Let others know if you are uncomfortable or feeling triggered. Also, if you know certain places might trigger you, avoid them. Sometimes trying a new place is the best course of action.

• If this isn’t easy for you, some new boundaries may help, like an automatic “out of office” reply for your work email, and a personal rule that you don’t check it after a certain time, Fritz says.
• Try to include a buffer day as well to help you ease back into your normal routine.
• If all of that is not possible for you, choose a room close to a park or other public outdoor space so you can spend as much time as possible in a place that feels good.
• The latter type of happiness tends to bring us joy in a deeper way, but it’s not necessarily as fun and carefree in the way that vacations and shorter-term pleasures are, she says.
• Think back over how you ended up burnt out in the first place.

There are several do’s and don’ts you should consider when planning a vacation for yourself or someone else in recovery. A vacation shouldn’t be used as a way to avoid problems — especially for someone in recovery — because chances are, you may be faced with several new travel-related problems. Going into a vacation with unrealistic expectations can potentially lead to relapse. Equally important to the steps above is knowing things you should not do with your planned vacation. Avoid these missteps to stay on track with your recovery while on the road. Try dedicating as little as twenty minutes a day—or more if you can spare—and fully give yourself over to that activity.

Budget Friendly Tips For Booking Your Next Staycation

This can get you relaxed for the rest of your trip, especially if you do this at the beginning of the vacation. A toolbox is a pack of “tools” that help you get through challenging times. If you’ve always wanted to see the Vatican, get the lay of the Sleeping Bear Dunes or sit quietly on the banks of Loch Ness, now is the time to repair brain function and live in the moment. And with a clear head, excellent balance, and stamina the experience can be greatly enhanced. You will actually read the plaques in the visitor center, lead the charge up 320 Vatican steps and research Nessie sightings before you arrive in the Highlands.

• Bringing those extra items that you may need, like medication if you suffer from migraines, is worth the cost of checking a second bag at the airport.
• Some financial services companies are important enablers of travel.
• Put in earphones and start each morning with a relaxing mediation.
• Looking at vaccination rates by country as well as Google searches for vacation-related topics provides insights.
• With support just a few clicks away, there is no reason you can’t get to a meeting while on vacation and check in with your peers.

For example, you may spend your days catching up on movies and television, sitting on park benches reading, or sitting on the deck enjoying some sunshine. See if there are any attractions in your city that you have never checked out before, and check them out as if you are a tourist. If going away will be stressful instead of relaxing, consider having a staycation. Staycations are vacations where you stay at home and let go of your normal responsibilities for the duration. Travelling, much like successful relationships, requires clear and healthy communication. Whether you are traveling alone or with a group, it’s important to communicate with yourself and those around you regarding your needs. Make sure you are both honoring what you need to feel comfortable as well as communicating those needs to yourself, and others when necessary.

Plan ahead and request a day off after your vacation

Another alternative is to plan virtual therapy sessions, meetings, or phone calls with a sober peer back home. Scheduling these connections ahead of time will help keep you accountable and give you an extra boost of confidence as you enjoy your adventures. However, traveling while sober is possible and can still be fun if you take good care of yourself and follow these tips. Be kind to yourself and remember that you deserved your vacation and the time it takes to recover from it. Take about a five or ten-minute break every three hours to decompress and relax. Souvenirs are great personal mementos that can remind you that it’s okay to take a break and enjoy life. Recovering from fatigue can be as simple as reminiscing.

Things may happen during your travel journey that you simply cannot prevent. It’s important to prepare for these potential challenges and triggers before your trip as well. In order to mitigate some of these anxieties, prepare yourself by having a “toolbox” at hand. A toolbox can help you be prepared for potential https://ecosoberhouse.com/ adversity and triggers while also giving you the clearest view of what is to come on your trip. Can you see yourself herding cattle on a dude ranch? Stretch your imagination and think of all the things you’ve never tried . Hike the Grand Canyon, camp in Copper Harbor or bike through the Cotswolds.

Do Set Boundaries

If you are newly sober and fresh out of holistic rehab, reconsider leaving home for your vacation and plan a staycation instead. You have certainly Vacation and Recovery earned a rest after working so hard to be substance-free, but this is not an ideal time to break out of your newly established schedule.