The journey for a recovering addict is paved with obstacles, making stability in daily life a critical part of your success. When times get challenging, established routines can be your guideposts, providing predictability in your journey.
Well-established routines establish a sense of normalcy and give you a sense of control that's hugely beneficial after the chaos that substance abuse inflicts on your life.
Keep reading to learn more about how routines will benefit your recovery and advice on how you can use them to thrive as you rebuild your life.
Why Routine Matters in Recovery
Routines are a cornerstone of the recovery process, providing a sense of normalcy and predictability, which are essential to delivering a sense of control over your life as you eliminate the chaotic influence of addiction.
Psychologically, routines offer significant benefits through reduced anxiety and stress from having a predictable path towards your goals. They provide a solid framework to build healthier habits to replace the destructive behaviours you adopted because of substance abuse.
There are physical benefits to establishing routines as well. For example, part of the recovery process includes getting enough rest and eating healthy. Established routines will help you create healthy sleep patterns and make better food choices that restore your body's natural rhythms and help you heal.
Routines ensure you receive the support you need as you attend regularly scheduled meetings or therapy sessions. These sessions are critical to getting the emotional support and sense of community that makes the recovery journey less isolating.
Building Blocks of Routines
Structure and stability will be essential to your recovery. Here are some of the key building blocks to creating healthy routines and habits to support your journey.
Morning Rituals: Starting your day with positive habits will set the tone for the rest of the day. Morning rituals are unique to the individual but could include meditation or exercise, followed by a healthy breakfast.
Regular Sleep Schedule:Â Substance abuse tends to upset your circadian rhythm, which is critical to ensuring you have the energy and vitality to get through the day. Healthy sleep patterns also have significant psychological benefits that help your brain manage stress and anxiety, common triggers for relapse.
Healthy Eating:Â Good nutrition through balanced meals will supply the body with essential nutrients for optimal function and healing. Diets rich in vitamins and minerals support physical health, boost energy levels, and enhance your mood, which are all critical components for staving off and managing cravings.
Physical Activity:Â Daily exercise has enormous physical and psychological benefits for your recovery. Physical activity provides a healthy outlet for stress while giving you a sense of accomplishment. Exercise doesn't have to be strenuous or gruelling, so find something you enjoy. Yoga, running, walking or bike riding are great, but you could also try team sports that come with social connections.
Building a Routine
Knowing where to start restructuring your life can feel overwhelming, so use these tips to get started.
Start small:Â Begin with small, easily manageable changes as trying to overhaul your entire day all at once can cause frustration. Focus on creating one or two new healthy habits, such as a consistent sleep schedule and healthy eating.
Set clear goals:Â Goals are essential to recovery progress because everyone needs a destination to motivate you in continuing with your recovery. Without goals, you will find it difficult to track your progress so you can celebrate those small, but all-important victories.
Use tools and resources:Â Planners, calendars, apps, and even simple spreadsheets on your laptop or tablet can help you keep track of your day, so you never miss anything important to your recovery.
Schedule recovery activities:Â Attending support groups, therapy sessions, or other recovery programs will create the sense of community essential for healing. They also help fill your day with positive, constructive engagements.
Be flexible:Â No matter how carefully planned you make your life, there will always be the occasional curve ball threatening to throw you off track. Learn to be forgiving of yourself and adjust your routines as required. The trick is to maintain a balance between structure and flexibility that allows you to stay on track without becoming so rigid you risk breaking.
Building a routine is a personal process, so what works for one may not work for another. The key is to start rebuilding your life one block at a time, so you have a strong foundation on which to create healthy routines that carry you through the tough days and help you appreciate the good days even more. At Reset My Future, we are here to help create structure and routine with the guidance, support, and tools you need, whatever they may be. Book your free consultation here.
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