Holidays

[Jampacked]

I have a holiday coming up. I am excited but want to maintain my progress. I have managed a weekend away but lack of routine etc might throw me off balance. Anybody got any tips?

[LilyAnnepuppy Ambassador]

What I did in the beginning of my sobriety was treat the holiday just like any other day. There was one Christmas that I had to change the date and chose a date in July. I picked the 14th. A friend pointed out that that was Bastille Day. So when people wished me a Merry Christmas I said, “Happy Bastille Day.”I know it sounds silly, but it took out some of the emotions and expectations surrounding the day.

I also made sure I was attending meetings. Talked with my sponsor and another alcoholic that day.

You have us. Make sure you check in during that time. It can be done. I’ve spent many holidays (and other life changing experiences) without a drink. You’re not alone.

[Jampacked in reply to LilyAnnepuppy]

Thank you! I love these little tips. I am getting better at mentally pixalating alcohol that I stumble accross. Its amazing what the mind can do.

[Eirich]

Hi Jam. First of all focus on your holiday and how good it will be to get away for a while. If you set out thinking that you might not make it to the end without a drink then there is a good chance that you wont. You say that lack of routine is your downfall? then put some routine into your break, set your alarm to get up at 7am and make sure you get out for a walk, come home and get some scran into you (food) Setting your day up on a positive will hopefully ensure that you end it on that note. More importantly though, if you do have a drink then get up then get up the next day and reset. Do not do what I have done in the past and think that I will start the journey again after the holiday. Good luck and enjoy my friend.

[Jampacked in reply to Eirich]

Thank you, I will be doing a morning walk. I have also booked a few excursions, keeping busy.

[Moppet30]

Lack of routine should not mean you need to drink. The best way I find to not drink when something new comes up is to go into it saying I am not drinking because I choose not to and there are loads of other dinks I can have I choose not to have alcohol and to be present for this occasion and remember all of it. Keep reading literature and listening to podcasts about quitting to keep the why still close at hand and fresh in your mind. You have loads of time as no work so find some time each morning or by the pool to read to motivational stuff. You can have a blast without the need for booze and spend quality time with those you love.

[Jampacked in reply to Moppet30]

Thank you some great ideas.

[Jampacked in reply to Moppet30]

Thank you, quit lit is packed x

[Moppet30 in reply to Jampacked]

Good for you and it really does help as keeps your mind on why you have stopped. You can do this and think how proud you will feel when you come back and you had a great holiday, no hangovers and remember it all. 👍