What do resolutions for people in recovery look like? When you’re in recovery, making it through a year of sobriety is a huge milestone! Now that it’s 2024, you may wonder what goals you should set for yourself.
Even though you don’t have to wait until January to do this, it’s still a great time to reflect on the past year and what you hope to achieve in the coming months. Be sure to follow a goal framework, such as SMART Goals, as this will help you create goals that can be easily accomplished.
Below are seven examples of healthy New Year’s resolutions for individuals in recovery.
1. Make Self-Care a Priority
Self-care is a necessity! You can’t give your best to the world when your basic needs aren’t met. This year, make a commitment to spend time doing the things that improve your mental and physical health. Not only will you be happier and healthier, but also you’ll notice an increase in energy, a decrease in physical illness, and better stress tolerance.
2. Explore Your Creative Side
Even if you’re not one to enjoy art and music, it’s still important to have an outlet for self-expression. This year, try some new activities that will bring out your creative side. Not only might you pick up a new hobby, but also you’ll have a way to release inner stress. Examples include photography, writing poetry or short stories, putting together puzzles or knitting.
3. Simplify Your Life
The presence of clutter can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety. There is a reason for this – the brain prefers order because it reduces the competition for attention and mental load. Women, in particular, are more likely to experience higher stress from cluttered environments. To better manage stress and anxiety, make a commitment to simplify your life.
4. Give Back
Nothing is as rewarding as giving back to the community. Not only will you help others, but also you’ll have a strong sense of purpose that guides you in the real world. Find ways to give back that matter to you, such as helping other people get sober, delivering meals to individuals in need, or volunteering at a food bank.
5. Nurture Your Relationships
Think about the people who have stood by your recovery. Show appreciation for them through random acts of kindness. Also, make sure you are practicing open communication and being present when you’re around others. Having a strong support system will also help you overcome challenges more easily and maintain a better state of mind.
6. Deepen Your Spirituality
The New Year is also a great time to strengthen your relationship with a higher power. This can be done by praying, reading spiritual books, saying positive affirmations, and spending time in nature. Remember, you don’t have to be religious to be spiritual. The purpose of spirituality is to foster connection and meaning, as well as find your purpose in the world.
7. Develop a New Skill
By engaging in new hobbies and activities, you can start working on various skills. Choose one skill that you want to work on, whether it’s learning a new language or instrument or practicing photography. Developing a skill will expand your mind and help you look at things from a different perspective. Plus, it feels great to accomplish a new skill – and then you can work at another!
Get 2024 Off to the Right Start
These are just a few examples of what your New Year’s resolutions can look like when you’re in recovery. If you are ready to start your journey to sobriety, contact the admissions team at Awakenings Treatment Center. We focus on healing the mind, body and spirit through evidence-based and holistic therapies.
