Recovery is a journey, not a destination. By now, you’ve probably learned about tools to help you stay focused and motivated. Some days are easier than others in the journey. Everyone has their struggles, hopes, and dreams. What are some good ways, however, to make sure you stay on the path to success?

Stay Focused: Unplug a Little

We spend a lot of time doing countless small things that we don’t even think about, especially when it comes to media consumption.

How often do you check the news, scroll through Instagram, or read other people’s tweets? It’s the culture we live in. But the same culture that we live in is the culture that stresses us out. Much of the news is “bad news,” and many things that go viral on Twitter or Facebook are negative. And studies have shown that Instagram tends to make us feel inadequate, even though the photos we see aren’t even usually an accurate representation of life.

Try to limit your screen time and focus more on real-time and the people you talk to on the phone and care about at meetings. Focus on the people that help you with your recovery and less on things you can’t control.

Build Strong New Habits

Taking care of yourself is important, and it’s one of the things you’ll have to maintain in recovery. By building healthy habits, you’ll be able to create more success in life. These habits can help you stay focused and motivated.

What do I mean by strong habits? Simple things!

• Build-in self-care: Get up a half-hour earlier than you usually do so you can have some time to yourself in the morning. Use that time for self-care, such as meditating or exercising. You can even just use that time to doodle in your journal and enjoy your team or coffee. Starting your day with this focus helps you remember you’re on a path to recovery.
• Try to keep a schedule that centers your recovery. Sure, go to work in the morning, but start your day with meditations that help you focus on yourself. Take lunchtime to communicate with others in your support network or read your Big Book.
• Stick with your 12-step meetings no matter what. Having them online makes your excuses less viable. You can even use Zoom on your phone if you’re not at home.
• Take care of your health. In a pandemic, this means to wear a mask and practice social distancing. Take a COVID test if you travel or think you have been exposed. And if you have underlying health issues, continue to stay in close contact with your doctor.
• Practice being kind to others and gentle with yourself as well. Life isn’t always a bunch of roses or a giant ball of sunshine! Practice being kind by doing things for others – like doing the dishes, giving somebody a ride, buying milk without expecting anything back. Practice being kind to yourself by getting enough rest, accepting that you have flaws, and working hard on your recovery program.

Consider Sober Living

Sober living helps a lot of men and women stay focused on their new life in recovery. Have you considered sober living? Get in touch. We can answer any questions you may have at 760-216-2077.