- Rufus Carter
Managing Holiday Anxiety in Sobriety
Updated: Apr 14, 2021

As an adult, the holidays are a little more complicated than when we were kids. Buying gifts, traveling, and attending festivities can add up financially, and meeting every social and family obligation expected of you is more difficult than it sounds. And if you are in recovery, the boozy parties that have become synonymous with the season can make the holidays even harder.
When you are in recovery, figuring out healthy ways to cope with stressful situations is an important tool for sobriety. Here are some easy things you can do to help create a plan for managing your holiday anxiety.
Take Time for Yourself
With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, people tend to get swept up in what they need to do for others and rarely take a moment for themselves. Setting aside a few minutes or even a few hours every day for self-care is critical to your sobriety. Here are a few healthy ways to show yourself love.
Why Self-Care is So Important in Recovery
Seven Types of Self-Care Activities for Coping with Stress Easy Neck Stretches for Tension Relief
7 Surprising Benefits of Massage Therapy During Recovery
Prepare for Difficult Situations
A great way to prevent anxiety is to prepare yourself for reacting to stressful situations. Going to holiday parties when you are in recovery means being surrounded by temptation. To keep from isolating yourself, have a plan for dealing with stressful social situations.
Sobriety and Resisting Temptation During the Holidays
6 Ways to Decline a Drink -- In the Most Festive Way
Tips for Enjoying a Party When You’re Not Drinking
How to Talk About Addiction Without Ruining the Party
Care for Your Body
The mind and body are intrinsically connected -- so to fully care for the anxiety you feel in your mind, it’s important to provide care for your body. Eating a well-rounded diet and leading an active lifestyle are two important pieces of the puzzle.
Exercise is Sobriety’s Best Friend
4 Reasons to Keep Exercising During the Holidays
Stay Motivated with Your Fitness Tracker or Smartwatch
How Healthy Eating Can Help Sobriety
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The holidays are full of anxiety landmines. If you are sober, you have the added stress of dealing with the temptations all around you. Managing stress with healthy coping tactics can help keep you on track, and don’t forget to take time to check in with yourself every day to assess how you’re feeling.