Scheduling and structuring one’s life, even on a daily basis, is intended to introduce elements of consistency and control through the recovery process. Not only is a person actively taking control of their own day, but they can use this ability to continue to best avoid triggers or unnecessary additional stress. Implementing a blackout time can be incredibly beneficial to furthering this sense of control over one’s own life, and can be done in a number of ways that each hold unique benefits, depending on the person.
What Are Blackout Times?
Blackout times are set times of day that a person can completely disconnect from their use of electronics or social media. Computers may be shut down, video game consoles turned off, and even phones may be turned off as well (or at the very least, set to silent). This is intended to inherently limit one’s exposure to these types of media, while also promoting a time for an individual to focus on other aspects of their lives. Implementing blackout times can be done in a number of different ways, with the two most common being around dinner time and bedtime.
Dinner Blackout
Implementing a dinnertime blackout helps bring a family together and set a consistent schedule for each person in a family or support group to come together, talk, and otherwise not be distracted by outside stressors. This ensures not just that a person is maintaining their own healthy nutrition, but also continuing to practice their interpersonal skills and developing their relationships with close family members and supports that may be integral to one’s continued recovery.
Part of a Nighttime Routine
Creating a blackout time around bedtime is intended to be a part of one’s nighttime routine where a person cannot be bothered by their work or distracted by social media, and can instead focus on their own health and sleep schedule. Electronics can act as a constant stimulus that can compromise one’s sleep schedule, and even introduce more stresses or anxieties. Having this happen just before bed can cause its own restlessness, and having a nighttime blackout can ensure that each person is getting enough sleep and that the sleep is genuinely restful.
Blackout times are just one way in which you can begin to take control of your environment, as well as your own change in recovery. If you or a loved one are struggling with trauma or addiction, The Guest House can help create a personalized, holistic approach for your unique case. With multiple therapeutic approaches available, our team of experienced professionals works with each person to set their own goals and paths to change. For more information on how we can help you, or to speak to a caring, trained professional about the personalized services we offer, call us today at (855) 483-7800.