A New Year
For many people, the beginning of a new year is a time to make resolutions and start new traditions. It is a time to reassess your outlook on life and set personal goals. If you are in recovery from alcohol or drug addiction, it might be a good time for you to renew your commitment to sobriety. If you choose to make a resolution, take a personal inventory first. Then identify those areas that you could improve upon that will bolster your recovery or make it more interesting.
When making resolutions for the new year, write them down. Then add what you want to accomplish and when you want to accomplish it. Once you have your list of resolutions, you don’t have to focus on every one of them at the same time. Choose one or two important goals to start with. This way you will not get distracted or overwhelmed by trying to do too much at one time. Here are some New Year’s resolution ideas that can strengthen your recovery and help to ensure your continued sobriety.
1. Resolve to Make a Positive Lifestyle Change
Make a lifestyle change that enhances your day and is simple. Whether you choose to go for an evening walk, eat a healthy breakfast, or go to bed at the same time every day, you will feel better and be more likely to keep your resolution for the entire year.
2. Resolve to Add a Holistic Activity to Your Weekly Schedule
Choose an alternative therapy or holistic activity that is something different for you. For example, you may choose to explore an artistic therapy such as dance, art, or writing therapy. Use it to work on a past trauma or another difficult area that is hard to verbalize. Try yoga a couple of times a week for a few months to see if it helps to improve your overall well-being and mood. If you have difficulty meeting people or communicating in a positive way, try outdoor adventure therapy or a sport that takes you out of your comfort zone.
3. Resolve to Meditate
Meditation has numerous benefits, and it is an excellent recovery tool. Practicing meditation every day can help to relieve anxiety and lower stress levels. It helps to clear your head of negative thoughts as each thought passes without judgment.
4. Resolve to Work with Your Therapist to Create a Recovery Goal
If you work with a therapist, create a short-term or long-term goal to work on together. Your therapist can hold you accountable but also help you adjust your goal as needed to make sure you’re not overwhelming yourself.
5. Resolve to Try a 12-Step Meeting That You Have Never Attended
If you normally go to the same 12-Step meetings, add a new one to your weekly or monthly schedule or replace one of your regular meetings with a different one. You may decide to add the new one to your schedule or try a different meeting every month. The purpose is to get outside of your comfort zone and branch out, meet new people, get different ideas, and widen your support system.
6. Resolve to Share
If you go to group therapy or attend Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, or any other type of 12-Step meeting, share your thoughts and experiences with other members of the group. Generally, those who are involved and active in therapy and treatment are more likely to make continual progress in their recovery.
7. Resolve to Attend a Sober Event and Bring a Friend
Sometimes it is difficult to go to a sober event alone. You may feel nervous or intimidated. But trying out different sober events is an excellent way to meet new people and boost your recovery. Bring a friend along with you to make it easier.
8. Resolve to Volunteer
Giving back to others can give meaning to your life, help you feel better about yourself, and give you more opportunities to have positive interactions with others. Volunteering will help build your self-confidence and strengthen your relationships with people.
9. Resolve to Make a Gratitude List
Every day write down one thing in your life that you’re thankful for. It could be seeing a beautiful sunrise, talking with a loved one who supports you, or cuddling with your pet. Use your list to remind yourself of the good things in your life.
10. Resolve to Try New Things
A great way to move away from old bad habits is to try new things. When you are in recovery, you will meet new people and experience positive growth. By taking up a new hobby or engaging in new activities, such as swimming, gardening, cycling, or skating, you make new friends and expand your support system.
If You Are Struggling with Addiction
If you or someone you know is suffering from an addiction to drugs or alcohol, contact the professionals at English Mountain Recovery, located in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. The supportive and caring staff will answer your questions and connect you to the right resources you need to overcome your addiction and begin your journey to a healthy sober life.