The deadline to set your New Year’s Resolutions for Sobriety is fast approaching.
During this time of year, we hear so much negative news telling us that most people flunk their resolutions. It’s a pretty defeatist outlook that doesn’t really do anyone any good. So, instead of surrendering, this year is an opportunity to prove them wrong by setting yourself up for success.
Setting Successful Recovery Resolutions
In recovery, resolutions may have more gravity than for most people. Every goal you meet is a way to build trust in yourself. There are healthy ways to set – and stick to – resolutions for the coming year. It involves a little creativity and a lot of foresight to make them happen.
Studies say most of us find it easier to keep small but progressive resolutions rather than large, ambitious ones. A great example of a common goal is beginning a jogging routine. Rather than pledging to run a marathon, break the goal down into smaller parts. Vow to increase your pace and distance, or number of jogs per week by a percentage per month instead. This way, you’re not requiring yourself to perform at an optimal level right away.
Overcommitting is a fatal, discouraging blow to your resolutions. The “all or nothing” outlook is something that often aligns with addiction. The goal is to stay away from that attitude and give yourself more grace to achieve your goals.
Strategies for Long-term Recovery Success
Your resolutions should align with your recovery journey, but they don’t have to focus on it explicitly. Resolutions should also add joy to your life so they won’t feel like chores five months down the line.
Self-improvement doesn’t have to be painful. Resolutions that honor friendships, relaxation, and fun are just as important to wellbeing as weight loss or saving money.
You can resolve to go to a movie with a friend once a month. Or pledge to take a nap twice a week or to play tourist once a month in your own town. You can also resolve to get back into a hobby you haven’t been making time for.
All of these things can be fun while also fulfilling the goal and gaining the feeling of accomplishment. Along the way, you’ll also pick up some healthy habits that will quickly become part of your routine. These resolutions will ultimately become part of your long-lasting success in recovery.
Resolution Ideas for New Year’s Sobriety
A new year is a fresh slate. Still, setting New Year’s resolutions for sobriety can be a challenge because you don’t want to mark that slate up with potential failures. Here are some tips for goal setting this year:
Do It ODAAT
Concepts surrounding recovery are relevant for just about everything. Approaching resolutions, ODAAT (one day at a time) alleviates that extra pressure that could make you freeze or self-sabotage.
Enlist a Buddy
Having a buddy is another recovery concept that can help your resolutions succeed. Buddies are beneficial when you’re trying to adhere to an exercise routine. Even an electronic buddy, like an app, can help. Meditation timers and step-counter apps are great for tracking and celebrating progress.
Reflect and Course-Correct
If resolutions are hard to meet, stop and think about why. For example, if you find yourself on the couch instead of meeting a goal to take three walks a week. Instead of throwing in the towel, reflect on what’s making it hard to lace up your shoes.
If walking makes you feel lonely, recruit a walking partner. Visit a local running store and treat yourself to some better walking shoes. If you feel irritable after walking, have a snack beforehand or carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated. Adjusting for basic discomforts often clears the path to success.
Ditch the Negativity
Since you’re already proving the resolution studies wrong, ditch negativity altogether. If you catch yourself being overcritical and judgmental– stop and journal about it. Ask yourself why you think this way and what is leading you to negative thoughts.
This practice is a great way to stop self-sabotage in its tracks. The next time you have something to say, especially about yourself, you’ll catch it immediately. Learning to pick up on your own bad habits is going to be very helpful for the future.
Align Resolutions with Recovery Goals
It’s okay to combine annual resolutions and recovery goals. Like a vow to attend a certain number of meetings, worship services, or therapy sessions each month. Resolve to journal 10 minutes a day. Commit to learning to accept help from others.
Each of these resolutions comes with a built-in support group to help you keep promises to yourself. You’ll cherish these bonds not only this year but for years to come.
Get some Sleep!
You won’t be able to work on your resolutions if you’re not well-rested. Achieving restorative, deep sleep through the whole night can be difficult in early recovery. If you have a bad habit of staying up late, it’s time to make some changes. Fix your sleep hygiene so you don’t lose out on precious daylight.
Count your Blessings
The 12 steps really hone in on gratitude in recovery. It’s easy to get caught up with all the new things you plan to do this year. Just don’t forget to take a couple of minutes each day to think about what you’re grateful for. You can write them down in your journal or talk out loud to yourself; it doesn’t matter! What’s important is that you’re reflecting on the good, which will motivate you to keep going.
Professionals at Mahajan Therapeutics can help you put together your recovery resolutions. Our counselors are experienced and eager to assist you in your planning.
If you’ve been thinking about addressing your addiction, this is the sign to take the first step. What better time to improve your life than a sparkly new year? Contact your nearby Mahajan Therapeutics location today to learn more. Embrace your New Year’s Resolutions for Sobriety and take the first step towards a healthier, happier future.
