Stress during the holidays is normal in most families. For a person who does not have an addiction, this type of stress can still be hard to manage and may become too much to deal with independently. Yet, it becomes critical to do so when you are in recovery. Our team at Crestview Recovery is here for you if you are struggling with your sobriety during the holidays.
Lowering Stress During the Holidays
How can you effectively reduce stress during the holidays? A good step in the right direction is to recognize that it is stressful – and that sometimes you cannot do everything to make it better. Consider a few stress-management tips that can help you avoid relapse.
Focus on Fewer Activities and Tasks
You want to do everything. You want to see everything. Yet, there is only so much time during the holidays to do it all. That’s why it tends to be important for individuals to list a few key activities that are most important during the holidays and ensure you properly manage them. That is, you may have to say no to friends or family that want you to do more. Doing too much makes things less meaningful.
Invest in Time Alone
Though isolation isn’t a good thing, sometimes too much time around friends and family can make it harder for you to make it through the holidays without stress. You still need that time alone to do things for yourself. It may be meditation, yoga, going for a swim, or going for a walk. No matter what your go-to type of self-care is, you’ll want to keep that in place right now.
Don’t Let Guilt Get in the Way
During the holidays, it can seem like everyone has a guilt trip to put on your lap. You need to go to your great aunt’s home, or you have to do something specific with your niece or nephew. You can easily become overwhelmed with the guilt of not doing something. Instead, make it more about the meaningfulness. For example, you may not want to be exposed to the people at that house where you know there will be drinking or drug use. Instead, connect with the people there that are most likely going to miss you. Schedule a video conference with a mental health treatment center or visit on another day when you can get in some alone time.
Keep in Touch with Your Treatment Center
It is also important for you to make sure you are focused on your unique health needs. That means getting in for your counseling appointments. It may also mean scheduling an extra session or two. You may want to reduce some stress by doing something that pays back the people that helped you. Doing something good for the community is an easy way to reduce some of your stress.
When You Need More Help, Don’t Delay
When stress builds during the holiday season, don’t ignore it. It is critical to engage more fully in your treatment plans during that time. If you do find yourself using again, reach out to our team for immediate help. We offer the programs to help you to get back on track fast, including:
- Relapse prevention services
- Women’s rehab program
- Men’s rehab program
- Intensive outpatient care
- Dual diagnosis treatment
Embrace Treatment from Our Team at Crestview Recovery
The holidays can bring about stress, but it doesn’t have to control the outcome of your experience. It’s important to manage stress during the holidays. And, when it gets to be too much, reach out to our team to find the support you need to avoid relapse. Call Crestview Recovery today for immediate help or long-term care. Call 866.262.0531 to speak to a dedicated counselor.
