10 easy tips to help you get through the holidays

Holidays can be stressful for anyone, particularly for those in recovery. Besides the temptations to party hearty, there are also the feelings of depression and being left out to contend with. Don’t let the holidays get you down or cause you to slip. Here are some tips to support recovery during the holidays.

Tip #1: Get enough rest. When you’re tired, you’re more apt to make snap judgments, say something you wish you hadn’t, or find yourself entertaining thoughts of giving into the temptation to drink or do drugs. While being well-rested can’t guarantee that these situations won’t occur, it’s far less likely.

Tip #2: Be selective about the invitations you accept. Many people receive numerous invitations to parties and get-togethers during the period from Thanksgiving through New Year’s. If an invitation can’t be discreetly turned down, such as a company dinner or event, pay attention to tip #3.

Tip #3: What’s in your glass only matters to you. When everyone around you is having a good time, drinking cocktails or champagne or beer, do you really think it matters what you have the bartender pour in your glass? If you ask for sparkling water or tonic with lime, it’s your business and no one else’s.

Tip #4: Have back-up plans ready. When you’re getting ready to leave the party and someone asks you to stay, have a reasonable response prepared, such as, you have to run an errand for your spouse or mother or you have an appointment you can’t miss. Give yourself an easy out; no one’s feelings will be hurt and you can be true to your sobriety.

Tip #5: Go late and leave early. Go as late as you can to the party without being irresponsible and leave well before the party’s end. What you’re doing, in effect, is putting in an appearance. That’s all that matters to most hosts anyway. You’ve been invited. You show up, talk to a few folks, and leave. End of story.

Tip #6: Spend your time with fellow 12-step members. Who understands the impact of the holidays on sobriety better than your fellow 12-step members? And, what better place to be than at a 12-step meeting when you feel the pressures of the holiday season? Since you are in recovery, have an automatic support network in your 12-step sponsor and group members.

Tip #7: Give thanks for your sober days. It may help to think about the number of days, weeks or months you’ve been sober. This is a big achievement, and one that you’ve worked hard for. Sometimes, just taking the time to give thanks for all this time you’ve been sober in recovery is enough to keep you firmly on your path.

Tip #8: If you feel you might stumble, call your sponsor. This tip applies anytime of the year. Day or night, if you feel like you’re in trouble and may slip, get in touch with your 12-step sponsor. Don’t delay. Don’t tough it out. Don’t give yourself an excuse to do something to jeopardize your sobriety.

Tip #9: Keep busy. The key to relapse prevention is keeping yourself busy, creating and maintaining schedules and adhering to a healthier routine. Tackle a project you’ve been putting off. Invite friends over for dinner at your home. Go out and enjoy a movie or a concert. You can also volunteer to help at any number of worthwhile organizations or charities.

Tip #10: Take time to enrich your spirit. Material considerations often take center stage in people’s minds when it comes to the holidays. What often gets left out completely is attention to the spiritual aspect of the holiday. Keep that in mind, and you’ll find the holiday season more fulfilling.