6 New Year Resolutions for People in Recovery

It’s hard to believe the new year is just around the corner, marking a time for new possibilities and opportunities. According to Inc. Magazine, over 50% of Americans choose to create resolutions for themselves each new year. For individuals in addiction recovery, new year resolutions are a bold mark for the continuation of recovery and long-term success. Addiction recovery resolutions must be relevant, realistic, and timely. We hope that the resolutions below will excite, inspire and guide you through another year of successful, long-term sobriety.

1. Celebrate your wins – big and small. Remember to pause and look back on all you have accomplished thus far, and your successes on the road to long-term recovery. Despite any obstacles that may arise along the way, focus on what you have accomplished and how great that growth feels.
2. Pick up a new hobby. Try as many hobbies as you can before you find one that you truly enjoy. Some of our favorites are cooking, journaling, exercising, drawing, yoga, painting, music, running, bowling, or reading a favorite book. These kinds of hobbies will help keep you on track with your goals and recovery.
3. Reach out for help when needed. It’s never a bad idea to phone a friend. If you are struggling to remain in recovery, call your sponsor or counselor. If you’re having a bad day, call a supportive recovery friend. This journey is not linear, your friends, family, and recovery support groups are here to help you whenever you need it.
4. Continue to attend meetings. Make sure to maintain and build your recovery relationships and your support system and attend group events at least once a week. The New England Recovery Center can help to connect you to meetings that are right for you.
5. Share acts of kindness. When dealing with a substance use disorder, it can be very difficult to focus on the needs of others, but in recovery it’s essential to understand how to be kind to yourself and to others. Small acts of kindness that you can incorporate this year include buying someone a coffee, volunteering at a local food pantry or soup kitchen, helping your neighbor bring in their groceries, holding the door for someone, or sending a positive text to a loved one. No act of kindness is too small.
6. Remain positive. Feeling overwhelmed or having a not-so-great day is normal, but it can lead back to emotions of bitterness, negativity and frustration. This year, keep yourself in good spirits: listen to happy music, read an uplifting story, or talk to someone who always shares great advice; these are some excellent ways to keep your mind shining – and your smile!

All in all, New Year’s resolutions are helpful, but they can be difficult to maintain – have grace for yourself today and every day of 2022.

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction or a substance use disorder, call the New England Recovery Center today at 1-877-MyRehab.