10 Tips for a Sober New Year

The New Year represents a clean slate and an opportunity to realign your life. With the New Year comes a refreshed sense of purpose and the motivation to create a happier, healthier you. This new beginning provides a great opportunity to focus on positive goals that will contribute to a sober New Year.

 

Set a Goal for the New Year

Take time to consider what you want to achieve in the New Year. Whether this goal is sobriety or a new goal you want to achieve with your newfound sobriety, it is important to think about what you truly want.

Take time to meditate, brainstorm, journal, discuss with loved ones, and reflect on what will make you happy this year. Once you have determined what you want to achieve, write that goal down somewhere visible in order to remind yourself on a daily basis.

 

Take it Step by Step

In the beginning, your big picture goal may seem overwhelming. However, everything must happen day-by-day and one-step at a time. Take your goal and create a timeline that outlines the small steps you must take each day or month to achieve this larger goal. By breaking your goal up into digestible steps, it will not seem so daunting. Make your plan and make it happen.

 

Choose Your Circle Wisely

Some believe that we are a reflection of the five people who we are closest. Our relationships can greatly affect our lifestyle, choices, and attitudes; therefore, it is crucial that you choose your innermost circle wisely.

 

Although sometimes the choice is difficult, take the New Year as an opportunity to let go of individuals bringing negativity or temptation into your life. When you let go of those no longer uplifting you, you make room for the positive people. Be mindful in choosing your circle, you are not only shaping yourself, but also creating a support system for your sobriety and new goals.

 

Eat Delicious & Nutritious Meals

The saying “you are what you eat” may be cliché but it certainly rings true. By maintaining a well-balanced, nutritious diet, you will physically feel better. Refined sugars, high sodium, empty carbohydrates, and artificial fats are satisfying in the short-term, but leave your body feeling empty and sluggish.

When your body is recovering, it is important to arm it with the best nutrition possible. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, non-processed foods will help keep your body at its best. Take the New Year as a chance to make healthier choices in all facets of your life.

 

Exercise

When exercising, your body releases endorphins, which naturally creates feelings of happiness. Regular exercise helps to improve your mood naturally as well as necessary for keeping your body in shape. Remember that as you move from place to place in life, your permanent home is your body.

Treat your body with respect and keep it in the best condition that you can. Regular exercise is an important component of overall good health. You can diversify your exercise routine by incorporating yoga, hiking, biking, nature walks, dance, sports, strengthening classes, running, and more.

Staying active will keep your mind focused on positivity instead of the slippery slope of boredom and negativity. Adopt a regular exercise routine this year in order to feel better both physically and mentally to support your sobriety.

 

Stress Less

Stress affects everyone and can severely affect your health. Stressors may include financial, work, relationships, and sometimes the list seems endless. The impact stress has on you is not always defined by what happens, but rather how you react to it.

When you are feeling stressed, try taking ten deep breaths as you take a step back and remove yourself from the situation. Reflect on the stressful situations you conquered in the past and how you got through it. Remind yourself that you will get through this too.

Identify the root of your problem and make an action plan about how to resolve the issue one-step at a time. You may feel overwhelmed resulting in a higher stress level. An action plan will help you to better analyze the situation and keep stress manageable.

 

 

Consider Spirituality

Feeling connected to a higher power can help you keep life’s speed bumps in perspective. Whether it is religion or a spiritual connection to the universe, a bond with something larger than yourself can remove stress and provide guidance.

Studies have shown that a large number of individuals who identify as being spiritual also identify as being happy. Whether it is going to church or giving mediation a try, consider spirituality as a tool to maintaining your sobriety in the New Year.

 

Support Yourself with Self-Confidence

Unfortunately, we tend to be our harshest critics. Take time to celebrate yourself and all that you have accomplished this year. It is easy to become obsessed with what you have done wrong instead of looking toward the future. Instead of focusing on your shortcomings, concentrate on everything you have done right.

Every day is a new opportunity to make good choices. It is important to believe in yourself and be your own cheerleader. Do not beat yourself up over the little things. Try to maintain focus on the larger goal. Give yourself a pat on the back and trust that you can do it.

 

Be Gracious

Negativity is a dangerous path that can lead to choices that are more dangerous. Try to be aware of your thoughts and actions and take notice when you are being negative. Instead of thinking about everything that is going wrong, think about everything that is going right.

A simple change in mindset can work wonders when it comes to your happiness. Try starting a “positivity journal” where you write one thing you are grateful for each day. Whether it is a major accomplishment or a simple smile from a stranger, focus on the things that make you feel grateful.

 

Reward Yourself

With big goals for the New Year, do not forget to reward yourself. Treat yourself for each little benchmark that you have accomplished towards your goal. Keep track of your progress on a timeline. Whenever you take a step closer to your goal, acknowledge that accomplishment.

Rewards may include taking yourself to dinner, seeing a movie, having a cup of your favorite tea, going on a weekend trip, or doing something you enjoy. Self-recognition about your progress toward sobriety will aid you in staying motivated to meet your goal.

If drugs and alcohol are causing added negativity and stress in your life, call Casa Palmera at 888-481-4481 to speak to a caring professional about treatment options.

Disclaimer


This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for medical advice. We understand that everyone’s situation is unique, and this content is to provide an overall understanding of substance use disorders. These disorders are very complex, and this post does not take into account the unique circumstances for every individual. For specific questions about your health needs or that of a loved one, seek the help of a healthcare professional.