Recovering from substance use disorder (SUD) or any other type of addiction is not easy. Coping with boredom in sober living, new routines, and limited social interactions can be especially challenging for those who have spent much of their life dealing with addiction.
Addiction recovery requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. It can also be pretty boring at times. Without the constant rush of intoxication, many people struggle to find things to do that are considered “sober” activities.
Many people in recovery describe this period as the hardest part of recovery. However, there are ways to cope with this challenging phase and make it easier while you continue your journey toward a healthy life free from substance abuse.
Exercise and Self-Care
The merits of exercise in everyone’s life are proven. As a therapeutic tool for those in recovery from trauma and addiction, it is even more beneficial.
Exercise can clear your head and leave your body feeling apt to tackle the day. Yes, it can be a bit tiring if you’re not used to it. However, even that aspect fades pretty quickly. Being tired from exercise feels much more rewarding than feeling tired because of anxiety, depression, or drug and alcohol abuse.
Learning to cook and eat healthy foods also powerfully impacts life in recovery. B vitamins provide the energy your body desperately needs after a long period of being neglected. The antioxidants, iron, fiber, and numerous other vitamins found in healthy foods go a long way to repairing the damage that self-defeating behaviors have caused.
Cooking is also a great distraction from the stresses of life. Not only that, but it provides a sense of accomplishment every time you practice it.
Writing and Journaling
Now that you’re in recovery, you might find that you have a lot to say that you didn’t before. While there are many people out there who would be happy to listen to you, sometimes you are your own best audience. Writing and journaling are proven to positively benefit mental health and help you track your progress. Looking back on your mindset can give you a sense of how much you have accomplished in your new life.
Volunteer Activities
Getting a second chance in life can make you grateful, but it can also leave you with a feeling of “what now?” Anxiety and depression still affect us even when we’re in recovery. We are still susceptible to feeling lost and absorbed in our problems.
Opportunities to volunteer exist in abundance to alleviate those dilemmas. Sometimes the best cure for our problems can be found by helping other people with theirs. Volunteer activities are easy to find. Once you find the right one, you may wonder what you did with your time beforehand. The world has no shortage of needs that you can play a role in addressing.
Giving up a life of addiction can leave a void. It is essential to your recovery to find a positive way to fill that void and add a sense of accomplishment and value to your life. The Guest House can provide you with numerous resources and avenues to explore both at the outset of your recovery journey and when you find yourself back in full swing of your daily life. Call us today at (855) 483-7800 for more information on our program.