For those in recovery, the summer holidays can be quite stressful. Temperature changes have a huge effect on our moods, and hot days have been linked to irritability, distress, and even aggression. If you or a loved one struggles with addiction, Memphis Recovery Centers (MRC) can guide you to the path of health and healing. Our non-profit recovery programs at MRC cover both adult and youth treatment programs and a variety of therapies to ensure you have a sober vacation and maintain your sobriety throughout.
With picnics, beach parties, barbecues, and social gatherings all happening in full swing, enjoying a peaceful sober vacation without succumbing to the temptations of alcohol is a feat in itself. To learn more about our non-profit addiction treatment programs, contact us today at 901-272-7751.
Tips for Having a Sober Summer Vacation
With summer rolling in and temperatures soaring, it is the perfect time to take things slow, practice self-care, find fulfillment in the little things, and reconnect with friends and family. However, to ensure that relaxation and rejuvenation do not come at the cost of your sobriety, here are some helpful tips for a sober vacation.
If Events Contain Alcohol, Prepare Yourself
Let’s face it. Plenty of social gatherings and events serve alcohol. It can be challenging to say no to that free cocktail or the complimentary glass of wine at your best friend’s wedding, but you still need to do it.
So, you must do your homework and find out if a particular event will be serving alcohol or not. You can then choose not to go at all or be mentally prepared to respectfully decline the alcoholic drinks that may be offered to you, reminding yourself of your promise to remain sober. You can also throw your own sober party or enjoy cookouts with your loved ones.
Ask Your Friends, Family, or Therapist to Check-In
Seek out help whenever you can, and let your community support you in your recovery journey. Especially at social events, take your friends and family along so that they can watch out for triggers or remind you of your health resolutions. If you feel things are getting too heated, immediately check in with your therapist about your mental health and recovery progress. With the right assistance and care, staying sober will be richly rewarding in itself.
Get Adequate Exercise and Rest
The summer heat is prone to make the best of us lazy and lethargic. But the right combination of exercise and rest will keep the endorphins running and reduce cravings altogether. Go out for a jog in a nature park, take a dip in the pool, or sign up at the local gym so that you can get moving. At the same time, don’t forget to get adequate rest afterward and practice breathing exercises to promote calm and inner peace.
Additional Fun Sober Activities
You can also distract yourself with fun, sober activities that will ensure your physical and emotional wellness and help you find meaning and fulfillment. A few additional sober activities that you might enjoy include:
- Pick up a new hobby – Fill up your spare time to learn something new. Sign up for a language class, take up painting or calligraphy, or join your neighborhood dance group to learn some new moves. The right hobby will keep you occupied and hold you accountable to yourself.
- Volunteer your services – You can also try volunteering your skills at a non-profit organization, an animal rescue, or a homeless shelter. By being selfless and helping others, you will find a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment, make new friends, and contribute to the world in an impactful way.
- Try journaling – While socializing is fun, it can also get emotionally exhausting. So don’t forget to spend time on your own too. You can start a diary to chronicle your recovery journey or keep a gratitude journal to celebrate all the good things in life.
- Have a game night with family or friends – You can also start a weekly game night with your friends and family, be it a session of Dungeons and Dragons, a multiplayer video game, or a strategy game. It will not only keep you mentally active but will also help you bond closer with those you care about.
Find Your Guide to Sobriety at Memphis Recovery Center
Sobriety can ensure a peaceful and productive future, and this future can be yours too. At Memphis Recovery Centers, we are committed to helping people conquer their addictions and restore a bright substance-free future for all our patients. We follow a non-profit approach, and our team of empathetic professionals will guide you with care and compassion to the path of recovery and sobriety.
To learn more about MRC’s different programs, services and therapies, reach out to us today at 901-272-7751.
