A lot of work goes into recovery. You change the way you go about daily life and relationships. The work is worth it, but rest is also important. Like with many other things in recovery, it’s all about balance.
Small Moments of Peace
If you find that you’re feeling burnt out or exhausted, rest will probably benefit your mental health and recovery. That said, sometimes it’s so hard to find the time, doing so can itself feel tiring or overwhelming.
Perhaps it’s helpful to remember that relaxation doesn’t always have to be anything extravagant; you can build moments of calm into your day. Breathing exercises are a great way to create these moments. Alternate nostril breathing is when you hold your right nostril with your fingers, breathe in through the left one, hold the left one, breathe out through your right nostril, and so on. Square breathing is when you breathe in for a slow count of four, hold for four, breathe out for a slow count of four, and hold for four.
These are just a couple of breathing exercises that can help center you on a stressful day. You can also just sit and notice your breath, count your breaths, or intentionally take a few deep breaths in and out.
Relaxing Activities
If you can find a little more time for rest, engaging in flow state activities can help turn off parts of your brain, so you’re acting more on instinct. This is a good way to give your brain some rest if you’re an overthinker, are often anxious, or spend a lot of time in your head. We’ve shared some tips for reaching this state here.
You can also read, listen to music, take a bath, sit in and observe nature, watch a movie—or, you can really just simply lie down and do nothing. If you’re a person who loves working towards goals like I am, the biggest challenge is just to accept that you need this time as much as you need the striving.
There will always be time for growth and movement in recovery, but stillness is important as well. That way, you will be rested to do—and enjoy—the efforts of recovery.
If you are struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder, there is help and hope. TruHealing Centers offers high-quality treatment for addiction and mental health disorders in facilities across the country. Our staff—many of whom are in recovery themselves—will help you find peace in recovery. To learn more, call an admissions specialist at 410-593-0005.