GUEST BLOG: Getting Your Life Back After Recovery

Guest post written by Adam Cook (www.addictionhub.org)

Recovery from addiction can be a long and difficult road, but you have managed to make progress. Now you must learn to move forward and get your body and mind back on track. Here are some steps you can take to keep moving forward.
 
Get New Hobbies
 
One of the big adjustments you’ll need to make what you do with your time. If visiting a bar or another substance-friendly venue was your former past time, you may find you have too much time on your hands. You should start filling that time with hobbies that interest and engage you.
 
These can include learning a musical instrument, taking a cooking class, hiking, or any number of activities. How can you discover the best hobby for you? Read recommendations from The Fix on how to get started.
 
Time Management
 
You may swing from boredom to feeling overwhelmed with all your responsibilities because you are unsure of how to manage your time. This can help:

• Set Goals
  Since this is a fresh new start, create some short- and long-term positive goals for yourself. Choose goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (S.M.A.R.T.). These can encompass anything from career goals to dream accomplishments. Learn how to set SMART goals from Smartsheet.
• Organize Your Day
  Every morning, list three to four things that you want to accomplish for the day. Then schedule your time, adding in meals, work, and other obligations. The blank spaces can be filled with things like meditating, job hunting, house cleaning, etc. Be sure to also spend some time every morning stating positive affirmations about yourself to get a good day’s start.

 
Embrace Healthy Habits
 
This is also an excellent time to begin some healthy habits. Your body has just gone through a big detox so these will support your health:

• Sleep
  Adults need at least seven hours a night. To help wind down, stay off the electronics before bed – and no spicy foods or caffeine after around 7 PM. Try meditation, deep breathing, or prayer to help prepare for sleep.
• Eat A Balanced Diet
  Now that you’ve detoxed the substance, you want to keep healthy and a balanced diet is the best way to start. Replace junk foods with healthier snacks, put more produce on your plate, and reduce sugar. Read why nutrition is important in recovery from Hip Sobriety.
• Start a Fitness Routine
  Exercise can help also you in your recovery journey. According to this article from Greatist.com, it floods your body with endorphins, allowing you to get “high” from exercise. That feeling can replace the “reward” you used to get from substances. It can also reduce stress. Ask your doctor which exercises are best for you.
• Drink Lots Of Water
  Continue to aid your body in detoxing by drinking lots of water. Six to eight glasses a day will keep you hydrated and cleanse your system.

 
Getting Balance In Your Life
 
There are a few more things you can do to bring balance into your life:

• Self-Care
  “Self-care” can be an overused term but this post from The Fashionable Housewife reminds us that it simply means spending time doing things that you love. Those activities can help build your self-confidence.
• Life Skills
  According to Sober Nation, many substance abusers may have stopped practicing basic daily living essentials, like budgeting or communication skills. Take the time to relearn those skills.
• Relationships
  For your relationships, you may need to set boundaries, learn to say no, or abandon some of them altogether. You shouldn’t always put yourself first unless the person in question tempts you to relapse. If you are married, learn what can help sustain your marriage in this honest discussion from To Love, Honor and Vacuum.

 
While in recovery, there are a number of things you can do in maintaining success on your journey to sobriety. Filling your time effectively, getting healthy and maintaining a balanced life can all help you achieve your goals.