Recovering from alcoholism and addiction, in general, is no easy feat. In the early stages of recovery, a person may feel shaky and emotional at the start. It can be an overwhelming experience for the person recovering and everyone around them. It can be hard to stay positive and motivated. However, remaining positive during the process has been shown to reduce the chance of relapse and allows for a better life overall.
While addiction is a negative situation, recovering and starting a new life can be a positive experience. Remaining positive during alcohol or drug recovery can make all the difference in the long-run. A person can practice simple techniques and activities that can improve mood and decrease the chances of relapse. This is an important part of the process and can allow for a better life overall.
Before using these tips during recovery, it’s important to take the first step towards addiction treatment. At Casa Nuevo Vida we provide quality sober living in the Los Angeles area. With a passionate staff and a clean, comfortable environment you can take the first step towards recovery. While starting your life fresh you can practice positive sobriety by following these tips!
The Importance of Positivity During Sobriety
Addiction can be a long and tough journey for many. What people forget is that the journey doesn’t just end when treatment has finished. Life after treatment requires willpower and determination to avoid relapses and cravings. Unfortunately, it is common for many people to relapse after treatment. With this in mind, it’s important to do everything in your power to remain clean and away from drugs by practicing positive sobriety.
Stress, in particular, is a common reason why people may turn back to drugs. Stress can come in many forms and can cloud a person’s judgment. Remaining positive during sobriety requires you to deal with stress and negative emotions healthily and productively. While it may be easy to just fall into negative thoughts, there are things you can do to avoid this.
Remaining positive during these negative thoughts and feelings can help you feel more relaxed and focused. A healthy body and mind mean a happier, more focused life. While it may be tough to stay positive during certain situations, it is not impossible to do. We’ll be taking a look at some tips you can implement in your day to day life to practice positive sobriety.
Tips and Tricks to Staying Positive During Sobriety
There are a surprising amount of activities and practices you can do to stay positive. Many people have hobbies or relaxation methods to stay happy and positive. It can be as simple as doing something you enjoy (hobbies, hanging out with friends, etc.). There is no right or wrong way to be positive, just as long as you are staying away from drugs, potential triggers, or old habits.
- Meditation
Meditation has become an extremely popular and effective practice over the last decade or so. Meditation is also used as a therapy method for addiction treatment as well. Meditation is a practice that involves focusing on your breath, spirit, and clearing your mind in the process. Meditation can be guided or done alone.
As simple as meditating may seem, it has been proven to improve quality of life and promotes a healthier lifestyle. During recovery, meditation can be used to help a person focus on the future rather than thinking about the past. Set aside sometime every day to meditate and focus on the path ahead of you. There are many resources online like videos and websites that can help you get started.
- Find New Hobbies you Enjoy
One of the simplest ways to remain positive during sobriety is to engage in activities you enjoy doing. There are hundreds of hobbies and activities to be explored and discovered. Reading, writing, surfboarding, learning to play guitar, watching movies, and drawing are all popular hobbies. As you transition back into your life, don’t be afraid to branch out and try new things.
Finding new hobbies has been shown to increase mood and overall happiness. Plus it can be a great outlet when you are feeling down or are experiencing cravings. Losing yourself in hobbies is a great way to stay productive and fulfilled.
- Create a Supportive Group you Can Count On
One of the most important and effective ways to avoid relapse is to surround yourself with positive and supportive people. When you are fresh out of recovery, you should reevaluate the relationships from your past. Also, chances are you will meet new people along your journey towards recovery. You should strive to surround yourself with people who will be supportive and hold you accountable.
Having positive relationships that think like you can be a fulfilling experience, especially in those difficult times. It is also recommended to stay away from bad influences and people who may trigger a relapse. Stay away from those groups who may influence you negatively. Positive thinking groups can be extremely helpful during your toughest times.
- Practice Healthy Habits
Sometimes addiction can take a toll on someone’s health before, during, and after treatment. It can be easy to forget all the things that are needed to take care of your body and mind. Consider the following tips and practices in your day to day life:
- Staying hydrated (drinking plenty of water every day)
- Sleeping enough
- Exercising (jog, walk, weights, etc.)
- Eat healthy (fruits, vegetables, get proper nutrition, etc.)
- Stay clear of all drugs and alcohol
- Practice meditating/yoga or other activities
Staying healthy plays a huge part in remaining positive during sobriety. Having a healthy and focused body can do wonders for your mental state and overall well being. It’s important to stick to a routine closely, avoid getting lazy and falling into old habits. Your body and mind will thank you in the long-run.
- Avoid Triggers and Negative Situations
While we can’t control everything around us, it’s important to be cautious and try our best to avoid certain situations and triggers. As mentioned early, triggers can end up leading to relapse if you aren’t careful. Triggers are certain people, areas, or even things that trigger drug cravings/urges. Triggers can come in many forms and it is best to avoid these as best you can (try to eliminate all triggers from your daily life).
Additionally, if you foresee a negative situation in the future, try to avoid it the best you can. Remaining positive during recovery can be tough with negative factors and triggers in the mix. Don’t be afraid to be assertive or remove yourself from a situation if it will end up causing stress or negativity in your life.
- Reach out to Help other People
Helping other people around you and those in need can build your self-esteem while making you feel good. There is a positive feeling you get when you help others – a feeling that isn’t easy to experience unless you are helping others. There are always opportunities to give back and help through volunteer work. It also gives you a chance to connect with other people in the process. Plus you’ll be helping those in need through volunteer work and giving back.
- Write Down what you Are Thankful For
As our lives continue moving forward after recovery, it can be easy to forget everything there is to be thankful for. No matter who you are or where you come from, there is always something to be grateful for. Jotting down everything you have to be thankful for is a great way to practice positive sobriety. While a journal isn’t entirely necessary it can help remind you of the good in your life.
Whether it be your friends or family, or something simple like your favorite meal, there is always something to be thankful for. These reminders can help you feel more positive and motivated about your life. Being thankful can also help you avoid lingering on negative thoughts and emotions for too long. You’ve made it this far as well, so be thankful for yourself and your life.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Reach Out
Many people tend to isolate themselves when feeling down or sad. However, reaching out can be a better option at times. Sometimes sitting down and opening up to a friend or a loved one can be an effective way to practice positive sobriety. Talking out loud about your issues can help you put them in perspective while possibly getting some useful advice in the process. Never be afraid to reach out to those around you (or a trusted therapist) to talk about your feelings.
Take the First Step Towards A New Life: Positive Sobriety
Remaining positive during recovery is crucial to long-term sobriety but before that, you must take the first step. Casa Nuevo Vida offers quality sober living homes for men and women of all walks of life. We create a safe and clean environment so you can focus on reaching a positive and happier lifestyle. Contact us today to learn more about our services and sober living homes.