From managing finances to avoiding triggers, stress is an inevitable part of life and recovery. And if you have a substance use disorder, your brain may even be more hypersensitivity to stress, according to researchers. While you can never hide from or completely eliminate stress, you can do your best to ensure that it doesn’t threaten your physical and mental health and, of course, your sobriety. After all, stress is one of the leading causes of relapse.

Luckily, some of the same tools that enhance your recovery can help alleviate stress, too. Here are a few ways to manage stress on a daily basis:

• Write it out. Jotting down your thoughts and feeling is a great way to recognize (and then release) any stressors that you are dealing with during recovery.
• Choose a mantra. Repeating a simple phrase – for example, “stay calm” or “remember to breathe” – can help keep stress at bay and keep you focused on your recovery.
• Take a vigorous walk. Whether you hit the treadmill or the pavement, exercise is a great way to boost those feel-good hormones and keep you calm.
• Be more mindful. For many people in recovery, self-criticism and self-judgment are common sources of stress. One way to make peace with this inner voice is with mindfulness, or the experience of paying attention to these thoughts and feelings without judging yourself.
• Find stress-lowering activities. Whether baking, reading, knitting or listening to music – it’s important to identify an activity that can help you relax.
• Prioritize sleep. A good night’s rest – aim for 7 to 8 hours per night – is a surefire way to power your mind and body to combat stress.

Wellness Programs at Seabrook
We offer our clients a variety of wellness programs, including yoga, mindfulness meditation, sleep hygiene and stress management, along with our traditional addiction treatment. To learn more, call today: (888) 223-0298.