If you are in recovery, it is important to find new and productive activities to replace ones that were associated with substance abuse. In recovery, you may find that your new lifestyle opens more freedom to try new activities that you may have never considered before.
To help inspire you to seek a more fulfilling new lifestyle, here are 10 helpful things to try:
1: Creating Your Own Meditation Routine
Meditation is a powerful practice because it helps you to develop skills that can help you with stress management and emotional regulation.
You can meditate during any time of day that best suits your schedule. Pick a quiet, comfortable place to spend a few moments breathing deeply and focusing on the present moment. You can also incorporate a personal mantra, prayer, or affirmation to help center yourself.
2: Starting a Fitness Regimen
Exercising releases healthy endorphins which can help you feel accomplished after your workout.
Find a fitness activity that you enjoy doing and might even look forward to. It could be something as simple as taking walks outside, hiking, lifting weights, playing sports with friends, or practicing yoga at home.
3: Volunteering with an Organization
Volunteering creates new opportunities to meet others who share your values and help those in need. Service organizations like local nonprofits and churches are often seeking volunteer help. Research organizations in your area and don’t hesitate to contact them to learn more about their current initiatives.
4: Eating a Healthy Diet
Serotonin is an essential neurotransmitter for healthy brain function as well as regulating mood and behavior. Did you know that the majority of the serotonin your brain produces has a direct connection to your gastrointestinal tract?
Fuel your body with healthy foods like nutrient-rich organic produce and lean proteins. This will help promote more stable moods and can create opportunities to try some delicious new dishes and recipes!
5: Getting Plenty of Rest
Poor sleep can significantly impact your mood, energy, and ability to focus.
Aim for at least seven hours of sleep each night by creating a bedtime routine that includes 30 minutes of “winding down time” before sleep and avoiding electronic screens in the hour leading up to bed. To help create a calming experience, consider reading a new book during this time to help relax the mind and stimulate the imagination.
6: Joining a Support Group Online or In-Person
Many people find that sharing their experiences with others in online or in-person support groups helps them feel less alone in their recovery journey. These groups consist of others who understand what they’re going through, which can help reduce feelings of isolation.
7: Educating Yourself on Addiction
The more you know about addiction and recovery, the better equipped you’ll be to make informed decisions about your own treatment. It can also help you proactively identify and avoid triggers that might increase the temptation to relapse.
There are many helpful books, articles, websites, and support groups available to provide information on a variety of addiction and recovery-related topics. You can also learn more about addiction by asking your treatment center or doctor questions during your appointments for recommendations.
8: Spending More Time with People You Love
When you’re new to recovery, it can be helpful to spend more time with people who love and support you. These people could be friends, family members, or other recovering addicts in your community.
The more time you spend with supportive people, the less opportunity there will be to interact with negative influences that could lead to a relapse. If necessary, avoid certain relationships until you feel strong enough in your sobriety and recovery process.
9: Starting a New Hobby or Passion Project
Having new goals and interests to focus on during recovery can help reduce the likelihood of boredom and can increase feelings of accomplishment.
If you don’t know what hobby or passion project is right for you yet, try researching different activities that sound interesting to help narrow down your options. Keep in mind that it’s okay if not every new activity is a success. Trial and error can be a great tool to help you find something that sparks joy!
10: Learning a New Professional Skill
In addition to pursuing hobbies and passion projects, another way to increase feelings of accomplishment during recovery is by learning a new professional skill.
This could be anything from learning how to code to becoming fluent in a foreign language. Many resources exist online to help you get started, such as YouTube videos and tutorial articles.
Start Your Journey to Recovery Today in Hollywood, Florida
Our team at Compassion Behavioral Health provides substance abuse and mental health treatment for people in the Hollywood, Florida area looking to achieve freedom in recovery. If you are looking to start your own journey, call us at (844) 999-0874 today or contact us online.
