Addiction is a challenging disease and the recovery process is ongoing. There will be times when you need extra inspiration to keep you on track. AppleGate Recovery has assembled these ideas to help you continue your accomplishments with encouragement when you need it.
Musical Recovery Motivation
Music is a powerful mood changer and a source of inspiration. There are several ways to add music to your addiction recovery journey:
- Create a playlist: Create a playlist of inspirational songs and carry them with you or play them throughout the day. Songs such as “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” by Kelly Clarkson, “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey, “Get Up Stand Up” by Bob Marley, “We Are the Champions” by Queen, “Not Afraid” by Eminem and others can remind you to keep striving. Whatever your musical taste, make it a goal to put together a huge list of inspirational songs to listen to.
- Look for new-to-you motivational music and sounds: Expand beyond contemporary songs to classical pieces such as Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” or jazz or even religious music. Experiment to see what makes you feel better. Look beyond music to inspirational podcasts, nature sounds or guided meditations.
- Write music: You don’t have to be a musician to write music. Pour your feelings into a piece. Create lyrics or sing a few lyrics into your phone. You can even use online programs to translate your sounds into musical arrangements.
Activities to Motivate You During the Recovery Process
Besides listening to music, there are lots of activities which can help you with recovery motivation:
- Go someplace new: Travel can help you get perspective, even if it’s just in your own hometown. Go to a museum, art gallery or new spot to get some inspiration and motivation.
- Help someone else: Give back by helping someone else. Whether you tutor someone, help an elderly person across the street or volunteer for an organization you believe in, helping others builds your self-confidence and can make you feel more hopeful.
- Make art: Creativity feeds creativity. If you’re feeling low on motivation to keep going, pour that doubt and worry into a painting, drawing, photography, film or any other creative expression. Pretty soon, you may find exploring your creative side helps you feel inspired again.
- Visit a comedy club: Laughter really is the best medicine. Having a few laughs in a casual spot can help you feel less stressed and can improve your outlook.
- Get active: Taking a hike, joining a gym or joining a sports team helps you get some exercise and fills up your time. It can also motivate you on your journey, since you can’t excel at sports if you don’t stay in recovery. Physical activity can also help you feel better mentally, which can help your recovery. Just make sure you consult with a doctor to ensure you don’t overdo it with too-strenuous exercise at first.
The recovery journey can feel stressful, and at times you may feel alone. But there are many things you can do. Listening to inspirational music and taking part in sober activities helps fill your time and helps you explore life after recovery, with all its possibilities.
If you’d like help with recovery, contact AppleGate Recovery to find out how you can take the next step in living life on your terms.