If you are someone who has recently fought your way out of addiction then you can greatly benefit from mindfulness practices to prevent relapse. Mindfulness is about paying attention to the present moment with non-judgmental awareness, observing thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations without attachment or reacting. It is a state of being. Just be in the moment, accepting everything as is, where is.
Whether you are still suffering from addiction or you have recently recovered from it and attained sobriety, mindfulness can help you gain a better awareness of your cravings, triggers, and desires, allowing you to respond instead of reacting impulsively. This is one of the most powerful and effective ways to prevent relapses and to also overcome your addiction.
You can create a sense of self-awareness, interrupt habitual behaviours, and make intentional decisions that are consistent with your recovery goals by practising mindfulness. It teaches you how to be resilient, handle stress, and negotiate difficult emotions with compassion and acceptance.
In this day and age, most of us are busy juggling our day with overloaded commitments, running errands, providing for our families and meeting social expectations. This has almost made us like robots. We have become such machines where most of our behaviours and reactions are almost predictable. What I mean here is, our reactions and behaviours are almost programmed into our mindset. If someone judges me, I’ll say this, If my boss yells at me, I will do this and why not, everyone does that. Or you may convince yourself by thinking you are unlike others and that is why you would not be your boss’ slave.
We seldom have time to introspect, reflect on who we truly are, what is our real purpose or are we even breathing consciously? Do you remember when you took the last conscious breath where you could feel the cold air going in through your nostrils all the way up to your lungs and the warm air blowing out again? I guess 90% may not even remember the last conscious breath.
This is where mindfulness comes into play. Mindfulness allows you to be present, breath consciously, acknowledge your thoughts and embrace the moment. This is applicable to all of us but especially to those recovering from addiction or in the early stages of sobriety. Mindfulness helps you lay the groundwork for long-term transformation and personal progress in your recovery path.
As an individual in addiction recovery, beginning your day mindfully can establish a positive tone for the remainder of the day and support your journey towards healing and well-being. Some thoughtful ways to start your day as an addict:
- Set Intentions: Take a moment before getting out of bed to set positive intentions for the day. Concentrate on your recovery objectives and reaffirm your commitment to sobriety.
- Deep Breathing: Deep breathing exercises can help you centre yourself and bring your focus to the present moment. Take slow, deep breaths, inhaling and expelling thoroughly.
- Gratitude Exercise: Take a few seconds to think about what you are grateful for. Thank God for your sobriety, helpful connections, and any other wonderful parts of your life.
- Morning Meditation: Practise a brief meditation to calm your mind, reduce tension, and build inner serenity. You can utilise guided meditation apps or simply sit in quiet while focusing on your breath or a particular mantra.
- Exercise: Engage in gentle movement practices such as stretching, yoga, or tai chi. Pay attention to your body’s sensations and the flow of movement, connecting your body and mind.
- Healthy Breakfast: Begin your day with a nutritious meal. Whole grains, fruits, veggies, and protein are all good choices for your physical and mental health.
- Affirmations: Say positive affirmations that are relevant to your recovery path. Affirmations can assist in shifting your thinking and reinforcing positive thoughts about yourself and your abilities to overcome obstacles.
- Journaling: Write down your thoughts and feelings in a journal for a few minutes. Write on your recovery process, any obstacles you’re facing, and any new insights or reflections that come to mind.
- Conscious Hygiene Regimen: Be conscious of your morning hygiene regimen. Pay attention to the sensations of brushing your teeth, cleaning your face, and caring for your body, and fully engage in each activity.
- Plan Your Day: Spend a few minutes making a realistic and planned strategy for the day. Make recovery-related activities, self-care, and good behaviours a priority. A well-thought-out plan can help you stay focused and make deliberate choices throughout the day.
Remember that practising mindfulness takes time and patience. Begin slowly and progressively incorporate these practices into your everyday routine. Every dawn is a new beginning and an opportunity to nurture your recovery path.
