Whatever method you choose, try to set yourself up for success by being realistic. If you’re not a morning person, writing in a gratitude journal first thing is unlikely. Set up your routine to fit comfortably in your life so you can keep up this new habit long-term. Gratitude is https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/alcohol-neuropathy-symptoms-and-treatment/ something that will stay with you for a lifetime if you take the time to practice it. This is extremely beneficial, as gratitude can negate the rise of the ego. All individuals struggling with a substance use disorder also struggle with controlling their egos, and that’s normal.
It is about paying attention to both the good and the bad in life without trying to change them. One of the main obstacles to a successful recovery is avoiding gratitude in recovery triggers and cravings that can lead to relapse. Gratitude can help you overcome these obstacles by shifting your focus from what you lack to what you have.
Gratitude Works for Everyone—Not Just Sober Folks
Part of this transformation involves incorporating gratitude into your daily routine. Being grateful for the blessings in your life, whether large or small, helps cultivate a humble, appreciative attitude. Once your mind starts associating these objects with gratitude, you will naturally begin to feel more positive every time you see them. Sometimes, writing a gratitude letter can seem daunting, especially if you have trouble putting your feelings into words. If you are not about words of affirmation, there are other ways to show people you appreciate having them in your life.
Get a jar of any kind and when something good happens write it on a strip of paper and put it in the jar. Then each day (once you get some stockpiled) take one out and remember what you have to be happy about. Making a list of ten things you are grateful for each morning is a great way to start off the day in a positive way. From new shoes to just having shoes to wear, when we sit and take a look there really is so much to be grateful for each day. Sure, maybe you are new in recovery and keep telling yourself you’ve wasted years using and should’ve gotten sober sooner. And just as with any other habit, with regular practice, grateful thoughts can become your everyday way of thinking.
Place visual reminders of gratitude where you will see them
At Plum Creek Recovery Ranch, we understand the challenges of addiction and are dedicated to providing the support, guidance, and resources needed to navigate the journey to recovery successfully. Most people are aware that mental health affects your physical health, but did you know that positive emotions also have an impact. Taking time to cultivate a positive life outlook and to invest in gratitude can improve your health in several ways. For example, it can improve your psychological health and improve your quality of sleep. That can mean reduced fatigue, boosted immune system, and even reduced exposure to stress-related heart conditions. Of course, gratitude also means you’re more likely to be motivated for self-care like exercise, healthy meals, and rest – and that will also go on to significantly impact your health and wellbeing.
- This self-centered thought process is the opposite of gratitude, which would help you see your loved ones are trying to show they care and want to help.
- When you are practicing gratitude in recovery, you are forging a spiritual connection with yourself.
- Reach out to someone you like and trust, and ask to exchange gratitude.
- If you accomplished something at work, don’t be afraid to pat yourself on the back and let people know how happy it made you.
- If you are struggling with addiction and looking for a way to overcome it, you are not alone.
- Buckle up and get ready to discover how a thankful mindset can transform your journey towards long-lasting recovery.
Recent studies display that writing just one gratitude letter a week for three weeks consecutively provides significant benefits for up to six months. Finally, gratitude has been linked to improved physical health outcomes such as better sleep quality and reduced inflammation. This suggests that being grateful not only improves our mental health but also has positive effects on our bodies. By identifying things to be grateful for, you’ll be able to find the strength and motivation to keep moving forward. Acknowledging how much you’ve progressed throughout your recovery journey can be helpful when you’re struggling with addiction.
Why Is Gratitude Important in Addiction Recovery?
One study showed that people who are grateful for opportunities and progress have more alertness, attention, and focus. That, in turn, makes it easier to reach and maintain goals, so you’re more likely to succeed in your recovery journey. Gratitude works by rewiring the brain and increasing levels of dopamine and serotonin, which are responsible for regulating emotions. It helps individuals focus on positive things in their lives instead of dwelling on negativity. Regularly practicing gratitude trains the mind to seek positivity in every situation. Expressing gratitude can take many forms, from saying “thank you” to sending a heartfelt note or gift.
Instead of getting lost in negative emotions, use gratitude to be thankful you are in recovery and are fully present in your life. Gratitude helps reduce or even eliminate emotional and physical triggers as well. The science behind gratitude letters is simple; expressing gratitude leads to an increase in dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin levels which further triggers the feelings of happiness and pleasure.
Use gratitude prompts
As you practice gratitude in recovery, it’s also important to remember the bad times. Even if today wasn’t your best, have perspective on how far you’ve come. Your progress is an achievement, and you can only appreciate the good when you acknowledge the bad. Call us today at Circle of Hope and let us help you gain your own sense of practicing gratitude in recovery. Taking time to have a daily gratitude session or to write in a gratitude journal can help. However, taking time throughout the day to go “This is going well, I am grateful for it” can also be important.