(Published July 1, 2021)
Life is stressful. You may not be sleeping. Your life may sometimes feel out of sorts and you just cannot seem to connect with your support system. Now, you are facing those old urges and thinking those old thoughts. You have lived with this for a long time and know those things creep up on you. Maybe this time it feels different, more intense.
You are not alone.
Many people are right where you are. Just like you, they are facing an instability that may lead to making choices that negatively affect your recovery. Like everyone else, you are human. The important thing is to take a deep breath, talk through your feelings, and determine the next best steps to take for your recovery.
Here are a few things you can do:
- Tap into activities that ground you
- Set or re-commit to a schedule that gives you structure
- Get back to exercising or meditation
- Dive into that hobby that always calms you and your distracted mind
- Streamline and simplify
- Too many tasks to juggle? Too many commitments? Prioritize commitments and then drop those of little to no importance
- Focus on healthy food and healthy body
- Avoid triggers
- Remember to steer clear of situations, relationships and places that jeopardize your recovery
- Take time to evaluate if there is access to either new people or places in your life that can support your recovery.
- Phone a friend or family member. Now.
- Spend more time with family and friends who have healthy habits and support your choice for recovery
- Contact Your Life Iowa
- We have a 24-hour support line, staffed by professionals
- Get tips to help you immediately, whatever the situation
- Find a counselor or support group to help you long-term
Wherever you are in your recovery, you are not alone. Your Life Iowa will listen, talk, and help you when troubling thoughts or temptations are challenging your recovery journey.