Woman checking the calendar
So, you have completed treatment; now what? What happens after you step outside of the treatment center doors and enter back into society and freedom?
Establishing yourself back at home may take some time. Working to find a routine and maintain it is the key to success. Some people naturally fall into specific routines. They get ready at a particular time, do certain things or activities, and go through their day in a particular manner without much thought or even preparation.
For other people, a routine is not something that comes naturally. A routine is not something that simply happens. For some of us, we have to determine our routines consciously. We have to make a choice about when and how we are going to do specific tasks.
Establishing and maintaining a routine has many benefits while in recovery. As we continue with our sobriety and work through our recovery, a routine can help us stay on track, be productive, and reach our goals. Here are a few simple benefits of having a routine while maintaining your sobriety.
Start Your Day off Right
Having a routine in place can help in the morning, especially if you are not a morning person. When you were struggling with active addiction, those days probably looked a lot different from what your days look like now. It can be hard to change old ways and old thought patterns.
However, having a set morning routine will help you start your day properly without much thought or effort. Setting yourself up for success is a crucial component of maintaining your mental health and sobriety.
Knowing your strengths and weaknesses is something to consider as you set your routines. If you know you struggle with something specific in the morning, make sure to put that in your routine to help you accomplish it. Find ways to reward yourself for those challenging tasks throughout the day to keep you moving.
Enjoy Time With Loved Ones
Life is typically crazy and hectic most days. Sometimes we barely have time for ourselves, let alone for others.
However, making a point of spending quality time with our loved ones is essential. By creating a routine, you can specifically carve out time to spend with the people important to you. Coordinating schedules can be a challenge; however, keeping a routine when possible may make life easier for everyone.
Maybe your routine will include Sunday dinner together or watching that show you and your friends all love each week. Some of us will plan weekly walks or hikes with those close to us. Whatever you choose to do, keeping a routine will help you remain close to the people important to you.
Sleep Better
Having an evening and nightly routine will most likely help you sleep better. As your body adapts to the new routine, you will begin to know when to relax and go to sleep automatically. Your body needs rest, so it is essential to learn what works best for you.
An evening routine may include making dinner and then relaxing while watching some television shows. Others may choose to turn off electronics and read a good book. Other great options might be meditation or yoga.
As you practice these things on a regular and consistent basis, your body will adapt and learn when to relax. Whatever you plan to do should help you calm your mind and body for a relaxed and restful sleep. A good evening routine will help you have a successful morning.
Make More Time for Activities You Enjoy
When you plan your day, you will probably find that you have more time than you used to. You are not pausing to contemplate what to do next or if you have time to start a new project. You will not need to decide when to wake up or when to eat lunch.
Your routine is set, which helps you see your free time and when to do each specific activity. As we journey through recovery, it is essential to find time to do activities we enjoy and to have fun. Exploring new hobbies becomes much easier when we realize that we have time to do so and enjoy them.
Maybe you have wanted to get away for a weekend, head into the wilderness, and be one with nature. Perhaps there are a few running trails you have wanted to explore. Having time for the different things you have wanted to do can significantly benefit your mental health and recovery.
As we journey through recovery, we continuously need to learn more about ourselves and our mental health needs. We learn what our triggers are, what we struggle with, and even what we excel at. Setting yourself up for success is a great and safe way to live. Setting routines will help you work through times that are typically challenging for you. Routines may help you have time to do more activities you enjoy or even connect with loved ones. Regardless of where you are in your recovery, you may sometimes need help to navigate challenges and situations. Sometimes it is helpful to have assistance deciding and determining daily activities, such as the best routine for you. At The Guest House, we are here to help set you up for success and face all of the challenges ahead of you. Call us today at (855) 483-7800 to learn more about how we can help.