Living a life of addiction or alcoholism is far from being balanced. Addiction is full of chaos, and when in active addiction, most of the day is spent either getting, using or recovering from a high. Once a person decides to get clean, trying to maintain a healthy balance between work and leisure can be quite difficult. Recovery helps you to learn how to live your life free from drugs and alcohol. It teaches you how to prevent relapse, better manage your time, and find the right balance between work and leisure. The National Institute of Health says that healthy activities strengthen your recovery from drug abuse and alcoholism:
We define enjoyable leisure activities broadly as the pleasurable activities that individuals engage involuntarily when they are free from the demands of work or other responsibilities. These might include hobbies, sports, socializing, or spending time in nature. Why might these activities be beneficial? From the coping literature perspective, Lazarus and colleagues suggested that enjoyable activities may be salutary, especially during times of stress and in the recovery period post-stress. Specifically, some leisure activities (e.g., vacations, siestas, coffee breaks) may serve as “breathers” that provide a chance to take a break, engage in a pleasurable diversionary activity, and consequently induce positive emotions and reduce stress. Enjoyable activities may also act as “restorers” that facilitate the individual’s recovery from stress by replenishing damaged or depleted resources. Restoration may occur as the result of positive social interactions (e.g., feeling protected, cared for) or relaxation that leads to increased positive emotions. As a result, several different types of leisure may have health benefits in the context of daily life events or during stressful situations. (NIH)
Finding the Right Balance in Addiction Recovery
Trying to stay busy in recovery can be hard for so many people. Leisure activity is a necessary part of a healthy recovery. It creates a healthy balance and helps to prevent boredom. Doing things that you enjoy also helps to reduce stress and restore your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. As stated above, healthy recovery from substance use disorders must have balance. An integral part of this is incorporating leisure activities into your life that you truly enjoy and get something from.
Hobbies, Passions, Activities that Strengthen Sobriety
Recovering from addiction is hard. It’s something you have to work at every day and will have to continue working at it for the rest of your life. Some days are a lot easier than others, but having a good structure and balance, and staying happy will help lead you on a road to long-term recovery. Once you learn to balance and organize your life in recovery, you’ll be able to enjoy the countless blessings that sobriety brings into your life. A healthy lifestyle strengthens your personal recovery and leisure activities with a purpose and usefulness are the key to happiness in sobriety. You’ll begin to feel natural positive endorphins that you no longer have to search for in drugs or alcohol. Here are some things you can consider to help you create a good balance in your newfound sobriety:
- Structure – Structure is an essential part of recovery. Creating a daily routine, using a calendar, and practicing good time management skills are great to ensure you stay busy, especially when you are newly out of treatment. Also, it’s good to set short- and long-term goals. This will give you something to work toward each day.
- Finding New Hobbies – Participating in healthy activities that you enjoy can help to prevent relapse. This will help keep you happy, lower stress, and prevent boredom.
- Give Back – Giving back is one of the best things you can do while in recovery. Helping others is therapeutic, fulfilling, and helps to decrease stress and depression.
- A Good Support System – Having a strong social support system is a must. Connect with other people in recovery by attending meetings or a regular support group.
- Exercise – Exercising is great for your entire well-being. It reduces anxiety, depression, stress, and can also help ease any withdrawal symptoms. Also, it gives you something to do and can help reduce any negative feelings which could trigger a relapse.
Searching for Addiction Treatment for Yourself or a Loved One?
If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction issue, our addiction specialists are available around the clock to assist you. Evoke Wellness assists men, women, and families throughout the United States that are struggling with substance abuse and are searching for addiction treatment. We can help you get on the road to long-lasting recovery. You don’t have to suffer any longer, contact us today and we will be glad to guide and support you in the recovery process.
