5 Must have Tips for a Successful Sober Holiday Season
It’s that time of year again. Family members and holiday events are a major trigger and that’s why I made a list of my top five must-have tips on how to deal with family, stress and whatever may come your way this holiday season successfully and sober!
First and foremost I need you to clarify and identify how you feel about the holidays. Stress, anxiety, loneliness, overwhelm are just a few common feelings that arise. Ask yourself what triggers these emotions, thoughts, and feelings. The next step is to take action on how you can show up and support yourself through these emotions. The following are actions to take to help manage your emotions without relying on alcohol or any other unhealthy substances.
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 love kombucha. I am a kombucha connoisseur if you will. I love anything that has a fun unique color. I put it in a stemless wine glass with some ice and a sprig of rosemary and bam! It looks good, tastes good, and it’s good for me! #winning. Find your new favorite non-alcoholic alternative, The Ultimate Guide to Non-Alcoholic Alternatives
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 a walk. 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 grandma’s juice.
3. Set Boundaries
This one takes practice. Lots and lots of practice. Keeping boundaries is hard with anyone especially family because you love them and don't want to offend them. However, the ones you love the most, can hurt the most. Family always triggers deep-seated issues and setting boundaries can really help when these triggers arise. 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), taking a time out, and a walk by yourself to clear your head. Remember whatever keeps you happy, sane, and sober is worth it.
4. Replace Expectations with Gratitude
Getting sober doesn’t mean life and your family are 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 to you is great but if no one is available, writing down your thoughts and feelings is very powerful. Build emotional intelligence and mindfulness and learn strategies and tools for healthier habits, all your bases are covered with the Level Up Bundle.
I also like to go on a walk and record a voice memo on my phone. It’s like a private therapy session where I can let it all out. Scream, cry, vent into my phone and then when I am all done hit end and delete the recording. Whichever medium you choose to express yourself is great. Always better out than in!
Thrive off connecting with a strong community by sharing experiences with like-minded women, networking, building a sober friend group, and be encouraged by your peers. Join A Sober Girls Guide Group Coaching.