Vacationing Sober While in Recovery

You’ll feel so much more productive when you can check off tasks in an orderly fashion. Terror strikes at your very core and you immediately begin to worry about how you will survive your first vacation as a sober woman. To be out of your comfort zone at a beach, on a ski slope, at your in-laws makes you feel shaky. The worst vacationing in recovery place of all is being stuck in an airport where concourses are lined with bars, duty-free liquor and stress. Recovery meetings are back on the calendar, as is yoga, coffee and meet-ups with other sober friends. Breathe in slowly, hold for a count of four, then exhale. Whenever you feel stressed, do some breathing exercises.

If you’re arriving late Sunday night and have work Monday morning, chances are you’ll feel stressed out, tired, and unorganized come Monday morning. But, if you arrive home on Saturday and have all of Sunday to get yourself adjusted, then Monday morning will be a breeze.

Ideas for Recovery-Centered Vacations

The clinicians have a way of making you comfortable enough to talk about anything.” -George E. This entry was posted in Travel Tips and tagged travel tips. Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist.

While in eating disorder recovery, it is important to prepare to be surrounded by these triggers and to have a plan of action. Maybe the plan consists of eating only at certain times of the day or only trying one sugary food once a day.

Don’t Do the Following When Planning a Vacation While in Recovery

For example, many Eastern cultures such as India, embrace full-figured women, which is vastly different from the Western’s culture ideal thin individual. If you can, schedule a day or even a weekend to transition after a trip, especially a long one, Caillet suggests. Give yourself time to unpack, relax, enjoy the feeling of coming back from a satisfying trip, and reflect on your experiences.

• Trying to fit too much into a day can make you feel anxious or stressed, especially if you find you don’t have enough time to do everything.
• By choosing a vacation destination where you know there are activities that don’t revolve around alcohol or other drug use, you will already set yourself up for success.
• With proper planning, risk avoidance and the right destination and company, you can literally have the time of your life!
• In a new environment on holiday, busy scheduling and constant stimuli make it harder to check in with our emotions.
• Vacations are supposed to be fun and relaxing, but travel can become quite stressful when your schedule is jam-packed.

Call ahead and pre-plan activities that will encourage and inspire you and ultimately promote your recovery. The point is to confirm that you don’t need drugs and alcohol to enjoy yourself. One of our primary tips for staying sober is to never forget that you are not alone in this battle.

Tips for Staying Sober on Vacation

When you come here, you are immediately connected with a thriving community of people at all stages of their recovery journey. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.

• Your sobriety is worth the cost of checking a second bag at the airport.
• For example, you can come back a day before you have to start work again to give yourself a chance to rest and mentally prepare to return to work.
• This can help relax both your mind and body, leaving your feeling rejuvenated.
• This may include letting everyone do their own activities and relax in their own way.For example, many people argue about what and where to eat.
• If you’re on a flight, consider blocking out the noise with headphones and watching a movie to get you relaxed.
• The sensations of hunger and thirst can heighten a craving for drugs or alcohol.

Load your tablet with books, games, podcasts, music and bring a good set of earphones to escape, even in a room filled with people. Before you leave, pop for a roaming data package to keep in touch with your sober support group. Pack protein-rich snacks, chocolate and your favorite teas. Pack a journal to document your adventure and feelings about your first sober vacation. If you are planning on traveling solo, vacationing in recovery is an opportunity to connect with yourself, your recovery, and your experiences on a deeper level than you ever have before. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many vacations have been put on hold, but you may still feel a need to safely get away for a few days. While you are away, remember to relax and enjoy your time, but be sure to have plans in place to prevent boredom from striking to avoid any potential temptation that may risk your sobriety.

Recovery can open up new possibilities and opportunities, especially while traveling. Let your newfound sobriety enhance your experiences and travel plans.