Stress doesn’t stop just because we decide to get sober. Life continues, and challenges will still arise. Sobriety can sometimes feel even more stressful, as the primary outlet we used for stress is now something we’re trying to avoid. If we don’t learn how to cope with stress, it can affect our ability and desire to maintain our sobriety.

1. Relaxation

 It’s important to explore different activities that help you relax. For some, this might be reading, while for others, it could be meditating or drawing. Find a healthy activity that lowers your anxiety and heart rate.

2. Get It on Paper

Stress can accumulate in our minds and become overwhelming, making it hard to think clearly. Sitting down to write out your thoughts can help you organize them. Transferring your worries from your mind to paper may be the first step toward solving the problems causing your stress.

3. Talk to Someone

 Just like writing it out, sharing your feelings with someone can help clear your mind. Talking can also provide you with valuable advice that you may need to hear.

4. Clean

Your living space often reflects your mental state. While many aspects of life may be out of your control, maintaining a clean environment is something you can manage. Consider tidying up your space, and try to keep it clean with small daily chores. You might find that this alleviates some of your stress.

5. Spirituality

This can mean different things to different people. Taking time to explore what spirituality means to you and how you practice it can provide a sense of peace and purpose.

6. Move Your Body

There are many ways to incorporate movement into your routine. It can be as simple as taking a walk, following an online yoga tutorial, lifting weights, taking a dance class, or organizing a few rounds of pickleball with friends. Engaging in physical activity can help relieve some of the stress you may be unconsciously carrying around.

7. Find a New Hobby

 Just like relaxation, discovering a hobby that resonates with you is key. It could be crocheting, scrapbooking, writing, painting, cooking, running, or many other options. Hobbies can serve as great coping mechanisms for various life challenges.

8. Come Up with Solutions

Creating a plan to address stressful situations can be one of the best coping strategies. If you’re worried about paying rent at the end of the month, take the time to write out a budget or brainstorm ideas for generating the necessary funds. If a family holiday is approaching and you’re feeling anxious, set some boundaries and devise a plan to leave if it becomes overwhelming.

9. Massage or Spa Time

While massages can be pricey, consider setting up a savings jar to afford one. Massages help relieve stress held in the body. If a massage isn’t feasible, you can create a spa experience at home. Take a long bath with the lights dimmed, ask a friend or partner for a massage, soak your feet in warm water, or enjoy a long, steamy shower.

10. Establish a Mantra

Research some common mantras or create your own for specific situations. Have a few mantras handy that you can repeat to yourself when needed. Consider placing sticky notes around to serve as reminders. One of my favorite mantras is, “You are stronger than you think you are.” Find mantras that resonate with you.

Learning to cope with stress is a journey that involves some trial and error. What works for one person may not work for another. While one technique may not help every time, you’re feeling overwhelmed, another may be effective. It’s beneficial to incorporate a few of these strategies into your routine to manage rising stress levels.