Everyone needs to unwind from the stress of life every now and then. Making time to focus on relaxation and self-care can be crucial in recovery. After all, stress and anxiety were often major factors in our decision to begin using drugs and alcohol. When we take time for ourselves by engaging in relaxing activities, we improve our mood, lower our stress and anxiety levels, and find a sense of serenity that can aid us in our journey toward permanent sobriety. Relaxation is necessary for the maintenance of our mental health. According to Mental Health America, “While there are no specific guidelines for how much relaxation a person should incorporate into their lifestyle, making time to unwind and enjoy life is an important part of maintaining good health. Deep relaxation, like meditation, when practiced regularly not only relieves stress and anxiety, but also is shown to improve mood. Deep relaxation has many other potential benefits as well—it can decrease blood pressure, relieve pain, and improve your immune and cardiovascular systems.” By lowering our stress and anxiety, we are in much less danger of acting in ways counterproductive to our recovery. Feeling relaxed and at peace allows us to continually make the right decisions in our day-to-day lives because we are no longer acting on impulse or stuck in a “fight-or-flight” mentality. We are able to respond to situations in a conscientious manner rather than simply reacting to them. There are many ways to achieve a feeling of relaxation, and the process is different for everybody. Whether it be solitary mediation, social interaction, or any other form of tension-relieving activity, relaxation helps us grow mentally and physically healthier, aiding us in our recovery. Addiction, for most of us, was a time of chaos—we found ourselves constantly on edge, full of anxiety and worry about the next high. Recovery is a time to detach from that chaos, to relax and take it easy. Soon we find that our worries slip away and we are able to be more present and attentive in our own chosen recovery program.
Your story doesn’t have to be one of chaos and worry. You have the power to seek help and begin building a better life. Oceanfront Recovery, a men’s treatment center in Laguna Beach, offers a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere for you to begin your journey toward sobriety. For more information about treatment options, please call today: (877) 279-1777
