As you begin your recovery, you will learn different strategies for managing stressful situations. One of them is mindfulness. The goal of mindfulness is to help you become more present in your everyday life. It’s harder than it sounds! Fortunately, the more you practice being mindful, the easier it becomes.
Tips for Being More Present
Always remember, being mindful takes practice. Here are some tips to help you embrace a more present lifestyle as you return from an inpatient drug rehab in Arizona.
Do One Thing at a Time
Multi-tasking is a skill we often perceive as positive. Right now, however, you need to take things slow. Avoid multi-tasking and instead focus your attention on one thing at a time. If you’re sitting down for lunch, eat your food and that’s it. Don’t try to squeeze in anything else.
Avoid Rushing Through Tasks
People are always in a hurry! But, do you think they are getting any satisfaction when they’re rushing from one place to the next? No. As you go through your tasks, take your time. Focus on what you are doing and make your actions intentional. This is an effective way to decrease impulsive actions.
Don’t Overbook Your Schedule
Boredom is something to avoid in early recovery, but it’s equally important that you don’t overfill your schedule. Otherwise, you might find yourself rushing from one thing to the next. As you build a schedule, leave time for yourself to relax. Also, put “spacers” in between tasks in case one thing takes longer than expected. This way, you don’t have to feel rushed.
Stop Stressing About the Future
As a recovering addict, you’re taught to live in the here and now. This is a great approach for all of us. No one knows what the future holds or the circumstances we will be living with. If you find your mind wandering to the future, bring it back to the present. Focus on what you’re doing at the moment and the happiness it brings you.
Listen to Others
How many times do we hear people but don’t really listen? This is a hard skill to master, but it’s one that will make your life sweeter. When someone talks to you, really listen to what they are saying. You can practice this in your 12-step groups. Listening and being present are two great ways to build healthy relationships.
Turn Everyday Tasks into Meditation
A lot of us don’t like things like cooking and cleaning, but you can turn them into opportunities for meditation. If you have to cook dinner, use the time to practice mindfulness. Focus on cooking the meal – don’t try to talk on the phone or watch TV too. Not only will you have time for yourself, but also a delicious meal to serve your family!
Being present is something that you can enjoy for the rest of your life. And, it costs nothing! To discover more about our holistic approach to treating substance abuse, call The River Source.
