How to Get Back on Track After Holidays

The holiday season can be a challenging time for people fresh out of recovery. Celebrations, relaxation, and spending time with loved ones may bring up triggers and temptations. After the holiday rush, many people in recovery may find themselves feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and out of balance. But don’t worry, regaining balance in your life is possible. We’ve consulted experts from the Boyton Beach rehab center and in this article, we’ll provide you with practical tips and guidance on how to get back on track after holidays.

Get back on track after holidays with our expert tips!

In this article, we’ll provide you with practical tips and guidance on getting back on track after the holiday season. From taking a step back and assessing your current situation to setting realistic goals and creating a plan of action, we’ve got you covered.  You’ll find them especially helpful if you’ve been feeling depressed during the holiday season.

Whether you’re just starting your recovery journey or have been on the path for a while, this article is for you. You might find these tips useful even if you’ve never struggled with addiction. So, if you’re ready to regain your footing and get back on track, let’s begin.

#1 Take a Step Back

The first step in getting back on track is to take a step back and assess your current situation. Consider the areas of your life that may have triggered you during the holidays. Maybe you’ve been around people who drink or use, or you’ve indulged in too much food. Maybe you’ve neglected your support meetings or have been staying up too late.

Whatever it is, be honest with yourself about what needs to change. Take some time to reflect on your experiences during the holiday season. Think about what worked well for you and what didn’t and thoroughly consider what you would do differently next time. This reflection process will help you to gain a better understanding of yourself and your triggers. Consequently, knowing what to focus on will help you get back on track quicker and easier.

#2 Set realistic goals

Once you’ve assessed your current situation, it’s time to set some realistic goals. This can be anything from attending more support meetings and finally letting go of a toxic relationship to finding new healthy coping mechanisms or dedicating more time to self-care. Be specific and set a deadline for when you want to achieve each of your goals.

It’s important to set realistic goals because setting unrealistic goals can lead to disappointment and discourage you from continuing on your journey. For example, if you want to attend more support meetings, set a goal to attend at least one meeting per week. If you want to find new healthy coping mechanisms, set a goal to research and try out at least two new coping mechanisms per month.

#3 Create a plan

With your goals in mind, it’s time to create a plan of action. You can include things like creating a schedule for meetings and self-care, reaching out to a sponsor, attending weekly support group meetings, finding a workout buddy who supports your recovery, or anything else that works for your specific situation. The key is to make your plan actionable, meaning that you can take specific steps to achieve your goals. Remember, if you fail to plan, you’re planning to fail. Share your plan with your support system, they can help you to stay accountable and motivated.

#4 Take small steps

It’s important to remember that change doesn’t happen overnight as it takes time and a lot of effort to get back on track. Start by taking small steps and you’ll quickly get back on track after holidays. For example, if you want to attend more support meetings, start by reaching out to one person from your meeting to schedule a coffee chat. If you want to find new healthy coping mechanisms, start by researching different options. Remember, small steps lead to big changes. By taking small steps, you’re giving yourself the opportunity to adjust to the changes and build momentum.

Because it takes time and effort to get back on track, start by taking small steps. For example, if you want to attend more support meetings, start by reaching out to one person from your meeting to schedule a coffee chat. If you want to find new healthy coping mechanisms, start by researching different options. Remember, small steps lead to big changes. By taking small steps, you’re giving yourself the opportunity to adjust to the changes and build momentum.

#5 Be patient

It’s easy to get discouraged when things don’t go as planned. Remember, change takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself, don’t give up, and always remember that setbacks are a normal part of the process. Therefore, if you slip up, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, reach out to your support system, they can help you to regain your footing and get back on track. Keep in mind that you’re not alone and that many people have gone through what you’re going through.

#6 Stay positive

It’s easy to focus on the negative aspects of your life, but it’s important to stay positive. Remind yourself of the progress you’ve made in your recovery, and focus on the things you’re grateful for. Surround yourself with supportive people who will encourage you to keep going. And don’t forget to treat yourself with kindness, you deserve it.

Remember to celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may be. After all, even the smallest efforts can make a big difference when you look at the bigger picture. So keep a positive attitude, and remind yourself that with each step you take, you’re getting closer to your goals. It will help you reach your goals faster and stay motivated throughout your journey.

#7 Practice self-care

Self-care is an essential part of staying on track. However, experts from the National Institute on Drug Abuse advise that self-care is even more important in recovery. Therefore, make sure you’re taking care of your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, and exercise regularly. Make time for activities that bring you joy, and practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation or yoga. Taking care of yourself will not only help you to stay on track, but it will also improve your overall well-being.

#8 Reach Out for Help

Recovery is a journey that’s best traveled with the support of others. Reach out to your support system, whether it’s a sponsor, therapist, or a supportive friend or family member. They can provide you with the guidance, encouragement, and accountability that you need. If you’re struggling, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Remember, it takes a strong and courageous person to admit that they need help, and to ask for it. If you already haven’t, we strongly advise researching and finding addiction treatment therapy that works best for you. That’s the key for successfully maintaining your sobriety and staying in control of your life.

The bottom line

As you come to the end of this article, remember that getting back on track after the holidays is a journey that takes time and effort. But with the right mindset, a strong support system, and the practical tips and guidance provided in this article, you can regain balance in your life. Take it one step at a time, be patient with yourself, and don’t give up. Remember, setbacks are a normal part of the process. Just because you slip up, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It’s a chance to learn and grow. And most importantly, don’t forget to celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may be. You’ve got this. Keep moving forward, and you’ll be back on track before you know it.