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How to Handle Holiday Stress

The holiday season can be complicated for everyone. It’s important to start planning ahead of the season before it hits you like a ton of bricks. Being prepared for the madness of the season is vital. There will be stressors such as family, finances, sugar and other various issues that pop up. It is recommended for those who have depression and anxiety to keep up appointments with therapist, counselors, and other support. Staying close to the solution is the safest bet when entering such a chaotic time of year. People with addiction must use their tools and coping mechanisms to survive all of the holiday parties and events. One wrong turn can bring upon a preventable disaster.

Different customs permit for spending during the holidays and this can throw a wrench into a finely tuned budget. Being smart with money is easier said than done. Those with addiction who hold on to past behavior can lead to feelings of guilt and shame. Children who had been caught in the crossfire, now have sober parents back, and that may feel foreign. It’s easy for parents to want to make up for lost time by overcompensating. Speaking with someone about this urge will help with compulsively spending money. This doesn’t make up for past harm as much as spending quality time with loved ones presently. The stress will then rub off on the child, which defeats the purpose altogether.

To be realistic and without expectations, will take a person a long way. In early recovery, it’s easy to feel pressured into trying to make everything “perfect” again. Staying present and letting go of control during the holidays will give less of a reason to break down which could possibly trigger a desire to relapse. Going to support groups regularly will help with urges and offers the opportunity to talk about what’s going on. Having sober things to do can distract from old behaviors and habits. If there are parties that are triggering, simply don’t go. Do not let the holidays control your behavior and sobriety. This can be the biggest transformation of the year!

Enlightened Recovery offers solution-based tool and coping mechanisms to handle life at its best and worst. If you or if you know someone is struggling with addiction this holiday season, call us today for information on our partial care programs for recovery at: 833-801-5483. It’s time to take back your life!

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