7 Doable New Year’s Resolutions Every Person in Addiction Should Consider
7 Doable New Year’s Resolutions for Addicts
New Year’s is a time for change and a fresh start. When you’re thinking about the resolutions you want to make for the new year, keep in mind that it’s not about perfection, but instead, progress. The smallest progress can lead to the best changes.
It may not be as easy as saying, “I’m not going to drink or smoke or use this year.” Instead, it might look like making little changes like who you spend your time with or how you take care of yourself physically and mentally.
If you are looking to make a positive change this year, here is a list of doable New Year’s resolutions every addict should consider.
1. Resolve to Accept Help From Loved Ones
Your loved ones may not know exactly what you are going through, but they may want to help you as best they can along the way. If you have friends and family that want to help, let them. You can go at your own pace and make the rules as to how often they can help and in what capacity, but try leaning on them for support.
2. Resolve to Have a Positive Outlook for the New Year
This year certainly came with its challenges, but 2021 gives you an opportunity to change your thinking and start with a fresh outlook. Having a positive outlook doesn’t mean you have to be happy 24/7. What it does mean is that when things don’t go the way you wanted or planned, try to keep hope that there is a reason it happened, a lesson you can learn from it, or even just that things will work out better next time. This may sound cliche, but if you keep a positive outlook, positive things will start to happen.
3. Resolve to Take Responsibility for Your Actions and Intentions
There are a million ways you can shift blame onto others for the reason you are addicted. But it’s your life and not theirs and it’s time to start taking responsibility. By taking responsibility for your actions and intentions, you are taking control of your life – not letting someone else control it for you. It might be hard at first but once you start taking control of your actions, you’ll notice people will respect you more and you’ll have more respect for yourself.
4. Resolve to Make Healthy Choices for Your Body and Mind
Healthy choices don’t mean you have to completely change the way you’re living. Start small by walking for a half hour each day or drinking more water. Try eating a full three meals each day or try getting eight hours of sleep each night. Incorporate a small but healthy choice each day and watch a routine develop. A healthy routine will give you more control over your life and help you feel good both physically and mentally.
5. Resolve to Start Journaling and Tracking Your Journey and Progress
Journaling is a great way to get your thoughts and feelings out of your head. There is no ‘right’ way to journal, so it can consist of what you’re grateful for when you wake up in the morning, a brain dump at the end of the day, or writing about a certain event that happened. You can also use the journal to help you track your journey and progress. You’d be surprised at how much can happen in months, let alone weeks, and when you have your progress right in front of you, it’ll be a nice reminder of how far you’ve come in your journey.
6. Resolve to Pick Up New Healthy Habits
Healthy habits can be something that brings you joy once it’s done. Here are a few examples of healthy habits that you can add to your life.
- Take an exercise class
- Learn how to draw
- Take up cooking or baking
- Train for a competition
- Join a club for a new hobby
- Call a friend once a week
These are all healthy ways to stay engaged and committed to a new journey and are also good outlets to relieve stress. If you can’t do some of these activities in person, there may be online options.
7. Resolve to Count Your Blessings in Life
Every morning or night, take the time to sit and think about what you have to be grateful for in your life. Record it in a journal and you’ll have something to look back on at the end of the year or whenever you need a reminder. Blessings in life can be as simple as waking up with a roof over your head, having a friend to talk to, having food or water, etc.
Start the Year Off Strong with Victory Bay Recovery Center
At Victory Bay Recovery Center, we are here to provide support and assistance in helping you reach your goals and stick to your resolutions. Contact us today at 855.239.5099 and start 2021 off on the right foot.