Recovery from addiction is not an easy process. It’s physically and mentally intensive. Mindfulness is a tool that can help you recover.
If you don’t know what mindfulness is, you’re not alone. A lot of people have never heard of it. Mindfulness is a practice in which you do things with intention.
Reflection is a huge part of mindfulness. Here are five practices that will help you during recovery.
Meditation
Meditation is an ancient practice.
It’s one of the oldest forms of self-reflection and enlightenment.
You don’t need to be religious to meditate.
All you need is a quiet space and the right mindset.
There are apps for guided meditation if that’s what you prefer.
You can meditate without any equipment.
Simply close your eyes and start focusing on your breath.
Set a timer if you find it helps. Or simply sit down and start meditating.
Designate a particular time and place for meditation.
Meditation works best when you’ve established a routine.
Once you’ve become accustomed to meditation, you’ll find it easier to get in the zone. Before long, you’ll forget what it was like not to meditate.
There are guided meditations designed specifically for addicts.
Getting Away
Everyone needs a break from their everyday life.
This is especially true for addicts.
The best option for addicts is to visit a professional rehab center.
Rehab centers offer a variety of types of treatment.
Visiting a sober health resort or spa is a good option for those who have been sober for a while.
The first days and weeks of sobriety are the most important.
During the first year, your primary focus should be on recovery.
Create rewards for yourself. A getaway or vacation could be one of those rewards. Treat yourself to that vacation you’ve always wanted.
Reward your loved ones, too.
See about going somewhere with them.
They need a break from the situation as well. Respect their space.
Give everyone the time and space that they need.
You will have more time together later. Then you will appreciate the moments when you are together.
Make sure to go to a place where you won’t be tempted to drink.
There are more sober resorts and hotels than you’d think.
You just have to seek them out.
Journaling
You need to sort through what you’re experiencing.
Journaling is a great way to reflect on everything you’re going through.
No one else needs to read your journal.
If it helps, you can burn your journal after you’ve written it.
Keeping your journal could be useful. It’s nice to look back on the past.
Years later, you can see how far you’ve come.
Be as honest as possible while journaling. No one else will read it.
Write like no one is looking.
You don’t need to write poetry or even write well. Your journal can take whatever form is best for you. That might be a series of lists or notes.
The important thing is to write.
Art
Writing isn’t for everyone.
There are other forms of self-expression.
Everyone is an artist. You don’t need to become a Picasso or Shakespeare.
You can do any type of artistic activity. Even coloring counts!
The important thing is that you have a way of getting things out.
Learn the instrument you’ve always wanted to play.
Take up photography. If you have a smartphone, you already have a camera.
Take a piece of paper and just start doodling.
Even an etch-a-sketch can be a healthy form of art.
Embrace your inner child and draw your heart out.
It might seem silly, but it helps.
Talking
You need to communicate your problems.
Discuss the issues with those around you. They can help.
Recovery isn’t easy for them, either. They will need to talk about their problems. These conversations aren’t going to be easy.
It’s important to be honest in your conversations.
It’s tempting to lie and ignore problems. That will only make them worse.
Talk about the things you’ve never talked about before.
Find someone who really listens.
Listen to what they have to say as well.
Conclusion
Mindfulness is useful for any situation. Even if you aren’t recovering from addiction, you can learn something from mindfulness.
