Summer is officially over, leaving many of us dreaming of the summer season that’s now months and months ahead. To honor the end of the summer season, we wanted to offer some tips for making next summer the best summer ever, particularly for those in recovery who want to make sure that summertime festivities don’t threaten your sobriety.
After all, warm weather typically means more occasions for people to drink. However, just because you aren’t drinking doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time socializing with friends and family.
Here are some helpful tips to follow when staying sober for the summer.
1. Maintain a Connection With Someone Who is Also Sober
With all the temptation at summer barbeques and pool parties, you may need some extra motivation to stay sober. This is a great time to connect with someone who is also sober as you can lean on them during this time. They know what you are going through and will be able to relate to wanting to the temptation that comes when staying sober during the summer. Remember, you can never have too many people to support your recovery, and surrounding yourself with like-minded people is the key to staying dedicated to maintaining your sobriety.
2. Decline Invitations if You Feel Uncomfortable
Sometimes, all it takes is to be in a familiar situation where you associate getting drunk or high to relapse. Just as it is important to surround yourself with positive, sober friends on your journey to recovery, you will need to completely remove yourself from people and places that remind you of using. So if you are invited to a situation that reminds you of your past, feel free to decline it. You don’t owe anything to anyone, as you know what is best for you on your sobriety journey.
3. Bring a Sober Friend With You
If you know there will be alcohol in a situation that you have to go to, such as a wedding or a work event, bring a sober friend to keep you on track. Again, there’s nothing wrong with bringing your support system with you as it is much easier to stay sober when you’re not alone.
Don’t know if you can get an extra ticket to the event? Explain your situation to the organizers and they’re sure to understand the need for an extra person to attend with you.
4. Turn to Your Journal
Taking time to write your thoughts down in a journal can be especially helpful for your summer sobriety. Give yourself a break from all the external stressors in your life, and put pen to paper to explain exactly how you are feeling. Doing this may help you better understand and identify your stressors and triggers, and if anything, you’ll become more mindful of how to act in future similar situations.
5. Host Your Own Event
One of the only ways to be aware of everything that happens at an event is to host one yourself! You can take advantage of having a sober summer by planning a picnic or pool party of your own. Organizing your gathering means picking a venue, creating a guest list, and choosing activities, which are all things you can do without compromising your sobriety.
6. Think Simple
A sober summer doesn’t have to be boring. Simple activities like going to a drive-in movie, fruit picking, heading out on a hike, driving to a special ice cream shop, or gardening can bring you incredible amounts of joy. So don’t overthink it! When you’re feeling restless during the warmer days, think about some of the summer activities you used to like to do when you were younger. Your inner child will thank you.
7. Spend Time Volunteering
If you are feeling bored and uninspired, spend your time volunteering with those in need. You can go to the local soup kitchen, animal shelter, or summer school and donate your time. Getting out of the house for the greater good a few times a week will give you something to look forward to.
8. Get Out Into Nature
Nature is fantastic for nurturing your soul. Fresh air and sunshine are great for nurturing your body, and can even be a great remedy against anxiety and depression. So spend as much time as you can outside in nature, whether it is by taking a bike ride, hiking down an unfamiliar path, swimming at a local lake, and just basking in the sunshine.
9. Start a New Exercise Routine
Exercising releases endorphins, which are the feel-good chemicals our brain needs. And the more you exercise, the better you will feel in mind, body, and spirit. Not only will you be focusing on your physical fitness when exercising, but you’ll also have a healthy outlet to release your emotions. Consider signing up for a gym and try a few classes that are out of your typical comfort level, you never know what you’re going to like once you get in class and sweat it out.
Silicon Beach Treatment Center is a facility that promotes all aspects of Los Angeles sober living. At our drug and alcohol rehab in LA, you’ll find quality treatment for drug addiction, alcohol addiction, and mental health/dual diagnosis for individuals of all kinds. If you are considering alcohol and/or drug rehab in the Los Angeles area, our dedicated team is here to answer any and all questions you may have.
Reach out today to learn more about how we can help you on your path to sobriety.
