New Years Resolutions In Recovery
Ah, the New Year. Most people find themselves simultaneously reflecting on the previous year and looking ahead to the possibilities of the new year. It’s also a time when a large portion of the population makes out their list of “resolutions.”
And why not? The new year is like a blank slate, filled with endless possibilities. It’s a reset, a fresh start. If things didn’t go so well last year, then you can resolve that things will be different this year.
The problem with many New Year’s resolutions is that people abandon them quickly after they start. They may make some progress, but studies show that people usually quit or fall out of their new routine within 7 weeks.
Some ways to help you keep your new year resolutions include making your goals specific, breaking bigger goals down into manageable chunks, and not trying to take on too many new changes at once.
If you are in recovery and are looking for some resolution ideas, here’s a list to get you inspired. These resolutions are fairly general, so if you are considering adopting any of them, be sure to make them your own by narrowing them down and getting specific! Another tip is to pair up with an accountability partner. This helps keep you on track and honest!
10 New Year’s Goals
1. Start writing Daily Journal entries
Writing in a journal is shown to provide numerous benefits including reduced stress, greater personal insight, pattern recognition, improved decision making and increased creativity. Your journaling practice can be whatever you want it to be. You can create an art journal, write lists or jot down a few lines at the end of each day. Have fun with it. Document your successes. Write your “I did” list each day, instead of a to-do list.
2. Increase your Spiritual Connection
Again, these resolutions are just starting points. Your spiritual connection is deeply personal, so only you know how to best nurture it.
3. Volunteer or Find New Ways to be of Service
Service is an important part of your recovery. If this is an area of your life that has been lacking, or if you are getting burned out on your current service commitments, you may want to try something new. Volunteering in your community not only feels good, but helps others.
4. Learn a New Skill
Is there something you have always wanted to learn? This year, take a class or workshop, or teach yourself how to do something fun. Learn a new language, learn to code or knit or rock climb or sculpt or dance or…you get the picture.
5. Read A Book A Week
Some of the most successful people in the world are voracious readers. Reading a book a week this year can make a big difference in your life. You can read inspirational books, books on recovery topics, self-improvement, finance, psychology, spirituality, travel, creativity, memoirs and biographies or just good fiction.
If you feel like you don’t have time to sit down with a book, try audio books. They are a great way to get some reading in while you commute to work or when you hit the treadmill. You can listen to audiobooks while doing mundane tasks around the house, as well. There are audiobook programs you can download to your smartphone that give you access to thousands of books.
6. Start an Exercise Program
But don’t just start an exercise program. Remember, be specific! Run a mile a day, take 10,000 steps a day, do 45 minutes of cardio three times a week, etc., etc.
7. Random Acts of Kindness
Resolve to perform a random act of kindness each day. It could be a stranger or a family member — doesn’t matter. Bonus points if you don’t tell anyone about it!
8. Nurture Yourself
So many people don’t take care of themselves! Do nice things for yourself as often as you can. Take a hot bath, get a massage, treat yourself to something nice. Be your own best friend!
9. Find New Ways to Celebrate Your Successes
Often, people are quick to judge themselves when they do something wrong, but fail to acknowledge when they do something right. Change this habit. Celebrate your successes! Throw a party or take a day off. Do something to commemorate the good things you do.
10. Eliminate One Negative Habit at a Time
“I’m going to quit smoking, stop eating sugar and lose ten pounds this year, and I’m starting all of it today.”
This is a terrible idea. While those resolutions are certainly admirable, trying to do them all at once is a recipe for failure. Do one thing at a time. Once you have mastered it, move on to the next thing.
Getting Clean And Sober This Year
If your resolution is to stop using drugs or alcohol, set yourself up for success by getting help from an addiction treatment program. Don’t try it on your own, let Broadway Treatment Center give you the tools you need to turn your life around this year! Our award-winning treatment program can help you make this year the year you take your life back. Call 714-443-8018 today.
