It’s astonishing just how much we change during recovery, and a big part of that transformation is due to allowing ourselves to be vulnerable and getting out of our comfort zone — a combination that can have us doing things we never ever thought we would do. Many find that things that would have made us cringe or roll our eyes in the past are some of the most helpful (and daresay, their favorite) aspects in overcoming recovery challenges and have been instrumental in their process.
- Art Therapy
You initially resisted the idea of art therapy because how is finger painting going to help me get sober? Or, perhaps, because you thought you ‘weren’t an artist’ and if you weren’t “good” at art then it wasn’t worth bothering.
However, you’ve since learned that art therapy isn’t just about the end result. How pretty or ugly your artwork is the least important aspect of this activity. It’s the act of creation is a means of expression itself that makes the pursuit of art so therapeutic. Regardless of the medium, the ability to be creative gives you the full reins of control — a feeling that’s often lost when drug addiction takes over our lives.
You’ve also come to appreciate art because you’re not usually the type that feels comfortable talking about your feelings. Turns out that expressing yourself through art is the perfect way to channel your emotions without having to say a word. At the very least, it’s a great distraction.
- Yoga
You’re not the kumbaya-hold-hands-and-chant-type, nor are you particularly flexible, so when it was recommended that you start doing yoga, you thought this trendy (and if you’re honest, a pretentious) type of stretching was going to be a massive waste of time. However, this ancient practice is scientifically proven to have a bevy of mental health benefits and you’ve experienced them firsthand.
You’ve realized that yoga is a lot more than stretching. It’s a unique form of exercise that’s as much a workout for the body as it is for the mind. Breath control and keeping your mind focused have helped you train your mind to be more mindful, self-aware, and emotionally resilient.
Plus, you now have an amazing coping mechanism and stress response in your back pocket that you can do anywhere, anytime — yoga mat or no yoga mat. The versatility of this exercise has brought a sense of peace and centers you during moments of uncertainty.
- Breathing Exercises
Before recovery, you always scoffed at the existence of breathing exercises. One: You already know how to breathe — we all do. Two: Is this really considered a type of workout? And even if it did have some sort of benefit, the concept just seemed…boring.
After undergoing recovery, however, you know just how powerful a few deep breaths or some box breathing can be. You’ve come to appreciate how turning your attention to inhales and exhales can calm your fight-or-flight response and help you work through cravings or other difficult moments.
- Meditation
Yoga and breathing exercises were one thing, but meditation seemed solidly in the world of hippies and monks — of which you are neither. The concept of sitting still for minutes at a time seemed painstakingly dull and a recipe for getting overwhelmed by runaway thoughts.
Initially, it was challenging. You found it difficult not to squirm or to prevent your mind from running through your chore list. Turns out that meditation is a skill, just like playing piano or being able to do push-ups. The more you do it, the better you become. Over time, you found that your focus improved along with your ability to sit still and eventually, meditation became one of your favorite ways to tune out the stresses of the day and go inward to find a moment of peace.
- Affirmations
For a lot of people, it’s a lot easier to say nice things about other people than it is to say them about ourselves. Whether it’s from a fear of appearing conceited or feeling self-conscious when we try to analyze ourselves, being our own cheerleader isn’t second nature for most people. Especially when it comes to actually speaking those things aloud.
Eventually, you came around because words have power after all. If people saying negative things could make you feel bad, then why couldn’t you hack the system and say positive things that make you feel good?
Talking to yourself was weird at first, but you got over it and unlocked an amazingly simple way to pump yourself up and actively change your attitude.
Facing unexpected challenges in recovery?
It’s completely normal to encounter challenges during recovery. You don’t have to go through them alone. Find a drug rehab near you today and discover what unexpected tips can help keep you on your journey.