — no matter the season — is your physical and mental health. If you’re struggling with addiction or mental illness and wondering whether to wait until the holidays are over to seek help, we’re here to encourage you not to wait.
Why You Should Not Wait to Get Treatment
You might be thinking, Isn’t going into recovery during the holidays a bad idea? It’s such a busy time — full of parties and family gatherings. How could anyone stay sober during the holidays? Can’t recovery wait until the New Year like everything else?
In short, no. Addiction and mental illness don’t take holidays, and if you need to take your health back, the only better time to start is yesterday. Mental health and addiction are unpredictable, and waiting for the “right time” can lead to missed opportunities for healing. If you’re ready to get well, don’t hesitate.
Mental health and addiction are unpredictable, and waiting for the “right time” can lead to missed opportunities for healing.
Here are some reasons why spending the holidays in recovery might actually be the best decision you could make:
1. Work is slow.
For this reason, it could be an ideal time to focus on your recovery. As the year winds down and coworkers take time off to visit family or go on vacation, you can step away without disrupting your responsibilities.
2. Holidays are stressful, and stress is a trigger.
While the holidays are meant to be joyful, they’re often filled with stress. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that 64% of people with mental health challenges feel worse during the holidays, citing busyness, financial strain, or conflict with loved ones. And according to the American Psychiatric Association, 28% of Americans are more stressed this holiday season than last. Instead of letting stress take its toll, consider making your well-being a priority.
3. You don’t want to hit rock bottom.
There’s no reason to wait until you’re at your worst to seek treatment. If you’re already considering recovery, that’s a sign it’s time to act. Starting now can prevent further harm, so don’t be afraid to enter recovery during the holidays to get things under control.
4. It’s the best gift for your loved ones.
If you’re concerned about missing out on holiday activities with family and friends, you can be sure that taking charge of your health is a gift worth the sacrifice of spending one holiday in recovery. You’re creating the opportunity for many happy, healthy holidays to come.
How to Manage Holiday Stress While Staying Healthy and Sober
The holidays can be stressful, and if you’re accustomed to using alcohol or other substances to cope, this time of year may feel particularly challenging. Fortunately, there are plenty of healthy, effective strategies to manage holiday stress without compromising your sobriety or mental well-being.
Practice Self-Care
Don’t let go of your self-care routine just because the rest of your routine is off-kilter. Maintain healthy daily habits, such as balanced eating (with room for occasional indulgence!), regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and any other practices that help you feel your best.
Adopt Healthy Coping Habits
If you typically reach for a drink or feel overwhelmed with anxiety when life gets stressful, don’t just aim to stop these patterns — replace them with healthy coping skills. Find effective alternatives, such as going for a walk, reading a book, listening to your favorite music, or spending time with friends. Creating new positive habits can help old ones lose their grip.
Set Boundaries
Regardless of where you are in your recovery journey, there may be people around you who don’t fully understand or support your efforts. Some may even, intentionally or not, undermine your progress. Protect your mental health by establishing clear, healthy boundaries with family members and friends, even if some react poorly.
Stay Connected
Find the people who genuinely encourage your recovery and make them your support system. Whether it’s family, friends, or a recovery group, staying connected to those who understand and uplift you can be a powerful anchor during the holidays.
Whether it’s family, friends, or a recovery group, staying connected to those who understand and uplift you can be a powerful anchor during the holidays.
With these strategies in hand, you can approach the holiday season feeling confident, grounded, and ready to prioritize your health and sobriety.
Yes, You Can Enjoy Being Sober During the Holidays
Sobriety by choice is gaining popularity, and the idea that you cannot just survive but truly thrive without alcohol is becoming widely accepted. Use these tips to have fun and stay sober during the holidays:
1. Get in the spirit without spirits.
There are more nonalcoholic drink options than ever these days, from premade beverages to alcohol-free wines and delicious mocktail recipes. SFGate offers a great roundup of some of the best nonalcoholic drinks to try this season.
2. Expand your idea of holiday fun.
The holidays don’t have to revolve around cocktail parties or champagne brunches. Create new traditions or revisit old ones, like cookie decorating, ornament making, Christmas light tours, ice skating, or cozying up with hot chocolate and a holiday movie night.
3. Give back.
The season of giving isn’t limited to presents. The holidays are an excellent time to help those in need. Research local nonprofits that offer volunteer opportunities or sponsor a family’s Christmas through an Angel Tree program. Better yet, bring friends or family along to share in the experience!
4. Reach out for help if needed.
If staying mentally healthy and sober during the holidays feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek support. Getting the help you need is an act of strength, not weakness.
The Meadows Texas Is Here for You This Holiday Season
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or mental health challenges this holiday season, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. We’re available 24/7, 365 days a year, because we understand how crucial timely treatment is for those in need.
At The Meadows Texas, our holistic approach to recovery addresses the root causes of mental illness and addiction, focusing on healing the underlying trauma that often drives maladaptive coping mechanisms. Our comprehensive treatment includes evidence-based modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, and access to our cutting-edge Brain Center. Each individual receives a customized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs, fostering deep, lasting healing.
Contact us today to learn how we can support you or your loved one on the path to recovery.