How to Beat the Post Holiday Blues without Turning to Alcohol

The post holiday blues are a very real thing. The letdown after the holidays can cause depression, anxiety, and stress. All of these are triggers for turning to alcohol. In fact according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, these stressors are the reason most people relapse into alcohol and drug use. Fortunately, there are ways to combat the post holiday blues without turning back to alcohol.

Get Out!

Get out of the house. Depression and stress often make you want to stay home and hidden. Getting out provides a distraction and helps to lift depression. One good way to get out is to join in some of the activities 12 step programs and other sober treatment centers offer during this time of year.

Exercise

Exercise offers a variety of benefits including releasing endorphins. Endorphins help to lift depression and anxiety. A solid exercise program is a great way to beat the holiday blues and stay healthy at the same time. Most treatment centers and community programs have exercise classes you can join.

Eat Right

Taking part in a healthy diet has been shown to improve one’s mood and reduce alcohol cravings.

Eating right is an important part of combating depression and other mood illnesses. Most people overindulge during the holidays. After this overindulgence, getting back to healthy habits is a way to feel better after the holidays. Most people who eat healthy have reduced incidences of mood disorders, depression, and alcohol cravings.

Find Things to Look Forward To

By scheduling and planning events to look forward to you can beat the holiday blues. Make sure these events are alcohol free. Just because the holidays are over, does not mean that you have to stop celebrating sober life. There are a variety of community activities and other events after the holidays that you can join.

Volunteer

Volunteer activities help you to feel better about yourself and you are doing something good. Some recovering alcoholics will volunteer at a sober house or 12 step center to help others in their situation others find animal rescues and other volunteer opportunities in the community.

Make Plans with Family for a Get Together After the Holidays

Just because the holidays are over does not mean that you have to say goodbye to your friends and family. Plan a get together with your friends and family after the holidays. If they live far away you can always plan a virtual get together or a family reunion.

Return to a Normal Structured Schedule

Sometimes one of the best things that you can do for yourself is return to your normal routine. This includes returning to your work and social routine. Sometimes the routine and structure of a normal schedule can help you relieve the depression.

How to Avoid Alcohol During the Holidays

Know When to Get Help

One of the most important things that you can do to stop resorting to alcohol because of the holiday blues, is to know when you need help. If you are struggling with relapse and alcoholism after the holidays call us at 1-800-895-1695. We can help you recover from the holidays.