The process of recovery can be difficult, but with these four tactics, you’ll progress towards equipping yourself with the skills and tools needed to maintain a healthy, sober lifestyle.
If you’ve already completed treatment and are on a path towards continued wellbeing, maintaining sobriety can present a variety of challenges, as many of you have already experienced.
Remember, there are no shortcuts in maintaining sobriety; it’s tough to work, we understand, but we’re here for you now and in the future.
Though it won’t always be easy, there are immediate tactics you can implement into your lifestyle to make it easier to stay focused on sobriety goals; maximizing the ability to stay sober will help keep you on the long-term path of recovery and wellness.
Focus on your passions
Focusing on your passions while in recovery will give you a sense of purpose and direction.
The process of overcoming an addiction can be overwhelming; in some ways, it can feel as though recovery has taken over your life. Once you’ve addressed your addiction on an acute level, it may be time to start pursuing and/or focusing on your passions again.
Often, addiction can be an all-encompassing beast, and you’re likely to have seen your passions get pushed to the bottom of the priority list; that ends today.
When times get tough, and your motivation is lacking, turning to a project, skill, or subject that inspires you can help you regain the courage and willpower you require in recovery. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to rock-climb, speak a new language, start a professional side-hustle, etc., now may be the perfect time to hone in on your passions.
Locate a healthy support system
Confiding in a healthy support system is an imperative component in maintaining sobriety.
You have a wide range of options when it comes to finding support in life post-rehabilitation. Discovering the type of support that works best for you is vital to building a healthy lifestyle in recovery.
Ensure that you do the research and explore as many of the options available to you as possible. Don’t be afraid to try new things; this is a time of rebuilding. Different support systems work for different people, so it’s important to be honest with yourself as you search for a support system that suits you best.
By exploring options, you’ll increase your likelihood of finding an avenue of support that will keep you feeling supported and motivated. Though it may seem daunting to establish a support system that works best for you, remember it’s ultimately in your best interest.
Being proactive by researching and locating the best form of support is an important measure to ensure that you stay sober and live your best life.
Tap into meditation
Tapping into meditation truly can change your life for the better.
Our recommendation of “mindful meditation” will strengthen the power to control your thoughts. The greatest component of mindful meditation is that it exercises the mind to become aware when you are experiencing unhealthy thoughts and how to redirect them.
“Mindful meditation is a great tool for anyone, but it can be especially helpful for those in recovery. Mindful meditation can help clients recognize the negative thoughts and feelings that can lead to relapse, and consider them without acting or self-judgment. This practice can also help people manage their cravings and work through difficult times. Techniques used in meditation, such as controlled breathing exercises and paying attention to one’s physical and mental state, can help a person throughout recovery.”
Sober College
What is great about mindful meditation is that you can perform it anywhere, literally; in the car while sitting in traffic, in the shower, on vacation, at work, etc.
The deep breathing component of mindful meditation can be achieved by simply taking five deep breaths, which only take about one minute to complete.
Practicing mindful meditation by consciously being aware of thoughts and sensing your surroundings while practicing deep breathing can alleviate anxiety, reduce depression, anxiousness, insomnia, lower blood pressure and heart rate.
Two FREE apps that we recommend to get started with mindful meditation today are Headspace and Calm.
Be of service
Being of service and helping others can instill a deep sense of happiness and fulfillment into your life.
Whether it’s assisting the elderly or volunteering at a food bank, acting altruistically can have a powerful effect on the way you view yourself and strengthen the likelihood that you’ll maintain sobriety as a result.
When helping others, we internalize the idea that we belong to something bigger than ourselves and are a positive part of the community. For many people in recovery, feelings of isolation and loneliness can trigger the desire to use substances or alcohol. But, by putting time into being altruistic, you allow yourself to feel a strong sense of belonging that can help combat destructive thoughts of isolation.
By participating in volunteer work, you’re likely to come into contact with new people who can have a healthy, positive impact on your social life. By helping others, you are helping yourself, generating fulfillment and happiness, resulting in continued sobriety.
About True
True provides a wide variety of essential resources for people struggling with mental health and addiction, tailored to address unique needs and goals. We offer a space where you can work with trained, caring professionals to overcome obstacles and achieve potential in every aspect of life. Call us at (844) 744-TRUE(8783).