Recovery is a journey, not a destination. By now, you’ve probably learned about tools to help you stay focused and motivated. Some days are easier than others in the journey. Everyone has their struggles, hopes, and dreams. What are some good ways, however, to make sure you stay on the path to success?

Stay Focused: Unplug a Little

We spend a lot of time doing countless small things that we don’t even think about, especially when it comes to media consumption.

How often do you check the news, scroll through Instagram, or read other people’s tweets? It’s the culture we live in. But the same culture that we live in is the culture that stresses us out. Much of the news is “bad news,” and many things that go viral on Twitter or Facebook are negative. And studies have shown that Instagram tends to make us feel inadequate, even though the photos we see aren’t even usually an accurate representation of life.

Try to limit your screen time and focus more on real-time and the people you talk to on the phone and care about at meetings. Focus on the people that help you with your recovery and less on things you can’t control.

Build Strong New Habits

Taking care of yourself is important, and it’s one of the things you’ll have to maintain in recovery. By building healthy habits, you’ll be able to create more success in life. These habits can help you stay focused and motivated.

What do I mean by strong habits? Simple things!

• Build-in self-care: Get up a half-hour earlier than you usually do so you can have some time to yourself in the morning. Use that time for self-care, such as meditating or exercising. You can even just use that time to doodle in your journal and enjoy your team or coffee. Starting your day with this focus helps you remember you’re on a path to recovery.
• Try to keep a schedule that centers your recovery. Sure, go to work in the morning, but start your day with meditations that help you focus on yourself. Take lunchtime to communicate with others in your support network or read your Big Book.
• Stick with your 12-step meetings no matter what. Having them online makes your excuses less viable. You can even use Zoom on your phone if you’re not at home.
• Take care of your health. In a pandemic, this means to wear a mask and practice social distancing. Take a COVID test if you travel or think you have been exposed. And if you have underlying health issues, continue to stay in close contact with your doctor.
• Practice being kind to others and gentle with yourself as well. Life isn’t always a bunch of roses or a giant ball of sunshine! Practice being kind by doing things for others – like doing the dishes, giving somebody a ride, buying milk without expecting anything back. Practice being kind to yourself by getting enough rest, accepting that you have flaws, and working hard on your recovery program.

Consider Sober Living

Sober living helps a lot of men and women stay focused on their new life in recovery. Have you considered sober living? Get in touch. We can answer any questions you may have at 760-216-2077.

Once you're in recovery, it’s time to start keeping some healthy habits. The top one will be doing your best to stay substance-free one day at a time. Practices like going to your 12 step meetings or therapy appointments are some of the more obvious ways to help you stay sober. There are other ones, too, to help you along the way.

• Don’t isolate. Many people spend more time alone than they should in early recovery. Be social is a healthy habit to have in recovery.. It’s easy to get lonely or brush off concerned friends or family. If you’re isolating, what are you feeling? Are you depressed or angry? Are you “bored”? All of these feelings could be triggers to get drunk or use your drug of choice eventually. If you feel lonely, or you’ve been isolating, go to a support group or 12-step meeting. You should also reach out to your sponsor or sober friends.
• Take care of your body with a healthy diet. Your body won’t heal from the damage of drug or alcohol abuse overnight. Nurturing your body is one healthy habit everyone should aim for throughout life. Some people find out that they have vitamin deficiencies or other signs of a poor diet. Pay attention to which fruits and vegetables you enjoy and make room for them in your diet.
• See a doctor. Many people who are in recovery shy away from regular checkups, but it’s important to take care of yourself. Seeing a doctor is a healthy habit to establish People who use drugs long-term are more likely to have chronic health problems than the rest of the population. You deserve to feel better when you’re sick. Don’t hesitate to take care of yourself. Another part of this healthy habit is taking your medications daily if you have any.
• Take care of your mental health. Many people in recovery benefit from therapy if they have trouble with anxiety or depression. Mental health is just as important as physical therapy. Keeping a feeling journal that many people in recovery use as a healthy habit. Ask for help when you need it. Learn about self-care and other healthy habits to help yourself cope with stress.
• Do chores and act responsibly. Do your laundry. Clean up regularly no matter what living situation you are in. Make your bed, do your dishes, etc.
• Listen to your body. How does it feel? Learn to acknowledge if you’re pushing yourself too hard or to the point of exhaustion. Get rest if you're tired. Eat a snack or meal if you're hungry. Sleep eight hours a night. See the doctor if there are aches and pains or other health issues you've been ignoring.

Life can sometimes be challenging, but it’s worth it. You deserve to enjoy your time, but don’t forget the basics. If you’re ever feeling tempted to use drugs or alcohol, reach out to your sponsor or a sober friend. If that doesn’t work, try to get to a 12-step meeting. Staying sober is always the top priority

Considering Sober Living?

Sober living is a great way to live in a peaceful, structured environment with others who have similar goals and challenges. If you’re looking for a sober living situation, or want to find out more about our programs, please call us at 760-216-2077.