As we approach the winter months, making mindfulness an intentional habit is particularly important. Many people experience lower energy levels and seasonal depression when the days get shorter and colder. For those recovering from opioid addiction, finding ways to fully process their emotions and be in the moment can help them navigate the highs and lows of recovery during this season.
Mindfulness meditation for addiction recovery can be a powerful tool. If you’re recovering from opioid addiction, consider implementing mindfulness practices into your life to help you move forward.
Impact of Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness activities bring many benefits that can help you with recovery. In situations where you encounter a trigger or feel panicked, mindfulness can help you reshape your thoughts and regain a sense of control.
Some of the ways mindfulness can strengthen your recovery journey include:
- Gives you objectivity: Mindfulness helps you objectively identify and assess triggers without acting on them.
- Grounds you in the present: Mindful practices help you take joy in simple things in the moment and break a pattern of escapist behaviors.
- Equips you for effective interpersonal communication: When you use mindfulness in your relationships, it can help you respond well, even in challenging interactions.
Mindfulness Practices for Your Daily Life
Throughout your everyday activities, create a routine for practicing mindfulness. Finding ways to regularly integrate mindfulness into your life can be a powerful asset for your recovery. It can help you stay in the moment and move forward from past behavior patterns. Consider simple activities to help you get started with a mindfulness routine.
1. Go for a Walk
Whether you’re walking from your car to your work office or taking a stroll around your neighborhood, slow down and pay attention to your surroundings. Feel your footsteps against the ground and listen to the rustle of wind in the trees. Be mindful of each step and maintain full awareness of how you’re feeling in the moment.
2. Focus on Breathing
If you’re feeling anxious or encountering a trigger, stop for a moment, close your eyes and listen to your breathing. Focus exclusively on inhaling and exhaling, and feel how the air moves through your body. Paying attention to your breathing can give you a sense of control and calm, whatever may be going on around you.
3. Process Your Thoughts
If you’re beginning to feel stressed, angry or upset, give yourself time to recognize what you’re feeling. Without any judgment, accept your feelings and analyze why you’re experiencing those emotions. Let yourself process negative emotions instead of trying to push through or escape them. Give yourself permission to let go of thoughts about yourself or your situation that aren’t true.
Choose AppleGate Recovery for Caring Counseling and Treatment
If you’re struggling with opioid addiction, you don’t have to face it alone. At AppleGate Recovery, we treat each of our patients with care and respect. We offer a counseling and medication-assisted treatment program that allows you to continue with your normal life while getting care from us.
To learn more about how we can come alongside you in your recovery journey, reach out to us today.