A big part of staying sober is creating a new life full of joy, spirit and relaxation. To achieve this it’s essential to develop four core areas of your life, or the “four C's,” that will help you stay healthy and resilient as you face the inevitable ups and downs of recovery, according to Mental Health America (MHA). Here’s a look at what they are – and how they can help you:
1. Connect with yourself: This means taking time to check in with yourself and how you are doing along your recovery journey. One way to do this is to start a journal in which you honestly convey your feelings, fears, goals and dreams.
2. Connect with others. No one is expected to go through recovery alone. In fact, a solid support system can help ease stress and reduce your risk of relapse. Take the opportunity to surround yourself with friends and family who are willing to be there for you during your journey toward sobriety. Reach out to those closest to you and let them know you need them in your life. MHA suggests asking yourself the following questions to ensure you have enough support in your life:
Do you have at least a few friends or family members who:
3. Connect to your community. Whether you gather a few rehab peers for a hike or volunteer in your local community with like-minded people, expanding your social network is a great way to prevent loneliness and to stay emotionally strong.
4. Create joy and satisfaction. According to MHA, good feelings can boost your ability to deal with stress, solve problems, think flexibly and even fight disease. And perhaps the best way to create joy and satisfaction is to take time to rediscover your passions and care for your body, mind and spirit.
Health and Wellness and Addiction TreatmentNorthStar Transitions offers clients general wellness programming so they can develop healthy habits and routines that can be used during and after addiction treatment. To learn more about our programs and services, call today: 303-625-6335.
