When the going gets tough, it can be tough to keep going. You’ve probably heard over and over again how important a positive outlook is to Recovery. Sobriety isn’t something that will happen overnight, and it will take hard work and determination to continue when you face difficulties that affect you mentally, emotionally and even physically. However, by staying positive, you’ll find that things that once triggered you to want to use drugs or alcohol have less power over you.
Even if you consider yourself a pessimist or your recent circumstances have led you to believe that Recovery is futile, it’s possible to think more positively about your future with a little bit of practice. That doesn’t mean ignoring the uglier parts of life — it just means refocusing and looking for the silver lining whenever possible.
Envision a Worthwhile Future
When you’re in the midst of addiction, it may be difficult to imagine a future that’s good or even worthwhile. However, it’s important to break out of this mindset and think about your goals and dreams coming true. Imagine the positive outcomes that will accompany your life of sobriety. Take some time to write about your future life optimistically. This exercise will prove to be a huge mood booster even when Recovery is proving to be challenging.
Count Your Blessings
Notice and appreciate the positives in your life by approaching people and situations from a position of gratitude. True happiness doesn’t happen by accident. Instead of dreading the start of a new day, see it as a gift. If you’re finding this process difficult, here are some actionable steps that may help increase your gratefulness:
- Write a letter thanking someone who has been kind to you during your Recovery process. If possible, deliver it in person.
- Keep a journal where you write down anything, large or small, that makes you smile.
- Stop and savor the lovelier moments in your life, even if that means being late for an appointment.
- Share your good news with a friend — especially positive developments in your Recovery journey.
Surround Yourself With Positive People
Whether its friends and family members who are especially supportive of your Recovery journey or a trained counselor with the skills and professional background to guide you, it’s crucial to have a positive support network. Don’t strive to make as many friends as possible. Instead, focus on your close relationships and work to establish trust and enjoy the people you love.
Resist Worrisome Thoughts
With practice, you can get out of your own head, resist worrying and even transform that internal critic who never seems to be pleased despite all the progress you’ve made. If you find that your mind continually focuses on the negative and you’re obsessing about your problems, here’s a few tips to stifle those unpleasant thoughts:
- Give yourself a specific time, later on, to think about a problematic issue. Chances are, you’ll feel much better about it by that time.
- Distract yourself with something fun or healthy — watch a movie, listen to music or jog around the block, for instance.
- Focus on helping others to get your mind off your own problems.
Take Care of Yourself
It may seem obvious, but eating right, getting plenty of sleep and staying physically active will help keep pessimism at bay. When you’re struggling physically, it’s much harder to manage your emotions. Healthy habits will have a huge impact on helping you maintain a positive outlook.
Let 7 Summit Pathways Help You Stay Positive During Your Recovery
Thinking negatively can drag down your moods, your actions and even your health. If you’re finding it difficult to stay positive during your Recovery from Drug or Alcohol Addiction, 7 Summit Pathways is here to help. Our holistic and highly personalized treatment plans can focus on your individual needs, addressing triggers that make your Recovery process more difficult.
We invite you to reach out to us online or request an appointment. Your journey to freedom and positivity starts today.