Each season can bring new challenges to your sobriety. Though really, all you have to do is stay sober one day at a time, no matter if it is snowing, raining, the leaves are falling, or it’s 95 degrees outside. Goal setting can help keep you on track no matter the time of year. Give yourself a boost of positive insurance by making a list of fun goals you’d like to do alone, with a friend or your family this summer. Plan your adventures accordingly, so you still can maintain your meeting and therapy schedules.
Try new things. When you branch out from your normal activities, you give yourself an opportunity to grow, learn and nourish your spirit. Take a trip to Science Museum, where there’s a new exhibit on display. Afterwards, stroll through the park or get ice cream cones.
If you and your spouse are invited over to the neighbor’s for a cookout, plan ahead. By bringing your favorite beverage with you, you can avert an awkward invitation to have a gin and tonic or a beer. If you feel the cookout will trigger a desire to drink, then make sure your family goes and tell them you’ll join them later. By coming later, you can be in control of your situation. Don’t feel like you have to make up some big excuse, either.
There are many things that you can do during the summer, especially to strengthen your sobriety. Even if you work full time, consider volunteering for an organization of your liking. Volunteering gives you the chance to give back to society. It can boost your self-esteem and make you feel good by helping others. There are all sorts of sober clubs you can join, too, like softball teams, and book clubs. Dip into your creative side and take an art class. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to learn to draw or paint. Maybe you want to make your own jewelry or pottery, or learn some writing skills.
When you maintain your sobriety, the world opens up to you with many opportunities. All you have to do is keep up your support system, trust yourself, motivate yourself, take care of your mental and physical health, and get out into the world.
“At the end of the day, if I can say I had fun, it was a good day.”— Simone Biles
If you or a loved one struggles with addiction, get help now. Nexus Recovery Services specializes in addiction treatment and encompasses holistic therapy for the mind, body, and soul with a focus on staying active and connected to nature. Our mission is to provide tools and support for every client’s seamless transition into a meaningful and fulfilling life of sobriety. We offer a free and confidential consultation. Call us to get started: (310) 881-9151