The start of a new year is symbolic for many people and cultures worldwide. It can be a time for renewal and reflection on the year that has passed, and it can bring a feeling of optimism and excitement for the opportunities ahead. For people in recovery, the New Year may carry additional significance through hope for continued personal growth and sobriety. It can be tempting to want to make big life changes at this time of year, but is that always helpful?
This blog will share a few things to consider when thinking about New Year’s resolutions and recovery.
Are New Year’s Resolutions Harmful for My Recovery?
This depends, and for the purpose of this blog let’s consider resolutions in two categories–New Year’s resolutions separate from recovery, and New Year’s resolutions related to recovery.
Having New Year’s resolutions that are separate from recovery might be exactly what you need for this upcoming year! People often find that they have more time, energy, and sometimes even money once in recovery. You may have learned new hobbies or started new activities to fill your time as part of your recovery, and setting goals or resolutions around these new activities could be inspiring and motivating. Examples might be to journal for 15 minutes a day if you have taken up writing, or preparing for a race if running has become a good outlet for you.
New Year’s resolutions related to one’s recovery may also be helpful, but for some people, failing to achieve them has led to lower self-esteem that results in increased stress or anxiety. Having patience with yourself, staying positive, and managing stress are all important elements of recovery, and the wrong resolution could make that more difficult. It is actually fairly easy to pick resolutions that become demotivating as they might soon feel unattainable, could take too long to achieve, or leave you in a position where you are regularly comparing yourself to peers on a similar journey.
Tips and Ideas for New Year’s Resolutions and Recovery
If you decide you want to make some New Year’s resolutions related to your recovery, here are a few tips and ideas for consideration.
First, try to start with resolutions that are achievable and help you gain momentum in your recovery. Don’t be afraid to change them if you find you’ve chosen a resolution that feels laborious and stressful. Starting small is okay–you could even make a resolution for just a day at a time. Recovery is a journey, and small steps often work best.
Second, try to choose something meaningful or motivating to you. It turns out that despite what most people say, only about 30% of people make a New Year’s resolution at all. If getting a gym membership sounds miserable, don’t do it! Find another way to cultivate your physical health.
Finally, be kind to yourself. Setbacks are likely to happen with any New Year’s resolution and acknowledging this upfront is helpful. If you do experience a setback, recognize that it is okay, and then continue where you were.
New Year’s Resolutions and Recovery: Three Ideas
Grow your community
This is one of SAMHSA’s four major dimensions of recovery. Who are the people around you that can provide support, friendship, or love? Make a goal to connect with one of these people once a quarter. Or, if you don’t have a strong support network yet, make it a goal to find one person who could fill that role, in a time period that feels comfortable and realistic to you.
Identify and learn about your triggers
Some people find that journaling can be helpful to understand triggers and cravings; others prefer working with a counselor or therapist. Understanding your triggers more thoroughly could set you up for your best year yet.
Watch, read, or listen to something inspirational once per month
This might be recovery-related, or it may not be, but making time for positive content will energize you, and these days there is no shortage of content to choose from.
Get Support from Southern Sky Recovery
At Southern Sky Recovery, we understand the holiday season can be hard on sobriety, and it may be a time of increased stress or worry. You are not alone. Our evidence-based treatment options and therapies address the physical and mental aspects of substance use, and are tailored to meet the needs of the individual and their loved ones. If you are ready for the next step in your recovery journey, please contact us today.
