How to Improve Your Mood During Addiction Treatment

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June 28, 2021

Everyone experiences positive and negative emotions, and your mood can shift in an instant for many reasons. However, in the early stages of your recovery from substance addiction, you may be more prone to negative emotions, such as irritability, stress or even mild depression. Mood swings are also a normal withdrawal symptom as your body adjusts to life without drugs.

While mood swings in recovery are common, you must give your feelings the consideration they deserve. Your emotional health has close ties to your physical and mental well-being. Ignoring mood swings or hoping they’ll go away on their own can work against the effort you’ve put into your recovery. Instead, focus on ways to improve your mood and boost your energy.

5 Ways to Boost Your Mood in Recovery

While negative emotions may be unavoidable, you can cope with mood swings. Here are some things you can do to improve your mood and power your way through:

1. Practice Mindful Breathing

Sometimes all you need to break out of an emotional low point is to take a quick break and breathe. Breathing is one of the key components of mindfulness meditation. Try to focus on your breath, flowing into and out of your body. This practice is a handy technique you can use anytime and anywhere.

2. Do Something That Makes You Smile and Laugh

When you smile or laugh, studies show that these simple acts have a myriad of physiological benefits. Whether you watch funny animal videos, hang out with a hilarious friend or binge-watch your favorite comedy series, the more you smile and laugh, the more related you may feel.

3. Enjoy a Healthy Outlet

If you feel caught in a trap of introspection, depression or negativity, a healthy outlet can help you channel these mood swings and find a more positive outlook. Engaging in various activities releases mood-boosting endorphins. Even thinking about your favorite hobby can help you feel more at ease.

Choose from options like:

  • Exercise.
  • Yoga.
  • Massage.
  • Spending time with animals.
  • Creative endeavors, like music or art.

4. Meet With a Friend or Loved One

Your friends and support system will see you through your darkest days. If your emotions are bogging you down, resist the temptation to struggle alone. Reach out to someone you trust. You can talk to them about your emotions and experiences. You can hang out without discussing your recovery, too. Laughing, playing games or watching a movie together can boost your mood.

5. Be Quick to Apologize

Lashing out at the people you love is common, especially when you experience mood swings in addiction treatment. Still, learning to take accountability for your actions is part of recovery. If you speak harshly or do something you regret, be quick to apologize. This action can help you maintain your relationships and ultimately help you feel better.

Find Help for Your Opioid Addiction at AppleGate Recovery

If you struggle with opioid addiction, help is available at AppleGate Recovery. With professional, medication-assisted treatment and compassionate counseling, we can help curb your cravings and break the cycle of addiction and relapse. The best way to improve your mood is to find hope and healing in recovery. Learn how you can get started.