Ease Into Autumn: 8 Daily Steps for Recovery

Autumn is a season of change—the leaves turn vibrant colors, the air takes on a crisp chill, and activities like football games, family gatherings, and holiday preparations fill our days. But for those in recovery, autumn can bring unique challenges, such as parties that involve alcohol, shorter days and colder weather that affect your mood, or memories from past holidays and experiences that may trigger difficult emotions. Don’t let the season catch you off guard. You can ease into autumn with a plan to persevere in your recovery. How? Here are 8 daily steps to help you.

1. Begin and end each day in prayer.
   Recovery requires trusting in a power greater than ourselves. Start each day by turning to God—thank Him for your blessings and surrender the day to His guidance. Then, at the end of the day, offer a prayer of thanks for His help in navigating the challenges you faced. Beginning and ending your day in prayer strengthens your faith.
2. Maintain a consistent routine and schedule.
   A consistent routine provides purpose, structure, and clarity. Know how you’re spending your time each day and week. If you’re unsure, track your activities for a few days to see where your hours go. Are you using your time wisely, or letting it slip away on distractions like technology? If adjustments are needed, intentionally add activities that support your recovery—like attending a New Life Recovery Group—to strengthen your growth and accountability.
3. Practice habits that will bring you closer to your goals.
   Ask yourself: Are the habits you practice today helping you get closer to where you want to be tomorrow? Or are they the same old patterns that kept you stuck in addiction? If it’s the latter, take time to reassess and intentionally add daily habits that support your recovery and move you toward your goals.
4. Admit any mistakes you make promptly.
   One reason people get stuck in recovery—or even relapse—is failing to recognize mistakes. Each day when you notice that your thoughts, decisions, or actions are leading you in the wrong direction, admit them promptly. Addressing missteps right away helps you get back on track immediately.
5. Respond thoughtfully rather than reacting.
   In difficult moments—when a conversation heats up or temptation is near—it’s easy to react in anger or make a poor choice. Instead, pause. Take a walk, count to ten, or simply breathe and think. Consider the potential consequences of your actions and choose to respond thoughtfully. This practice helps you avoid regret and strengthens your recovery.
6. Celebrate small victories.
   Whatever you focus on grows. If you dwell only on mistakes, you risk shaping your identity around them. As the Bible says, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Prov. 23:7, KJV). Instead, focus on the small wins you accomplish each day. Reflecting on your progress inspires perseverance and helps you see how far you’ve come in your recovery journey.
7. Consider how your day went.
   Take time to write in a journal like the Life Recovery Blank Journal about what happened during the day. Reflect on the things that went well and consider what you could have done differently. Studies show journaling what you’re grateful for can improve your mental health.
8. Remember you can start over tomorrow.
   After reflecting on your day, you may notice a mistake or misstep. Don’t let shame keep you stuck in your recovery. Instead, confess it to God, release it, and remember that each new day is a fresh opportunity to start over and continue growing.