Tis the season to be sober, but how do we stick to that? Sobriety can be a mind game and it’s totally understandable if you are feeling a little anxious about Christmas and have some jitters about your ability to stay sober in the weeks to come.
Here are some top tips to help you cope this Christmas
- Reach out to your support network: Join our private Facebook support group, there is always somebody on hand to help out, give advice and listen to you when you need it
- Make a plan: Carefully consider events you plan to attend and discuss strategies for coping with temptation.
- Stay away from triggering places: it is OK to turn down invitations to any familiar hotspots where you used to get smashed. Avoid pubs, clubs, restaurants or other places if you have to. Do not be tempted to join in or test yourself.
- Devote time to yourself: Get some exercise, do some charity work, watch your fave movie, download a good book – do what you need to do to keep your mind occupied.
- Know when to say enough: Don’t be afraid to call it a night and go home.
- Reward yourself: Whenever you pass up a drink or other substance give yourself a treat for making the right decision.
- Create new traditions: Rather than worrying about what you are going to do instead of having that usual Bucks Fizz at breakfast or Baileys after dinner why not create new traditions that didn’t include alcohol like a trip to the theatre,, Nosecco with Fresh OJ at breakfast and maybe a long walk after dinner.
- Take your own tipple: If you are out visiting family and friends why not keep some alcohol free drinks handy
- One day at a time:Each day of the Christmas/New year period is just another 24 hours, so try not to give it any more power than that. Enjoy your Christmas and New Year, one day at a time.
- Prepare a response: Some people won’t even notice that you’re not drinking, but it’s worth preparing a response for those who do ask about it. I’m driving / I’m tired / I’m not feeling well are all good explanations. Respond confidently and then move the conversation on.
- Be positive and if you think you struggle with the whole ‘think positive’ thing then fake it until you make it! get your nails done, do your hair. have a beard trim, If you feel good on the outside, it will help you feel more confident inside. Keep smiling and force yourself to make an effort. Act like you’re having a fabulous time and who knows – it might just happen! Sobriety is a mind game so bat away any thoughts about being a sober loser or missing out. You have got this.
- Be Mindful: Use Christmas as a time of reflection. What’s worked well so far? don’t go beating yourself about things in the past just try and learn from them, forgive yourself and move on. Mindfulness is such a powerful tool over the Christmas period. It not only helps you deal with any cravings and negative thinking that may crop up, but it also helps you experience the joys of this time of year. Mindfulness is about being present in the moment without resistance. It gives you chance to truly experience life instead of going through each day on autopilot.
Not drinking alcohol gives you a different point of view over Christmas. It certainly highlights how much alcohol is part of Christmas. The first Christmas without drink is probably the hardest and you do need to be firm, The reality is that you can do it and this Christmas can still be the best ever, despite the fact that no alcohol will pass your lips. Treat yourself to
- Better sleep
- Clarity
- Clearer skin
- No hangovers
- Reduced anxiety
- Stronger immune system
- More energy
- More money
- More time
- More creativity
- More patience
- A better mood
- A better memory
You get the idea…..
Treat yourself to sobriety this Christmas
Photo by Renato Abati on Pexels.com
Not ready to ditch the booze just yet? Keep reading………
Did you know that just 30 days off the booze can open up a whole new world. If you aren’t quite ready to go sober just yet why don’t you treat yourself to The 30 Day Sober Experiment Christmas Package.
Alex and Lisa will support you the whole way through your experiment through Daily emails, Coaching Videos and access to our private Facebook support group offering inspirational and motivational tips on meeting the first milestone. You will also be offered access to a regular group webinar (our sober chat) for questions and concerns that may arise during the experiment. You can start this experiment at any time, no pressure just tons of help and support when you need it.
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