Keeping Your Recovery Strong This Winter

The winter is a wonderful time of year and yet it’s also a time where stress, cold and flu and temptations can put your health and your recovery at risk. Here’s help:

  • Safeguard against stress. Chronic stress can drain your immune system and increase your risk of getting sick. In fact, one study found that people who experienced a major stressful event were two times more likely to catch the common cold. Think of “chilling out” as just another recovery to-do this season. Cuddle up with a good book, soak in a warm bath, sip some warm tea, meditate, color – whatever helps you destress this winter.
  • Don’t ditch your healthy diet. Sweets seem to be everywhere this season but too much sugar can compromise your immune system, deplete your energy and make you more susceptible to cravings. This doesn’t mean you can’t have a few Christmas cookies – but also remember to load your plate with lots of whole foods: fruits and veggies, meat, eggs, grains. You can even go a step further by adding an extra serving of vegetables to each meal.
  • Keep active. You can always bundle up and go for a brisk walk, or there’s plenty of indoor activities to embrace over winter – from yoga to soccer to indoor rock climbing.  It’s just a matter of making sure you move more, so even running up and down the stairs or grooving around the house counts.
  • Stay social. The holiday season can feel lonely, especially if you’re estranged from family or friends and still working to build a healthy support system. Do your best to resist the urge to isolate yourself. Attend extra support groups, meet up with your sponsor or go out of your way to plan some sober fun with your recovery peers.
  • Practice gratitude. Being grateful can help keep your mind and body strong this winter. Start a “gratitude” journal and each morning write down something for which you’re thankful.

At BRC Recovery, we’ll equip you with the recovery skills needed to empower you to stay healthy and sober all season long. For more information about our addiction treatment programs, call a BRC Recovery Admissions Specialist today: 866-905-4550.