Quarantined For New Years: How To Have A Positive Outlook For Next Year

As 2020 finally comes to an end, we’re going to see many changes this New Year’s holiday. Instead of watching the ball drop in Times Square or meeting your friends for some joyous festivities, it looks like we’ll be in the house, yet again, quarantined for New Year’s. For many of us, it might be hard to have a positive outlook for the future at this point. As we hear news about a vaccine rolling out, there are reasons for us to have hope that things will soon change for the better.

As many in the recovery community battle their sobriety and hope for better times ahead, we can use our New Year’s celebrations as a way to plan for the next year. With that said, it’s crucial that we stay positive and empathize with one another. Nothing good will come from dwelling, which can lead to anger or unhappiness. This could lead to relapse in some cases. Many of us are feeling anger this year, but engaging in these conversations can help our outlook for the next year.

We wanted to take this time and provide ways to have a positive outlook for next year, despite being quarantined for New Year’s. There is a lot to look forward to in the coming year, and here are the tips for doing just.

Be Grateful For What You Have

It’s vital to have gratitude in your life, and it may be easy to think of this year as a complete waste because of everything you missed out on doing. However, you must look at it like how fortunate you are to have your health, sobriety and that you have a chance to make up for the year once things transform to normalcy.

Keep Your Perspective

Rather than focusing on how you feel, think about how everyone else is feeling right now. A majority of the world is experiencing anxiety and worries about the current state of affairs. Some may be experiencing relapse, hopelessness, loss of employment, or sick family or friends. If you want to maintain positivity, you must not dwell on your problems. Find ways to help others in need. Many people in your inner circle could use some support right now.

Hold Yourself Accountable

One thing you’ll learn in addiction treatment is to hold yourself accountable for your actions. Although addiction is a disease of the brain, you must take responsibility for your actions. Accountability may take some getting used to, but how can you help others if you don’t start with yourself? Instead of worrying about all the things you can’t change, start setting goals and meeting them. It’s been a long year, and if you want to find some usefulness from it, you can spend your New Year’s reflecting and what you wish to do differently in the year to come.

Find A New Hobby

It’s the perfect time to make some resolutions that will follow you into the new year. It’s time to pursue your passions. You have more time than you ever will, and it’s time to start. You may receive immense happiness and gratification by following through, but you’ll never know unless you try. Your passions don’t need to be productive. However, it should be something you’re excited to do the first thing in the morning. It’s time to make resolutions and set goals. Keep in mind, this year will soon be over, and it’s time to start looking forward.