4 Tips to Help You Stay Sober

Getting sober is an admirable goal for anyone struggling with addiction, but it’s important to realize that you’ll have to work at it every day. That’s why it’s important to develop healthy habits, so you don’t get tempted to fall back into negative behaviors. Here are a few simple tips to help you stay healthy and sober.

Set Goals

Part of what leads people into addiction is a lack of structure. Setting personal goals can be a great way to keep you active and away from any temptations. These could be sobriety goals, like staying clean for 90 days, or they could be personal goals like learn how to crochet a sweater. Whatever will keep your mind engaged and away from the harmful thoughts that lead to relapsing, setting goals can be a good way to structure your day and avoid having any downtime that could lead you into past behaviors.

Exercise 

Anxiety, depression, and other related mental health disorders are typically an underlying cause of addiction. If you have serious mental health problems, you should always consult a professional. But if you are not able to seek professional help, or you need a way to overcome negative feelings in between regular therapy sessions, exercise has been proven to help. Researchers have found that those who get vigorous exercise are 25% less likely to develop depression or anxiety over the next 5 years. It’s not a miracle cure, but it can give you a rush of endorphins that can be beneficial to overcoming mental health issues that often cause addiction. 

Meditate

Meditation is another popular treatment for those struggling with addiction disorders that are linked to anxiety. Many patients who have a history of addiction struggle with racing thoughts and negative thinking patterns that they use alcohol or drugs to help dull. Meditation can be a good way to slow down the mind and focus on the present. Yoga is another popular practice that goes hand in hand with meditation. A 2018 study published by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health found that yoga can often be helpful for those struggling with anxiety. While it may not be effective for everyone, meditation and yoga can be other activities that will give you structure and a way to focus on mindfulness that can be beneficial if you struggle with addiction.

Call a Friend or Mentor 

It’s important to remember that you are not alone in your battles with addiction. People out there care about you and your path to recovery, whether you know it or not. If you feel yourself slipping into the behaviors or thought patterns that led you into addiction in the first place, you should reach out to a friend or associate who you trust. If you don’t want to bother anyone in your personal life or don’t have someone close to you who will understand, you should consider attending an AA meeting and finding a sponsor. There are plenty of programs out there that can give you the support and encouragement you need if you feel yourself succumbing to the forces of addiction. Even if you do happen to relapse, don’t give up. There are quality rehab programs that can help you overcome any temporary setbacks and get you back on the path to sobriety. Visit www.infiniterecovery.com for information on sober living and addiction treatment.