Best Tips for Someone in Early Recovery
Early recovery is a wild mix of emotions—relief, fear, excitement, and sometimes a heavy dose of “what now?” It’s brave, messy, and beautiful all at once. If you’ve decided to stop drinking or using, you’ve already taken one of the boldest steps of your life. But now comes the daily work of staying sober and building a new version of yourself.
Recovery doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom—it can also be empowering, inspiring, and even a little stylish. Whether you’re a week in or a few months deep, here are some of the best tips to support your early recovery journey.
1. Build Structure Into Your Days
Sobriety feels overwhelming when your days have too much empty space. Cravings and old habits love downtime. Creating structure—even just waking up at the same time, planning meals, and scheduling activities—can keep your mind and body grounded.
Try morning routines that include journaling, meditation, or stretching.
Plan at least one positive activity each day, even if it’s small, like a walk or calling a friend.
Keep recovery appointments and meetings on your calendar like non-negotiable self-care.
That structure doesn’t just keep you busy—it helps you build a new normal.
2. Write It Out in a Recovery Journal
In early recovery, your emotions may swing from gratitude to grief in minutes. Writing gives those feelings a safe place to land. That’s why I created a Recovery Journal, specifically designed for the first year of sobriety.
Inside, you’ll find:
Daily and weekly prompts to process cravings, wins, and challenges.
Inspiration and quotes to remind you of your strength.
Space for reflection so you can track your growth.
Journaling isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being honest with yourself. Over time, these entries become a roadmap of how far you’ve come. Many people in early recovery are shocked when they look back after 30, 60, or 90 days and realize how much they’ve grown.
3. Connect With Others Who “Get It”
One of the hardest parts of early sobriety is the loneliness. Old drinking buddies might not understand, and not everyone in your life will know how to support you. That’s why connection is everything.
Of course, AA and other support groups are tried-and-true options, but you don’t have to stop there. Online communities are growing fast, making it easier than ever to find your people. That’s where Recovery Club comes in.
Recovery Club offers:
Weekly online meetings you can join from anywhere.
A non-judgmental, inclusive community where all paths to recovery are welcome.
Resources, discussions, and events that make sobriety feel modern, supportive, and empowering.
If you’re scared to walk into a meeting in person, Recovery Club is the perfect first step to feel less alone.
4. Create New Rituals
Let’s be real—alcohol or substances often play a role in daily routines. Wine after work, beers with friends, shots on a night out. In recovery, it’s important to replace those rituals with healthier ones.
Some ideas:
Swap the wine glass for sparkling water in a fancy cup.
Replace late-night scrolling with a calming skincare routine.
Join a run club, yoga studio, or wellness space to fill evenings and weekends.
Celebrate milestones with small rewards—a new book, a spa day, or a cute journal accessory.
New rituals give your brain something to look forward to, making sobriety feel less about “missing out” and more about gaining new experiences.
5. Practice Radical Self-Care
Early recovery is tender. Your body is healing, your mind is rewiring, and your spirit is rebuilding. This is the time to lean hard into self-care—not as a luxury, but as a survival skill.
Eat nourishing foods. Fuel your body with meals that stabilize your energy.
Move your body. Walk, dance, stretch, or hit the gym—whatever feels good.
Rest without guilt. Your body may need extra sleep as it recovers.
Say no freely. Protecting your sobriety is more important than pleasing others.
Remember: self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential.
6. Take It One Day at a Time
The future can feel overwhelming when you’re in early recovery. Instead of worrying about forever, focus on today. Ask yourself:
What can I do in this moment to stay sober?
How can I support my body, mind, and soul today?
Who can I reach out to if I need help?
Recovery is not about perfection. It’s about progress. Some days will feel easy, others will test you—but every day sober is a victory.
Early recovery is raw, messy, and beautiful. By building structure, journaling your journey, connecting with others, creating new rituals, practicing self-care, and taking it one day at a time, you’ll begin to see that sobriety isn’t just about giving something up—it’s about gaining a life you truly love.
If you’re looking for support, check out the Recovery Journal to guide your reflections, and join Recovery Club for weekly online meetings where you’ll find connection, encouragement, and a community that gets it.
You don’t have to do this alone. You’re a Sober Baddie now—and this is just the beginning.
Quick tips and quotes from baddies in recovery:
“This program (A. A.) offers a way out.”
“It’s a healthy fear.”
90 meetings in 90 days
“Take what you need and leave the rest.”
“Protect your peace in all ways.”
“Give sobriety as many chances as you gave alcohol.”
“If you’re having a hard time reading the Big Book, skip to the back and start with the stories.” (get a sponser to read and discuss the chapters with)
