When someone is working to recover from alcohol abuse and addiction problems, it can initially be difficult to confront the various challenges and even normal patterns of life without having at least some alcohol present. Valentines Day is a perfect example, because whether the individual is happily celebrating this holiday with someone they love or is facing this holiday alone, alcohol can seem like a normal and natural component. However, the simple fact is that alcohol is a drug substance that can damage an individual’s health, relationships and life, and is best left out of any Valentine’s Celebrations.
Celebrating a Sober Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love between family members, friends, intimate partners and others. Many individuals love to relax with a bottle of wine and a special someone, and others who are feeling lonely may try to drown their feelings in alcohol. The truth is that alcohol is not necessary to make this a pleasant, fun and enjoyable holiday, even for those who may be feeling lonely. Following are some tips to follow in order to have a sober, fun and enjoyable Valentine’s Day.
- Plan a picnic in the park. Whether you have a special someone to share the day with or you plan to spend some time alone or with friends, a picnic in the park can be a wonderful way to get out and away from comfortable routines that may lead toward alcohol consumption.
- Take the day off and go for a hike. Whether you hike with a special someone, friends, family members or even alone, being physically active on Valentine’s Day can help promote health and happiness.
- Go to the movies. An inclination to consume alcohol may be associated with patterns and routines wherein the individual previously consumed alcohol, and while it is possible that someone may have snuck alcoholic beverages into a movie theater in the past, it is generally unlikely that this has occurred. Therefore going to the movies can help an individual remain entertained during Valentine’s Day, without feeling that they are having to fight off alcohol cravings.
- Enjoy a boat ride. Another physical activity that can take one’s mind off alcohol, boat rides can be in a small boat for two or on a larger boat for a family or group of friends. A pleasant boat ride can be an enjoyable way to share one’s love with others on Valentine’s Day.
- Cuddle up indoors. A couple can enjoy romantically cuddling up together indoors and spending some precious alone time together to talk and get to know each other better. Families and friends can enjoy time indoors by cuddling up to watch a movie together, or perhaps even to play a board game together.
- Make it a spa day. Whether you have someone special to share it with or you choose to go it alone, Valentine’s Day is a perfect day to pamper yourself with a spa day.
- Have a cup of tea and read a good book. Take time to relax and simply enjoy yourself with a cup of tea and a good book. Whether you prefer to be alone at home or perhaps cozy up in a small coffee shop or bookstore, this simple activity can be very rewarding and enjoyable.
- Call your family. Valentine’s Day is not simply meant to celebrate romantic relationships, but is also a time simply to enjoy one’s love for others. Take the time to call your family and focus on talking about recent accomplishments in your life.
- Find other sober individuals to spend time with. If your normal group of friends intends to get together and celebrate Valentine’s Day with alcohol consumption, it may be time to find other sober individuals to spend time with. These individuals can help one find joy and pleasure in life without alcohol.
- Write yourself a “love note”. It can sometimes be difficult to work through loneliness if one is also trying to abstain from alcohol use, and something as simple as writing yourself a “love note” about everything you have accomplished and are good at can actually be very satisfying.
There is no reason for Valentine’s Day to be a sad or lonely holiday simply because one is abstaining from alcohol use. In fact, if one just takes the time to think about what they really enjoy, they may discover many different ways to celebrate a sober Valentine’s Day.
