The Ultimate Guide to Staying Sober Over the Holidays
We have officially entered the holiday season! The stress and excitement of family members and holiday events are a major trigger and thats why I made a list of my tips and tools to help you navigate through the holiday season successfully and sober!
First things first, download the free guide to a Booze Free Happier Hour. This will give you the must have techniques to achieve relaxation, avoid boredom and socialize without alcohol.
Let's get this party started!
1. B.Y.O.B
Bring your own beverage. I don't know about you, but plain old sparkling water gets boring pretty quick. It’s the holidays go on and treat yo’ self! I am a kombucha connoisseur. Mix up some mocktails, taste test some non alcoholic options. There are some amazing NA beer and wine options. Try anything that makes you feel special and is interesting to drink. Find your new favorite non alcoholic alternative with our Ultimate NA Drink Guide. (there are promo codes to save you that money hunny!)
2. Stay Busy
Try not to sit too long. We all feel inclined to socialize and catch up with family members and in many families, getting together for the holidays means sitting around and drinking. Try and stay active. Plan activities for your family to do like holiday concerts, light shows, sledding, hiking or walking. Family bonding through experiences is very powerful and meaningful. When in doubt be of service and help out. Set the table, help in the kitchen or refill your grandmas juice.
3. Set Boundaries
This one takes practice. Lots and lots of practice. Keeping boundaries is hard with anyone especially family. However, the ones you love the most, can hurt you the most. Family always triggers deep seated issues and setting boundaries can really help these triggers. Boundaries can be anything from staying in a hotel and not at your family's home, limiting conversations with certain family members that don't make you feel good (politics, trash talking others etc), to taking a time out for a Sober Girl walk by yourself to listen to A Sober Girls Guide Podcast to clear your head. Remember whatever keeps you happy, sane and sober is worth it.
4. Replace Expectations
Getting sober doesn’t mean life is instantly perfect. Just because you have worked on yourself and changed your lifestyle, doesn't mean other people have. The same family issues are still there. The best part is you are in a space where you are more equipped to deal with them. Accept it, roll with the punches, and rein in the urge to control and change everything and everyone around you. It will be enough for you to take care of and control yourself. Replace your expectations with gratitude and your life will change instantly.
5. Sending Out an S.O.S
Have someone you can reach out to. You are not alone, reach out to a friend, coach, lover, or the dude at the 7-11 counter. Having someone to listen is great but if no one is available, writing down your thoughts and feelings is very powerful. Join our Sober Girl Social Club to connect with like minded sober/sober curious women.
6. Stay away from slippery places
There is no reason you should stop by an old hangout. You know the places I am talking about. Your favorite bar, a former drinking buddies house, that park on the way home etc. You do not need to say "hello," just because it’s the holidays. You are not missing out on anything when you are getting your shit together.
7. Check yourself, before you wreck yourself
Think about why you decided to change your relationship with alcohol, write it down, and carry it with you. For example, ‘I am sober because it allows me to lead a happier and healthier life.’ When the temptation to partake in drinking arises, you can read this over to yourself, reminding you why you don't drink. For a friendly reminder, keep it on your phone in your notes to read in the washroom.