Substance abuse recovery is a challenge for anyone, but it becomes much easier with the adoption of healthy new habits. Making the right lifestyle changes will improve your mood, relax the mind, and quicken the body’s adaptation to sober living. The following habits are great for use during acute recovery, but they will also support healthy well-being in the long run.
Four Positive Habits to Enhance your Substance Abuse Recovery
Exercising to Improve Your Recovery
During the first stages of substance abuse recovery, intense exercise that may stress you or you body our may need to be avoided. Walking and swimming are two milder forms of exercise that carry most of the same physical and emotional benefits as more intense activities. Regular exercise stimulates the body’s production of neurotransmitters and endorphins, which are usually low after quitting any mind-altering substance. Exercise also accelerates the production of new brain cells, which help the brain cement healthy new habits being learned. Finally, a good exercise program will improve sleep quality, energy levels, and resilience in the face of stress.
Eat Healthy To Improve Relaxation and Mood
The challenges of substance abuse recovery can make appetite disappear, but nutritious food is especially vital during this period. A balanced diet that supplies plenty of protein and fat and moderate amounts of carbohydrates will promote healthy blood sugar levels, resulting in consistently improved mood and sleep. Mineral-rich foods, such as seafood and vegetables, are especially valuable for relaxation.
Support Restful Sleep
Quality sleep is essential during substance abuse recovery. By reducing sensitivity to stress, good sleep helps keep cravings at bay. One of the most important things that can be done to improve sleep is to avoid eating for at least a few hours before bed; otherwise, sleep can be disrupted in a number of ways. To support slow, relaxed breathing and deep sleep, the bedroom should be kept fairly cool and only light blankets should be used. Avoid turning on the television as you go to sleep. Instead, make your bedroom a haven of peace and tranquility.
Organize Your Time
Keeping stress under control is essential during substance abuse recovery. Setting a schedule for your day that includes downtime is essential to your recovery. It’s important to pay attention to stress levels and to be ready to decline invitations for overwhelming activities if necessary. Breathing control exercises and light meditation are also beneficial.
Substance abuse recovery can be eased significantly by developing the above habits. After a few weeks of practice, they will become ingrained as helpful tools that make sober living easier. Ultimately, these habits will support a healthy, more enjoyable lifestyle full of contentment and pleasure without dependency on substances.
The path to substance abuse recovery is not without challenges, but we believe that each challenge teaches us something new and helps us more forward on the path to recovery. Recovery from substance abuse is a journey that a woman must commit to following. Most women find that support throughout their recovery, from the first day to the 40th year, is the most valuable tool in helping them to remain sober. If you or a woman you love is suffering from substance abuse or mental health problems, please call us today. Destination Hope: The Women’s Program is a full service addiction and women’s health treatment facility in Florida for women who suffer from substance abuse and behavioral health issues.
