Maintaining your sobriety is probably one of the most important things in your life. You worked very hard to get to this point; learning how to best maintain your sober lifestyle is, for you, the key to success. We are all different and will work to keep our sobriety in different ways. What works best for you may not be helpful for someone else. Understanding how your mental health affects your sobriety is a great place to form your long-term sobriety path.
Maintaining your sobriety with kindness in mind is a terrific mental stance to take. Kindness has the ability to connect us with others, open our hearts, and remember our true goals in life. Here are a few different ways kindness can help you maintain your sobriety and focus on your mental health.
Share Your Energy
Recovery can consume our lives just as much as our active addiction did. We can become so entirely focused on maintaining our sobriety that we forget to simply live life as well. Try to share your energy with others. This not only helps others but you as well. Everyone faces days where they can use some basic kindness. Sharing your energy can build bonds and connections, create understanding, and ultimately show support and love.
Go mow your neighbor’s yard, help someone load their car outside of a store with heavy packages, or cook someone a meal. You know firsthand how difficult life is when you are struggling with addiction or mental health issues. Simple gestures of kindness can have an incredible impact on other people.
Shower Others With Compliments
Complimenting others is a great way to express kindness. We all like to receive compliments. Compliment your best friend on how impressive it is that she has read so many books this month. Compliment your grandmother or neighbor on the flowers they just planted or the garden they are growing. Compliments do not necessarily have to focus on someone’s appearance. Reach beyond appearance and spread the love and support to others in your life.
Share Your Story
Sharing your story is most definitely a kind act. This act also directly helps you to maintain your sobriety and well-being. When we share our story, we are helping ourselves to notice how far we have come. We can revisit not only the great moments but the challenging moments as well. When we can see our progress, we can better move forward and find our motivation. The journey may have been challenging and hard at times, but you persevered and made it through.
Sharing your story is also kind because of what it can do for other people. Spreading kindness and support to others is one of the nicest things you can do. You probably remember very clearly what it was like seeking help for your challenges. It may have been scary and stressful. If you can help make someone happy, it can be a wonderful experience.
Volunteer Your Time
For some people staying busy and giving back is a great way to maintain their sobriety and overall well-being. Recovery gives us a chance to learn so much more about ourselves. Addiction consumed us, and we forgot who we really were and what we enjoyed. Take time and figure out what you are passionate about. Is there a cause that really makes you want to get involved? Are there any organizations doing amazing work that you would be proud to be a part of?
Volunteering your time may also look like connecting more with the recovery community. Volunteer with those who are currently facing their biggest life challenges. Being part of someone else’s support network will help you realize how important you are and how much you add to society. You are important.
Remember Self-Kindness
Being kind to yourself is a huge part of maintaining your sobriety. You have faced an extremely difficult challenge. You have worked on your mental health issues, faced your trauma, and taken the time to understand your strengths and weaknesses better. That deserves a lot of respect and kindness.
Try to speak to yourself as you would speak to a friend or family member. It can be so easy to be kind to others, but we are overly critical when it comes to ourselves. Fight the urge to criticize yourself and shower yourself with kindness instead. Acknowledge your growth and the goals in front of you. When you see the progress, you will most definitely feel pride and a desire to keep pushing forward.
Kindness is such a simple thing. It is an emotion that can easily impact your mental health and sobriety. It can be an amazing feeling to know that you brought joy and kindness to someone’s dim day. You never know who is struggling the most. For that reason, always be kind and supportive. Showing kindness to yourself and others is a great way to maintain your mental health and sobriety. When we feel like we are adding something positive to the world, it becomes easier to be more confident in our abilities. Here at The Guest House, we are a group of professionals with experience helping individuals at all stages of recovery. We understand that recovery looks different for everyone. We are here are to support you in whatever way you need in order to reach your goals. Call us today to learn more about our different treatment options at (855) 483-7800.