Many of us look forward to the new year as a chance to start over and establish better routines. This may involve making a firm decision to become sober or beginning the process of rehabilitation. Setting and sticking to recovery objectives and rehabilitation resolutions isn't always a picnic, but it is always worth it. You can have a fresh perspective on life, stronger connections, and more energy for the things that make you happy once you break free from addiction.According to the American Psychological Association, making a life-changing resolution requires realistic planning. Feelings of discouragement might set in if you deviate even slightly from your recovery goals, even if you are still making progress. But if you break down your objectives into smaller, less difficult tasks, you'll have an easier time keeping to your resolutions and getting back on track when you encounter obstacles.
New Year’s Resolutions Ideas for Those on the Path to Recovery
Find New Hobbies / Activities
You need to get creative if you want to enjoy your leisure time while you're in recovery. If you're looking for a pastime, you don't have to limit yourself to just one or two. In recovery, there is a world of exciting opportunities waiting for you.
Make Contact With Others
At times, recovery can feel lonely. When you feel like no one else gets you, it's easy to isolate yourself. But do your best to get in touch with loved ones who have offered assistance if you have any. In the coming year, choose a circle of trusted friends and family members to rely on for help. Give them the benefit of the doubt and trust them to help you out. Making this one adjustment can have a huge impact on your journey to recovery from addiction.
Share the Love
When you've been sober/clean for a while, it could help to think back to all the people who have always loved and supported you. The best way to pay it forward is to commit to helping out other people at least once a day.
Maintain an Upbeat Attitude
Maintain an optimistic outlook as you plan new objectives for the coming year of recovery. At times, it's easy to give in to irritation, but keeping a positive outlook might speed up the healing process. Make a list of everything that makes you happy and pick out a few things when you're feeling down to help channel your feelings via positivity. Some examples of this strategy include dancing, listening to upbeat music, or repeating a positive mantra to yourself. To start the new year off on the right foot, read anything that encourages optimism.
One way to help yourself let go of negative thoughts and focus on the here and now is to practice mindfulness meditation as part of your recovery strategy. Meditation, writing in a journal, or even just sitting quietly with a pet or a hot cup of tea can have a great effect on mental health.
Ask for help
Reaching out for assistance when you need it is a fantastic New Year's resolution for recovery. Things beyond our control can set off the complicated disease of addiction. Reach out to a friend who is supportive of your recovery when you're going through tough circumstances. Additional options for professional help include support groups, inpatient or outpatient care, or both. Therapists have the knowledge and abilities to help you develop coping mechanisms and prevent relapse. Friends and support groups are there to lend you a hand anytime you need it, so you'll never feel alone on your trip. It's astonishing how much progress you can make in a year when you have a solid support structure behind you.
Elim Clinic is a professional treatment centre that offers various treatment options to those who suffer from substance use disorders and behaviour addiction.
Tel: +27 (0)11 975 2951
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