Addiction is a disease that takes hold of your mind, body and emotions. Once you have chosen to break free and get clean, you will be faced with many obstacles. One such hurdle is negative emotions. From irritability to bouts of depression, you’re bound to experience mood swings, especially early in your recovery journey. Having a few tried and true techniques to improve your mood during addiction treatment will help you avoid relapse and have a brighter outlook about your sobriety.
1. Take a Break and a Breath
If you find yourself struggling with guilt about the past or anxiety about your future, a simple, five-minute break can do wonders. Take a few deep breaths, stare out the window, read something or go for a short walk. It’s okay to allow yourself a break from external stressors for a few moments without interruption.
2. Find an Outlet for Your Feelings
Instead of stewing about your feelings or falling into a trap of introspection, channel your negative emotions into a healthier outlet. There are lots of different options:
- Exercise for some mood-boosting endorphins
- Practice yoga
- Paint, draw or journal
- Play an instrument
- Try a new craft, such as crochet or knitting
If you get in the habit of doing one of these activities as soon as negative feelings begin to appear, you’ll undoubtedly feel much better. Over time, just the thought of these outlets may be enough to boost your mood.
3. Talk to a Friend, Loved One or Another Member of Your Support Network
Hashing things out is an effective way to work through your feelings and improve your mood. Reach out to a friend or someone you trust. You can also contact a professional counselor or sponsor if you’re really struggling. Talking about your negative emotions can help you release them while also giving you greater insight into why you feel this way. This is why counseling is a crucial aspect of the recovery process.
4. Practice Mindfulness
If you’re feeling bogged down by your thoughts and emotions, mindfulness is a practice where you sit and simply focus on your breathing. Observe the way oxygen flows in and out of your body. This simple act can help slow your heart rate and decrease stress. If you regularly struggle with fear or anxiety, mindfulness can be an excellent coping mechanism.
5. Focus on Fun, Friendship and Laughter
Taking your recovery seriously doesn’t mean you have to be serious all the time. Fun and laughter can improve both your physical and emotional health and help you feel less stressed or depressed. Whether alone or with your friends, there are lots of fun, sober-friendly activities you can enjoy:
- Binge watch a comedy series
- See a standup comedian
- Watch silly animal videos on Youtube
- Blast your favorite upbeat music and dance around your house
- Plan a game night with your friends
- Go bowling or golfing or play laser tag
- Spend time with a cuddly dog or visit your local zoo
Turn to the Team at MedMark Treatment Centers for Compassionate Care
You don’t have to start the journey toward recovery from opioid addiction on your own. MedMark is here to provide comprehensive support to help you manage the ups and downs of recovery. Each of our locations provides medication-assisted treatment along with counseling services. We invite you to contact us today to learn what the MedMark team can do for you.
