No one said that recovery would be easy. Change can be difficult for anyone, regardless of whether or not they have struggled with drug addiction or alcoholism. However, it is worth it when you realize how your life has changed for the better. One of the challenges of long-term recovery is staying positive and not letting obstacles get you down. In recognition of World Mental Health Day on October 10, we’re taking a closer look at some of the ways you can boost your mood in recovery.
Stay active with activities you enjoy: Make time for hobbies and to try new things. Doing something for yourself that brings you joy can help you to stay in a better mood and give you something to look forward to. Go hiking, play tennis, paint a picture, practice piano, or sign up for a class in your community. It can also be helpful to try new things. You may find that you’re really good at something and never knew – or want to keep practicing so that you can become even better.
Keep exercising: If you dread the thought of going to the gym, hop on your bike, go to the pool, jog through the neighborhood, or pop in a DVD. You could also try classes like Pilates, yoga, or Zumba. Exercise releases endorphins which are natural mood boosters. Physical activity is also a great way to burn off excess energy and stress. Mix things up to keep yourself engaged and so exercise doesn’t turn into a chore, but rather something you enjoy.
Attend therapy: Continue going to individual or group therapy sessions to work through the challenges you face. Talking to a therapist can provide the guidance and motivation you need to keep moving forward. It can help you to keep things in perspective and develop healthier coping strategies that support positive mental health and continued recovery.
Go to support groups: Connecting with others who can personally relate to what you’re going through can be comforting. You can lean on each other for support, motivation, and encouragement. Recognize how much you have accomplished and how much further you can go.
Set goals: Give yourself a goal to work toward that is attainable but keeps you pushing forward. Having a sense of purpose and an objective in mind can be inspiring and uplifting. Break down larger goals into smaller, more manageable parts and keep building yourself up. Mix things up by setting both short- and long-term goals so you always have a target to be working toward. Meet your goal? Set a new one!
Start a gratitude journal: Sometimes you just have to make yourself see things from a different perspective. Take time each day to write down two or three items that you’re grateful for. It can be anything from receiving a funny text from a friend to seeing the sun shining after a few days of rain. Think about what you’re thankful for and what has made you smile. When you’re feeling down, read back through your journal for a pick-me-up and to turn your mood around.
Keeping a positive outlook and having somewhere to turn when you’re going through a rough patch can help reduce risk of relapse and boost your mental health. Make your well-being a priority and take steps to stay on track with recovery. Crossroads can help you remember who you wanted to be and provide support throughout all stages of recovery to keep you going strong. If you’re struggling with mental health issues, addiction, or both, turn to Crossroads for the comprehensive care you need for recovery.
[cta] If you’re struggling to stay on track with your recovery and stay positive, contact Crossroads today to see how we can help. [/cta]
