Stress Relievers To Do Before You Start Your Day Sober

A lot of people wrongfully believe that after successfully completing detox and going through rehab their work is done. However, getting clean is just the first step. From there, you’ll need to figure out how to build up the strength you’ll need to avoid relapse when things become rough. Finding healthy coping mechanisms is a major task for those in recovery from addiction. Even the process of rehabilitation can be taxing, as it requires you to adopt new ways of being and find stress relievers to do before you start your day sober. The experts from drug and alcohol detox Florida will welcome you with open arms and be there for you every step of the way.

In order to get past the repercussions of your past actions, you need to confront them head-on and work through your emotions, rather than suppressing them. Everything from the above to more might pile on the pressure and leave you feeling helpless at times. Thankfully, you can rely on numerous methods that have already proven effective. To help you maintain your sobriety, we’ve consulted industry experts, and here’s our comprehensive list of tried and true methods that will help you relieve stress and stay sober.

Try out these morning stress relievers to start your day sober

Relapse into substance abuse is strongly linked to psychological stress. In fact, The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that reducing stress is crucial in avoiding a return to substance abuse. But as stress is an inevitable part of life and we can’t get away from it, the question is how can we cope with it.

Every day, the majority of people face some level of stress. Subtle annoyances, like arriving late to work or being asked the same question five times in a row, can add up to a major inconvenience over time. It can be challenging to stay on track throughout the day if you’re dealing with the emotional stress of a tense relationship, unemployment, or money worries.

Even while stress is an inevitable part of life, you may learn to cope with it in healthy ways and help yourself maintain your sobriety. To help you do this, we’ve conducted pros from medical detox Florida, and here are 10 ways to deal with stress in the short term, and build long-term resilience that will serve you well.

#1 Establish healthy routines

Establishing a healthy routine after completing a cocaine withdrawal treatment is one of the first steps toward maintaining your sobriety. Routine helps us forget about our current frustrations and instead concentrate on the next phase. In other words, if you know what to expect from day to day—from when you eat and sleep to when you go to work or school—then everything will go well.

Your stress levels will rise if your days are disconnected and you have to do different chores at different times every day. Developing and maintaining regular, healthful habits can be an effective means of mitigating this source of stress.

While some people relax by doing mundane jobs around the house, like washing the kitchen sink, others find therapeutic value in arts and crafts like knitting. Possible activities range from brushing the dog to cooking a healthful snack to brewing a cup of coffee to solving a crossword or Sudoku. It’s all about finding what works best for you and focusing on that.

#2 Meditate

Various studies suggest that meditation is one of the most effective ways to cope with stress both in general or if you’re battling addiction. In fact, experts from the opioid detox center Florida emphasize the importance of meditation and advise it does wonders for people with substance abuse cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

To meditate is to turn one’s attention inward on purpose. Focusing on your breath, following a guided meditation, or repeating a mantra are all effective methods.

One of the finest ways to counteract the stress response in the body is to practice deep breathing. Draw air in via your nostrils, pause for a few seconds, and then let it out through your mouth. Exhaling should be a slower process than inhaling by roughly. Mantras and positive affirmations, such as “I am safe” and “I am deserving” can also be helpful in changing one’s perspective and improving one’s mood.

#3 Write a gratitude journal

Another great way to start your day stress-free is to write a gratitude journal. Taking just a few minutes a day spent reflecting on all that you have to be thankful for can have a profound effect on your outlook on life. If you’re trying to recover from stress or anxiety, remembering past strategies that helped can be a huge assistance.

Reviewing our notes and thinking about what brought us joy or relief helps us relax. It’s like penning our own, unique self-help manual. After all, who could know you better than you know yourself? However, do keep in mind that writing your gratitude journal is not reserved strictly for mornings. You can do it whenever you feel anxious or stressed. You’ll immediately feel a sense of relief.

#4 Start your day by exercising

There will be periods during rehabilitation when you feel completely overloaded and anxious. However, this is not an excuse to continue using. At the end of the day, you need to remember that change does always come with feelings of frustration no matter how positive it is.

Exercising is one of the best stress relievers to do before you start your day sober. Stress relief through exercise is both effective and beneficial and the best part is that it doesn’t have to be very strenuous. For instance, you can get your blood pumping, your breathing regular, and your stress levels down with only a few minutes on the elliptical machine, a stroll around the neighborhood, or a short hike in a nearby park.

Stress-related muscle tension and adrenaline can be burned off during physical activity, leaving you feeling calmer and more at ease. On top of that, you’ll feel good about yourself. Even if you’re currently going through some sort of rehab, let’s say one of alcohol withdrawal syndrome treatments, you will be encouraged by the experienced staff there to regularly exercise.

#5 Stay away from negative news when you wake up

We live in a mobile but “plugged-in” society, where our constant connectivity can make it seem like we never stop. Most people developed a habit to check their phones the second they wake up. However, to avoid distractions and to remind yourself what it’s like to be “unplugged,” put your phone or tablet away for a few minutes while you collect yourself.

Experts from heroin detox Florida suggest replacing your morning screen time with a more useful routine such as exercising or meditating. Therefore, stop instantly bombarding yourself with negative news. Instead, put your phone away and focus on something positive that will actually aid in your recovery and help you stay sober.

#6 Ask for support

There will be days when you wake up feeling stressed or even completely overwhelmed. If this happens to you, don’t panic. Instead, reach out to your sponsor, therapist, or even your best friend. Your therapist or sponsor can listen, offer suggestions for coping, and hold you accountable if you’re having trouble overcoming difficulties in your life.

Another good idea is to join a support group. Joining a support group can help you in many different ways. They offer a way to connect with people who can relate to your struggles without the use of substances and without fear of judgment. They can also be relied on for support in times of need. Building relationships within a support group allows you to give back to the community and aid those in need, both of which are excellent stress relievers.

#7 Laugh as much as possible

Having a wonderful time and laughing from the heart have health benefits beyond just making you feel good. In fact, the team of experts in marijuana detox Florida suggests that laughter is one of (if not THE) best stress relievers. As you laugh, your body’s stress response is triggered and reduced, your endorphin levels rise, and your tension melts away.

So why not start your day by finding something funny to read or watch? Perhaps you’re the type who finds amusement in memes or YouTube videos of cats doing silly things. Perhaps a fan’s favorite comedian has a brief set of stand-ups available on YouTube. One more method to bring some humor into the strains of daily life is to talk to a buddy who has a good one. However, no matter how tempted you might be, stay away from negative news and social media content.

Another great idea is to hang up some simple things that make you smile, whether they’re photos, greeting cards, or comic strips. As soon as you wake up, you’ll see something that will instantly bring a smile to your face. Learn to laugh at yourself and your predicament will begin to ease.

#8 Celebrate your progress

It’s simple to see how far you have to go in life, which may be both encouraging and discouraging. There’s no telling what lies ahead, but at least you can see how far you’ve traveled by checking your rearview mirror. When you feel discouraged and anxious about your recovery, it might be helpful to reflect on how far you have come and how much you have developed.

For instance, let’s say you’ve just come home from detox inpatient Florida but you still feel anxious and overwhelmed at times. When that happens take a deep breath and remember where you were as opposed to where you are now. You’ll instantly feel better about yourself! This is a great reminder of how much success you are capable of achieving in spite of life’s challenges. So don’t shy away from celebrating even the smallest victories, you deserve it!

#9 Spend time with your furry friend

Similar to the stress-relieving effects of exercise, spending time with and petting animals has been documented in studies. To an extent that human companions often cannot, pets can be there for us whenever we need them. They are trustworthy, can maintain a secret, and like peaceful silence. Petting a cat or playing with a dog can help reduce stress hormones like cortisol, decrease blood pressure, and boost levels of the stress-relieving hormone oxytocin.

So which stress relievers will you try before you start your day sober?

The stress relievers to do before you start your day sober we mentioned in this article are all great ways to take care of yourself. However, there’s plenty more you can do. The list of things that can help you feel better is practically endless: taking your medication as prescribed, taking breaks when you need them, getting enough sleep, eating healthily, setting apart time for meditation, prayer, reading, playing with pets, and so on. Take care of yourself by doing whatever helps you feel balanced, secure, and whole. The stresses of life will be simpler to handle if you focus on self-care!

On the other hand, if you’re reading this article while still struggling with substance abuse, take it as a sign to seek professional help. All you need to do is make that difficult first step and you’re already on a great path to sobriety and a healthier and happier lifestyle. So wait no more and reach out even today!