Let's discuss a few ways to handle holiday stress as you strive to overcome your sex addiction.

How your sex addiction, relationship, and holiday stress can all go 

Sex addiction is an intimacy disorder. It is set apart as a disorder due to chronic, compulsive sexual desires, thoughts, and acts. Like other addictions, dependence becomes a necessity to manage life. As a result, this addiction can damage your self-esteem, confidence, career, and relationship. Likewise, it can heavily impact both your physical and mental health. 

Recognizing you have a sex addiction is a big first step. If you're in a relationship, it can be the key that opens the door to healing for both of you. While the journey to recovery is not easy, regaining control of your life can make it all worth it. 

So, you're choosing to acknowledge your sex addiction. Likewise, you commit to strengthening your relationship. However, you're noticing your optimism is starting to fade as the stress of the holidays is approaching. From financial worries to avoiding triggers, you feel anxiety take a seat right next to you. As the fear of compulsive thoughts taking over during a family party begins to increase, you may be wondering how to handle it all. 

5 Ideas to Manage Holiday Stress, Your Sex Addiction, and Strengthen Your Relationship

Here are five ideas to help you manage holiday stress, your sex addiction, and strengthen your relationship. 

1. Communicate. Talk to your partner about your needs and fears. Likewise, allow your spouse to do the same. Together, you can enter any situation with a plan and boundaries in place. 
2. Schedule date night with your partner. The holidays can lead to packed schedules. As a result, the relationship may get lost in all the hustle and bustle. So, as your calendar begins to fill up, remember to schedule a weekly date night. This can provide time to check-in and decompress. Likewise, it can give you the opportunity to be intentional with your connection.
3. Self-care. Holiday schedules can interrupt daily routines. For example, parties can negatively impact your eating habits, exercise routine, and sleep patterns. Likewise, it can lead to an increase in alcohol consumption, which can impair your ability to make decisions. As a result, you may experience irritability, conflict, and distress in the relationship. So, take time to do an internal check-in every morning. For example, if you're feeling run down, your ability to push through your sex addiction triggers may be more difficult. Self-care can help you maintain your mental health. Self-awareness can be your best line of defense. 
4. Limit device time. Screen time can be a trigger and an outlet for your sex addiction. Setting boundaries around screen time with your partner can be beneficial. First, it can help you avoid unnecessary temptations. Two, putting your devices away allows you to focus more on real, intentional connection. 
5. Be Transparent. If you find yourself in a situation, feeling emotions you didn't see coming, be transparent with your partner. Often, secrets, shame, and guilt will take you deeper into your sex addiction. Likewise, a lack of transparency can damage your relationship.

Seeking Support for Your Sex Addiction and Your Relationship

Did your partner discover your sex addiction? If so, they may be living with betrayal trauma. As a result, the holiday season may be difficult for reasons that differ from yours. An article on Addorecovery.com provides some ideas to manage holiday stress while living with betrayal trauma. 

At Thrive Counseling Atlanta, we understand the complexities sex addiction adds to a relationship. With the holidays upon us, now may be an excellent time to continue to seek the support you need. We may be able to help your holiday season feel a bit brighter. Call us today.