Valentine’s Day is a day for romance, love, and spending quality time with your partner. But when in addiction recovery, the day can be tricky to navigate, especially since it is so often centered around drinking and dining.
Learning how to enjoy a sober Valentine’s Day, either by yourself or with someone else, can empower you to anticipate the day happily. Check out the following tips to keep your wits about you on one of the most emotionally charged days of the year.
Tips to Maintain a Sober Valentine’s Day
Plan Ahead
Planning for a romantic night ahead of time will ensure you need not concern yourself with avoiding alcohol on that day. With that in mind, you might want to ask yourself, does the place you’re headed serve alcohol? Will your partner want to drink that night? Knowing how things are likely to play out ahead of time can help keep you centered.
Find Support
One of the most effective ways to avoid negative feelings or substance cravings is to find support outside of yourself. Reaching out to friends or family who understand your situation can lead to much-needed encouragement, an essential for overall well-being.
Avoid Social Media
“Comparison is the thief of joy,” said well-known love guru Theodore Roosevelt, allegedly, and nothing invites comparison like social media. If you happen to be single this Valentine’s Day, you may want to avoid social media posts, with their gifts and parties and paeans to romantic love. Find other means of entertainment.
Try Some Mindful Meditation
Engaging in mindful meditation helps one focus on the present moment and cultivate a sense of inner peace. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced in meditation, taking time for self-reflection can be empowering. It can also set the tone for a positive and sober Valentine’s Day.
Sober Valentine’s Day Date Ideas (For One or More)
Whether you’re single or in a relationship, embracing sobriety on Valentine’s Day can lead to fun, meaningful, and memorable experiences. Let’s explore some creative ways for both singles and couples to celebrate love without substances.
Check out the Sweetheart Festival in Loveland, CO
Bring yourself, your sweetheart, or your family to downtown Loveland for the 6th annual Sweetheart Festival on February 10, 2024. The Sweetheart Festival is an extension of Loveland’s 70-plus year history as the nation’s “Sweetheart City.” Enjoy live ice sculpting, fire and art demonstrations, and a performance by Spinphony at Loveland’s Rialto Theater.
Go Outside
Remember, Valentine’s Day does not automatically mean you have to go and secure fancy dinner reservations. Consider a short trip in nature, either with a hike, a long bike ride, or even overnight camping. The Southern Rockies offer an extremely serene backdrop for quality time, allowing you to connect with yourself or a loved one and appreciate the world around you minus alcohol and drugs.
Try a New Recipe
Finding a table on Valentine’s Day can be difficult, depending on when you make plans. But don’t forget you have options, and one of the most attractive options is to try a new recipe at home. Working in the kitchen alongside a sweetheart can be an intimate and fun experience. And if the meal doesn’t turn out like you planned, a fun, funny memory will have been made.
Sign Up for a Class
From cooking to pottery to ballroom dancing, classes are an excellent way to spend some quality time, either alone or with a romantic partner. Plus, taking a class together might prove to have benefits in the future, as you might find a new sober hobby you will want to pursue.
Take a Spa Day
Treat yourself and your partner to a day of self-care by scheduling a spa day, or even creating a spa-like atmosphere at home. Start with a hot bath, try out some favorite skincare products, and just generally pamper yourself. This promotes self-love and allows you unwind.
Whether you’re single or in a relationship, staying sober on Valentine’s Day can lead to a meaningful experience. Practicing self-care, making positive connections, and practicing creative expression are just some of the ways people can celebrate the love in their life without drinking or using substances.
Northpoint Colorado is Here for You All Year
Navigating your first sober Valentine’s Day since recovery doesn’t have to be painful. By planning ahead for possible challenges, your chances for maintaining sobriety on Valentine’s Day are excellent, whether you’ve got a significant other or not. At Northpoint Colorado, At Northpoint, we provide customized rehab for substance use disorders and any co-occurring mental health disorders. For more information, call us today at 970.315.9347. You can also contact us through our online message form.