Stress can be one of the biggest triggers for relapse for those who are navigating the early stages of recovery from addiction. That is why we at Turning Point of Arnold make stress management a central part of our treatment program. In addition to what you will learn about stress management in our residential treatment program, here are a few stress management tips that you should remember as you strive to preserve your newfound freedom from addiction.
Be aware of high stress situations.
It helps to know which situations are the most likely to bring added stress into your life. While you cannot always avoid these situations, as many are milestones in life, you can be aware of them and take the necessary precautions beforehand. Some examples of high stress situations include:
- Losing a job
- Starting a new job
- Retiring
- Financial problems
- Getting married
- Getting divorced
- Relationship issues
- Having a baby
Know the signs of stress.
It also helps to know the signs of stress so that you can identify it and address it right when it hits. Some of the most common signs of stress include:
- Difficulty focusing
- Racing thoughts
- Trouble remembering things
- Irritability or anger
- Social withdrawal
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fatigue
- Overeating or undereating
- Headaches
- Muscle pain
Meditate.
Meditation, and related practices such as yoga, allows you to confront stress in a healthy manner. Through meditation, you can clear your mind and focus on the present, rather than worry about your past or future. There are many different ways to meditate, so you can always find the right type of meditation for you. You might practice belly breathing, for example, putting one hand on your belly and breathing deeply, paying close attention to how the hand on your belly moves up and down. Or, you might practice taking slow, deep breaths repeatedly, concentrating on releasing negative emotions as you exhale.
Exercise.
Exercise is another great way to reduce stress. For maximum stress reducing power, make exercise a regular part of your everyday routine. Exercise will help you release any immediate stress you are feeling while also encouraging your body to release natural mood enhancing endorphins.
Practice a favorite hobby.
Beyond regular meditation and exercise, you should also find a favorite hobby that helps bring peace into your life. Maybe you find painting therapeutic, for example, or maybe you find that creative writing helps you release negative emotions in a healthy manner. Whether it’s a club sport, an art form, or some other type of hobby, find something that you can look forward to doing and that helps you unwind.