From football to festivals, recovery in autumn comes with a unique set of challenges. It can be hard to think about navigating seasonal traditions sober. However, early recovery at any time of the year is hard work, and there’s a host of benefits to beginning recovery right now.
To wrap up Recovery Month, here are 4 benefits to starting your sober journey in the fall season.
1. It’s a great time to be outside.
Time in nature is incredibly helpful in processing emotions in early recovery, as is exercise. In the fall, cooler weather and fewer bugs make it easier to become fully engaged in outdoor activities that are proven to promote sobriety, like hiking and bicycling, or putting up a hammock and getting lost in a good book.
2. Save money for the holidays.
You might be amazed at how much money you can save when you aren’t spending it on substances. While it’s easy to find other beneficial things to spend it on, like gear for a new hobby or deposits to a savings account, be sure to save some to purchase holiday gifts for loved ones. Sharing heartfelt gifts is a great way to lift spirits and support healthy relationships.
3. Be ready for New Year’s.
If the new year is a meaningful milestone for you, then it’s a good idea to begin recovery in autumn. For better or worse, the first few months of recovery may be a blur as you dig into shifting habits and mindsets. If you start recovery in the fall, winter should bring you a sense of clarity and vision that empower you to set meaningful goals for the coming year.
4. Enjoy the sweetest parts of the season.
You might have to pass on the punchbowl, but you don’t have to skip the hot cocoa and apple cider, Halloween candy, marshmallow treats, apple pie, or pumpkin-spice blondies. Fall festivities feature tantalizing sweets, which might be exactly what you’re craving in early recovery.
It’s somewhat common to develop a new sweet tooth during recovery. Whether the body is working to replace the sugar it used to get from alcohol, or sugar’s dopamine and sense of reward are comforting, you might find a new appreciation for autumn’s sweet treats.
While it’s preferable to satisfy sugar cravings in moderation and reach for nutrient-rich foods like fruit, you have enough to work through in early recovery without worrying about sugar intake. It’s perfectly okay to embrace the sweet side of autumn and work on your diet later.
Recovery is challenging but rewarding any time you choose to begin. The best time is always right now.
Mahajan Therapeutics has professionals and resources ready to help you every step of the way. Contact us today.
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