Stress can be one of the most significant contributors to addiction and one of the biggest hurdles to recovery, especially among women. Understanding what causes stress and what stress can trigger is integral to a successful recovery from a substance use disorder. While stress is universal, it’s only more intense in those battling addiction. Since 1992, the month of April has been recognized as Stress Awareness Month. During this month, people are dedicated to focusing on the importance of managing their stress better and learning coping skills that they can put into practice whenever they need to.
Ways You Can Reduce Stress When Going Through Addiction Recovery
How do you define stress? The fact is that stress can manifest itself in many different ways. At its most basic, stress can be defined as strain or tension on your physical or mental state. It’s commonly referred to as feeling overwhelmed or that things in your life are too much.
There are many things you can do to help manage your level of stress as you go through recovery from a substance use disorder.
1. Create Healthy Routines
This can include things like planning healthy meals, starting your day with yoga, or even daily journaling.
2. Exercise
Treating your body like the temple that it is can only benefit you. Strength, flexibility, and the mental benefits of regular exercise will help you in your recovery for the long term.
3. Clear Your Mind
Life, in general, has a lot of distractions that can add to your stress. Practicing meditation or quiet reflection, going for a walk, or even attending faith-based services can help you focus, free of distractions.
4. Find Support
It’s important to remember that your recovery is not a one-person process. Make sure you surround yourself with people you love and trust that you can lean on when you need it. This can be a combination of peers going through the same experiences you are or family members who want to be part of your sober support network.
5. Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Being able to get a regular 8 hours a night (or close to it) can set you up for a productive and stress-free day. Make an effort, and you’ll see the benefits.
6. Get Outside
Even the smallest amount of fresh air and vitamin D is good for clearing your head. Whether it’s part of an exercise routine or a few minutes you take for yourself to sit and reflect, nature can be just what the doctor ordered to help manage your stress.
7. Do Things for Yourself
Sometimes our stress levels are a result of feeling we need to take care of everyone around us. It’s important to remember that your well-being is paramount. Take time and do something you love, even if it’s just for fun.
How to Participate in Stress Awareness Month
Whether you are currently in treatment for a substance use disorder or are seeking treatment, you can participate in Stress Awareness Month. Focus on:
- Sharing your experience with others to help them better manage stress.
- Pay attention to taking care of yourself.
- Reach out to those stressed around you to help them if they need it.
Seek Treatment for Addiction at Crossroads
At Crossroads, our treatment approach is unique to each individual we treat. Our holistic approach includes traditional and experiential therapies, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior treatment (DBT)
- Yoga therapy
- Trauma therapy
- Motivational interviewing
The team at Crossroads can help with a variety of treatment programs that all include stress management as part of the recovery journey. Stress Awareness Month provides an opportunity to highlight the importance of managing stress. It also offers best practices that anyone can adopt into their daily routines. Since one of the most common results of experiencing a stressful event is turning to drugs or alcohol, our addiction recovery programs focus on stress management. Give our team a call today at 877.978.1667 to learn about all of your options for stress management and addiction recovery.
