Learn How To Manage Stress

Stress can often lead to a relapse in drug abuse or is often the cause of other addiction related illness. Learning how to manage stress is an important tool in remaining drug free.

Managing Stress: Learning to use tools like the recovery slogans and The Serenity Prayer throughout our daily routine is an effective way to reduce our stress levels. Many people spend a lot of energy worrying about things that they have no control over. Sometimes they expect results faster than is realistic or demand too much from themselves or others. Relax!

Relaxation & Stress Reduction: Many individuals in recovery practice various relaxation techniques on a regular basis. One common way to reduce stress is to simply sit, breathe gently but deeply, and not think, for five minutes. This sounds simple but can take some practice. Some find it helpful to focus on their breath to help keep the mind from wandering back to the day's stressful issues. There are many techniques available. Some visualize a peaceful place out in nature and imagine themselves soaking up the serenity nature affords. Some people use relaxation tapes and soothing music. Some take short "cat naps". Others work out, go for a brisk walk, or practice yoga. It's helpful to set aside times for recreation, hobbies, and play. Some people find that music, poetry, or artwork, are creative outlets that they find both relaxing and healing.

Eat Well Balanced Meals: Many people with addictions have neglected their nutritional needs. Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet allows the body and brain to heal. Our bodies need a regular source of good quality fuel to work efficiently. If we skip meals and eat a lot of junk food we are not giving our bodies and brains the high quality fuels they need to heal and function at their best. Eating balanced meals on a regular schedule is a self-loving act and is beneficial to our overall recovery.

Exercise Regularly: Moderate exercise helps reduce stress, speeds healing, and can aid sleep. We don't have to take up weight training or memberships in fancy gyms. Walking is a great way to get our blood circulating and muscles moving. It can also be a great stress reliever.

Sleep And Rest: It is healthy and helpful to our recovery to be on a regular schedule for bedtime and awakening. Our bodies and brains need a certain amount of quality sleep to operate correctly. It helps to refrain from drinking coffee or consuming large quantities of snacks and sweets in the late evening. We don't need to charge up our systems with extra energy (calories/sugars) or stimulants (caffeine) just to go to bed.