As another new year approaches, many people start discussing resolutions. A new year is a perfect time to set new goals. Unfortunately, many people abandon their resolutions before the end of January. It often seems like people’s resolutions are too ambitious or rigid. When setting goals, it’s important to set SMART goals: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely. 

Focusing on SMART goals will help you track your progress and celebrate your daily wins in recovery. Instead of setting a broad goal like “I will stay sober,” break that down into parts that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely. And give yourself rewards for accomplishing your goals! 

A SMART goal is, “I will not drink alcohol for one week.” When you accomplish your goal, set another one! And celebrate your accomplishment. Go out to lunch with a friend or treat yourself to a pair of shoes you’ve had your eye on. However you treat yourself, make sure you share your progress and be proud of how far you’ve come.

Recovery from substances is not easy! That’s why it’s so important to set achievable goals for yourself. Too often, people become discouraged by their resolutions and not meeting their goals, so they give up. In recovery, there’s no giving up. Instead of setting big resolutions you might not keep, be intentional with your goals and start small habits that will create a solid foundation and change your life for good. 

Here are 6 types of healthy habits. They’re long-term and focus on the positives of a sober life well-lived. 

1. Find a community

Finding a supportive group who understand what you’re going through is imperative to a successful recovery. In treatment, you’ll have the opportunity to meet people who have had similar experiences to yours. As you leave treatment and start the rest of your sober life, find groups of people who understand your experience and are further in their recovery. Sometimes all we need to keep going is to see an example of what’s possible.

Some examples of groups are 12 Step Meetings and group therapy. These are focused on addiction recovery and sobriety. Community is about more than sobriety, though. Find groups of people with your interests, such as a hiking group or book club. 

2. Create healthy routines

Routines are essential, especially after you leave treatment. By design, treatment facilities are bubbles of safety away from the real world, so transitioning back into regular life takes time and intention. You’ll have a whole new perspective, and establishing healthy routines is the best way to take what you learned in treatment into the rest of your life.

Keep a calendar and write out your schedule for the week. Knowing what’s coming helps regulate your nervous system and reduce anxiety. Starting your week by writing out your activities will help you plan your time and know where your energy is going so you don’t over-commit yourself. Stability and predictability are cornerstones of a life of sobriety.

3. Nourish your spirit in nature

Take some time to be in nature. You can use this time to reflect, breathe deeply, and be grateful for all you have. Some great ways to enjoy nature are hiking, walking around the neighborhood, or visiting a park. Start with what you’re comfortable with and get more adventurous. Being near water is peaceful, so if you live near a river, lake, or ocean, find a quiet place to sit and enjoy the ebb and flow of water. 

You can also bring nature to you! Start a garden or a houseplant collection. Growing your food is an incredibly nourishing experience. Gardening can be as simple as starting an herb garden and usinreg the basil you grow to make pasta sauce! There are many different kinds of houseplants that require different levels of care. Some, like pothos, are fairly straightforward. Some, like bonsai, require intricate care. Which plant is best for you depends on your needs! All houseplants make your home more oxygenated and give you something to take pride in.

4. Clean your space

Your personal space should be a source of comfort and peace. Making sure your area is clean is the first step. Pick up after yourself, deep clean weekly, and make sure your space is a source of pride. In recovery, having a well-organized space helps alleviate anxiety and gives you places that you have complete control over. Besides regular cleaning and organization, try adding a scented candle, buying flowers, and finding inspiring art. You and your home are sources of pride and deserve to be taken care of.

5. Get creative

Finding a creative outlet is a great way to explore new hobbies and establish routines. It’s also ideal for healthily releasing emotions while creating something beautiful. Some tremendous creative outlets are learning to play musical instruments, paint, journal, cook, dance, and pottery. This is also an excellent opportunity to find a community of like-minded people. 

6. Practice gratitude

There’s a reason we say to practice or cultivate gratitude: it’s an active state that requires you to take a moment and consider everything you’re grateful for. Life and emotions can often feel overwhelming, but there’s always something to be grateful for. It could be as simple as the air you breathe but try to get specific. You might be grateful for the ability to see your favorite shade of green, the smell of your grandmother’s house, or the sound of your child’s breath as they sleep. There’s so much to be grateful for and cherish in recovery. When you’re sober, you have more awareness of yourself and the world around you and more to notice to be grateful for. You’re more present in moments where you can notice the small things that make life special.