Avoiding the Post Holiday Blues without Alcohol

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Just as the holidays can be stressful, so can the time after the holidays. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, stress is one of the most common causes of alcohol abuse and relapse. A situation like the post holiday blues and the stress that they bring can cause someone to abuse alcohol or relapse after they have quit drinking. Fortunately, there are a number of things that you can do to stop both the post holiday blues and the alcohol use associated with them.

Remove Clutter and Simplify

Since you received presents and other items for Christmas and you have to pack up the decorations anyway, why not take this time to remove old items and replace them with new. Set up a donation bin and take it to a local charity. Reducing clutter can also help you with your depression.

Get Back into Your Routine

Getting back into your routine is one of the best ways to beat the holiday blues. After an absence at work, get back into the routine. Most people who take off for the holidays, have some difficulty looking forward to returning to work. This is normal but the faster you get back into your normal routine, the faster you will feel more normal.

Get Together with Family and Friends After the Holidays

Getting together with family or friends after the holidays helps to reduce feelings of loneliness.

You do not have to wait until the holidays to schedule dinner or outings with your family and friends. If they live far away, you can schedule virtual activities and meet online or in a game. There is no distance too great for a get together with those that you care about.

Get Into the Sun

Being outside in the sun makes most people happier. If it is too cold to be in the sun outside, then sitting inside in the sunlight might be the way to go. People who sit or walk in the sun are usually happier and healthier.

Exercise

Fulfilling many people’s New Year’s resolution by exercising can also help chase away the desire to drink to get rid of the post holiday blues. Exercise produces endorphins, which gives you a natural high. This high can last for hours after you exercise. Most people feel better after a good workout.

Start a Program of Healthy Eating

When you eat healthy, you feel better. By making it a habit you can improve your mood, have more energy, and avoid alcohol. You can also start to cook your own meals. If you do not know how to cook, learning is an excellent activity to keep you busy and your mind off drinking.

How to Overcome Temptations to Drink in Alcohol Recovery

While the detox stage of alcohol recovery may seem like the most difficult of all, it’s the following weeks and months that present the most difficult challenges in recovery. Alcoholism comes with its own mindset and lifestyle, both of which persist well into the recovery process. These aftereffects can make temptations to drink especially difficult…

Schedule some Non-drinking Activities

Schedule some activities that you enjoy without alcohol such as visiting a museum or aquarium. Call some friends and ask them to join you in these activities.

Seek Treatment When you Need Help

Recognize that sometimes you need help. There are alcohol treatment programs across the United States and around the world. You can find treatment for both the post holiday depression and alcoholism by picking up your phone and calling 800-948-8417 Who Answers? .