Clinician's Corner Ep 2 : Navigating the Holidays in Food Addiction Recovery

In this episode of Clinician’s Corner, Molly and Clarissa tackle the challenges and pressures of the holiday season, especially for those in food addiction recovery. Whether it’s your first holiday in recovery or your fifteenth, the holidays can be overwhelming with family dynamics, social pressures, and food-centric traditions. Join us for practical tips, heartfelt discussions, and strategies to thrive during the holidays while safeguarding your recovery.

Key Topics Discussed:

Preparing for Family Gatherings:
🎄Setting boundaries and using “boundary scripts” to navigate tricky conversations.
🎄Creating an exit strategy for events to prioritize your mental and physical well-being.
🎄Tips for staying present and engaged without letting food or conflict take over.

Traveling During the Holidays:
🎄Planning meals and snacks for road trips or flights to stay on track.
🎄Navigating delays, stress, and unexpected travel hiccups with grace.
🎄Tips for managing stress when staying with family for extended periods.

Managing Social Pressures at Work and Beyond:
🎄Strategies for navigating workplace treats and social gatherings.
🎄How to say “no” with kindness and without feeling guilt.
🎄Shifting the focus to positive benefits of recovery to defuse awkward conversations.

For Those Spending the Holidays Alone:
🎄Ideas for creating new traditions and finding joy in solitude.
🎄The importance of community—virtual meetups, volunteering, and connecting with others.
🎄Why avoiding social media might be a game-changer for mental health.

Self-Care & Recovery Tools:
🎄Maintaining routines like meditation, journaling, and movement during the holidays.
🎄Using grounding techniques and affirmations to manage stress.
🎄Giving yourself permission to say “no” to protect your peace.

Resources Mentioned:
🎄Sweet Sobriety Holiday Guide: A free, 23-page guide packed with science-backed strategies and tools for holiday success. Sign up for the newsletter on Sweet Sobriety or access it via Vera’s Facebook group.
🎄Virtual Support Groups: Sweet Sobriety offers ongoing group meetings—even on holidays! Stay connected with a supportive community throughout the season.
🎄WhatsApp Support Groups: Join for daily encouragement and accountability with like-minded individuals.

Final Thoughts:
🎄This holiday season, prioritize yourself and your recovery. Whether it’s setting boundaries, connecting with community, or simply saying “no,” you have the tools to thrive. Remember, you are never alone—your recovery family is here to support you every step of the way.

Let’s Hear from You!
Do you have questions or ideas for future Clinician’s Corner episodes? Email us at [email protected] or join Vera's Facebook group to share your thoughts.

🎄 Happy Holidays from Sweet Sobriety! 🎁