Have you ever wondered why someone’s body language conveys something different from what they’re saying? The reactions of your body reveal nonverbal signals that play a vital sign in communication. Body language is a critical aspect of your recovery process because it influences your decisions and the decisions of others in a way other than words. While words are of vital importance in the process of addiction recovery, body language is just as vital when preparing yourself for a healthier lifestyle.
Proper communication influences your decisions and helps you be more prepared for different situations in life. When you prepare yourself to properly communicate and understand how others communicate, you can more easily understand many situations in life. Having the right body language better prepares you to convey particular thoughts using nonverbal communication.
Communication can be filled with conversations, directions, and other guidance, all with body language and verbal discussions. With the combination of verbal and nonverbal communication, your brain remains interested in conversations. The lack of proper body language in any situation can lead to emotional stress. Understanding the personal impression that your body language produces is vital in recovery because it pushes you to continue down a healthier recovery path.
One conflict that arises in recovery is the confusion of body language and words. When you address proper body language, you become more relaxed and authoritative with your decisions, conversations, and self-control. However, using appropriate body language is not a skill you can learn overnight.
In recovery from addiction, your mind can feel confused at first, and the way your mind reacts to your body language is similar. You have to teach your body and your mind to act constructively together.
The layers of body language could make all the difference in your decisions, your behavior, and your life. In treatment, you learned that nonverbal communication is a way to express yourself so that others around you can understand your situation and your pain. Managing that type of communication is a form of addressing the concerns. You can use facial gestures or nonverbal cues to communicate what you’re going through, regardless of whether it's negative or positive. For example, imagine a group of lions in the desert. They can’t speak formal words, but they can use body language and nonverbal communication skills as a mode of communication with one another.
Humans are very similar regarding communication and body language. The body language shows your confidence and commitment, and any language barrier that exists may not be as problematic. Your body language is a personal reflection of your emotions that shows others if you're approachable, focused, or attentive. It also expresses if you’re open to suggestions and new ideas or if you’re bored.
When you learn to make the most of your body language while in treatment, you show that you're aware and mindful of what you and others around you are going through. Many people throughout life have different circumstances and scenarios that affect the way they think. The different motions and signals throughout their body language can give you insight into their thought process.
Interpreting the body language of others is not meant for everyone. However, a deeper understanding of your body language can help you avoid assumptions and mixed signals from others.
In recovery, preparing yourself with the proper body language expresses that you are attentive, listening to the direction and guidance of the path you chose. You can strengthen your nonverbal messages by teaching yourself the proper body language techniques. When body language is used properly, it becomes a vital tool for understanding what’s happening with you and of those around you in treatment and recovery.
You may not know about everything that everyone around you is going through, but you can get a better perspective based on body language. In recovery, learning to trust others with honest communication is a healthy step towards recovery.
Nonverbal cues can make all the difference in building and establishing trust. Once the trust is built and established with honesty in both nonverbal and verbal communication, relationships can grow, and communication becomes easier to understand.
Recovery from addiction unravels many heartfelt topics and opens up the door to disagreements. However, with the right communication style and the appropriate body language, understanding the underlying components of communication can be a much easier process.
At NorthStar Transitions, we establish and maintain an open channel of communication, verbally and nonverbally. All levels of misunderstandings about substance use are addressed with honesty and open communication. There are various modalities and approaches to establishing nonverbal cues and body language to help you understand each individual who struggles with substance use. Continue having patience and persistence while working towards building proper body language and communication, and it will encourage you on a healthier recovery path. If you feel that you or someone you love has a hard time establishing effective forms of communication, such as body language, talk to us today. We believe in making recovery achievable with new-school modalities and communication techniques. We have different treatments to help improve body language through anger management, activity therapy, venture therapy, music therapy, mindfulness, experimental therapy, creative healing, and much more. Learn more at NorthStar Transitions, or call us at (303) 558-6400.
