Practicing Gratitude in Recovery: A Primer to the Benefits and Methods
From new shoes to just having shoes to wear, when we sit and take a look there really is so much to be grateful for each day. Sure, maybe you are new in recovery and keep telling yourself you’ve wasted years using and should’ve gotten sober sooner. Did you ever wake up in the morning and something ‘bad’ happens? You stub your toe on the way out of bed or you spill your coffee all over your clean shirt?
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Close your eyes and imagine not having your house, not having your family, not having your job. When you open your eyes again, there’s some dishabituation, this feeling of gratefulness. Caring for yourself helps show gratitude for all that your https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/top-10-substance-abuse-group-activities/ mind and body do for you. Some may feel the most appreciative when completing a workout, while others may feel the most gratitude when letting themselves sleep in. Pay attention to what your body and mind need most, and listen to that!
How Can Gratitude Help During Tough Times in Recovery?
Even if things aren’t going perfectly, you can still stop and be grateful for the steps you have taken forward. You can also more likely to be able to see what people are investing for you, how people are helping you, and how people are investing in your health and wellbeing. That can help you to improve your sense of self-worth and the idea that you have value to others – although you may need therapy and help with that mindset as well.
- Research has shown that expressing gratitude can lead to lower stress levels, increased optimism, and improved overall health.
- Replacing selfishness with gratitude can be revealed through intentional service to others by volunteering, charitable giving and even supporting others in recovery.
- As a community based treatment center, it’s important to us that we share helpful resources and expert content created for those who are seeking treatment or already in recovery.
- Our patient-centered, evidence-based approach to treatment allows us to put the care of the client first and provide a foundation for long-term recovery.
- In one study, people who practiced gratitude on a regular basis were shown to be better at resting, better at feeling rested, and better at sleeping.
Defining the Act of Practicing Gratitude
If you recently left treatment or you’re new to recovery, be patient with yourself. You’ve already taken the first steps on the road to happiness, and over time, your gratitude, mental health and general outlook why is gratitude important in recovery on life will all improve. When you are practicing gratitude in recovery, you are forging a spiritual connection with yourself. That spiritual connection has the power to keep you firmly rooted in your recovery.
Why Is Gratitude Important for Relationships in Recovery?
Surround yourself with positive people
Gratitude Helps You Focus on What Really Matters
- Substance abuse strains relationships, impacts personal finances, and can stymie your career, among other potential barriers to happiness.
- There are many different ways in which gratitude can be practiced, such as daily journaling or simply writing it down on your weekly planner.
- All of which makes for a healthier, happier, and more fulfilled you.
- The transition from addiction to recovery isn’t overnight, and the benefits don’t come all at once.