Surviving (and Actually Enjoying) Thanksgiving in Recovery

Surviving (and Actually Enjoying) Thanksgiving in Recovery

The holidays. A time of joy, gratitude, and hotly contested political debates around the dinner table. It's a season of sparkling lights, cozy sweaters, and the warm, fuzzy glow of a freshly uncorked bottle of wine. Or three. Or ten.

For those of us in recovery, the holiday season can feel like a minefield, with triggers lurking behind every innocuous-seeming mug of hot buttered rum. And Thanksgiving, with its focus on food, family, and (let's be real) getting absolutely hammered, can be especially fraught.

The Minefield of Family Dynamics

Picture this: you're seated at the dinner table, surrounded by the loving faces of your family. Your aunt is telling the same story about your childhood embarrassing moment for the 12th time. Your cousin is loudly expounding on his political views. And your grandma keeps offering you "just one little pill" to take the edge off.

For people in recovery, the holidays can be a perfect storm of stress, temptation, and awkward family interactions. It's easy to feel like you're walking on eggshells, waiting for the other shoe to drop (or in this case, the whiskey-fueled argument to erupt).

The Trap of Over-Control

One of the biggest pitfalls for families of people in recovery is the temptation to try to control the situation. To micromanage every detail, from the guest list to the cocktail menu, in an attempt to create a "safe" environment. But this can often backfire, leaving the person in recovery feeling like a fragile, breakable thing that everyone has to tiptoe around.

Newsflash: people in recovery aren't delicate flowers. We're not going to shatter into a million pieces the moment someone mentions alcohol. What we need from our families is support, understanding, and the space to take care of ourselves.

Families: How to REALLY Help

So, how can families walk the tightrope between supporting their loved ones and not treating them like a ticking time bomb? Here are a few tips:

• Open and honest communication. Ask your loved one what they need from you. What are their triggers? How can you best support them?
• Non-alcoholic options are a must. Make sure there are plenty of delicious, booze-free beverages available. And no, sparkling cider doesn't count.
• Have a plan. Discuss beforehand how you'll handle any sticky situations that may arise. Having an exit strategy can be a lifesaver.
• No pressure. Don't push your loved one to participate in things that make them uncomfortable. Let them set the boundaries.

Recovery: It's Time to Get Creative

For those of us in recovery, the holidays require a little extra strategizing. Here are some out-of-the-box coping mechanisms to try:

• Bring a buddy. Having a sober support person by your side can make all the difference. Plus, it's always more fun to roll with a crew.
• Get moving. A quick walk around the block or a few discreet yoga poses in the bathroom can help blow off steam.
• Practice radical self-care. Don't be afraid to take a step back and prioritize your own needs. Whether that means a quick power nap or a few minutes of meditation, taking care of you is key.
• Change the scene. Suggest doing something a little different, like going for a hike or playing a game. This can help shift the focus away from drinking.
• Be honest. If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's okay to say so. A simple "I'm feeling a little stressed, can we take a break?" can go a long way.

A Word on Shame

Let's talk about shame for a second. There's this pervasive idea in recovery circles that we have to earn our happiness. That we have to prove ourselves, over and over again, before we deserve to really enjoy the holidays. But that's just not true.

You deserve to have a happy, healthy Thanksgiving, just like everyone else. You deserve to celebrate, to feel joy, to wear ridiculous pajama pants and stuff your face with mashed potatoes. So let's try to leave the shame at the door, shall we?

Conclusion

The holidays in recovery aren't always easy. There will be challenges, temptations, and moments of frustration. But with the right support, a little creativity, and a whole lot of self-compassion, you can not only survive the holidays, but actually thrive.

So let's raise a (sparkling cider) glass to that. To a holiday season filled with joy, connection, and the kind of meaning that has nothing to do with a bottle. Cheers, friends!-Belle- 

Creative Ways to Handle Election Stress (Because Let's Face It, We Need Them)

 

Creative Ways to Handle Election Stress (Because Let's Face It, We Need Them)

Election seasons can feel like an endless cycle of anxiety, a political stress rollercoaster we can't escape. It's like being trapped in a never-ending Twitter argument, but with worse punctuation and more existential dread. But fear not, friends! There are ways to cope, even when it feels like the world is losing its collective mind.

Embrace Your Inner Artist (Even If You Can't Draw a Straight Line)

Get creative! Paint, draw, or sculpt your feelings. You don't have to be good at it. In fact, the worse you are, the more hilarious it might be. Imagine a stick figure of a politician with a bright orange face and a hairdo that resembles a startled cat. Laughter is the best medicine, right?

Learn Something New (That Has Absolutely Nothing to Do with Politics)

Always wanted to learn how to knit, play the harmonica, or cook exotic dishes? Now's the time! Engage your brain with a new hobby that has zero to do with current events. Think of it as a mental escape pod from the political chaos.

Channel Your Feelings into Action (But Not the Kind That Involves Yelling at Strangers)

Feeling helpless is stressful. Counteract this by volunteering for a cause you care about. Helping others gives you a sense of control and purpose. Plus, it's a great way to meet like-minded folks who won't drive you to drink (unless that's your chosen coping mechanism, and we won't judge).

Get Your Body Moving (But Only If It Wants To)

Exercise is great, but let's be real, sometimes the only "workout" you can manage is from the couch to the fridge and back. That counts too! Do what feels good for your body. If that's yoga, awesome. If it's just stretching to reach the remote, that's okay too.

The Dark Side: Election Stress and Mental Health

Let's get real for a moment. Election stress is no joke. Research shows that elections can have real consequences for our mental health, leading to increases in anxiety, depression, and even substance abuse. This isn't about being "dramatic" – it's about acknowledging that the constant stream of political news and discourse can take a serious toll.

In fact, one study found that following the 2016 U.S. presidential election, there were marked increases in stress and anxiety, even among people who didn't seem directly affected by the outcome. This suggests that the mere atmosphere of political tension can have far-reaching effects.

Substance Abuse and Election Stress: A Dangerous Mix

For those struggling with substance use disorders, election stress can be particularly hazardous. A study on social stress and substance abuse found that increased stress can be a major trigger for relapse. When we feel overwhelmed and powerless, turning to substances can seem like an easy escape.

Finding Hope Amidst the Chaos

So, what's the antidote to all this election stress? Connection is key. Reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional if you're feeling overwhelmed. Research shows that social support can be a powerful buffer against election-related stress.

Remember, it's okay to not be okay right now. But also remember that you're part of a larger community navigating this wild ride together. By finding creative outlets for our stress and prioritizing our mental health, we can get through this, one day at a time.-Belle-