4 Tips for Self Improvement in Long-Term Recovery

Recovery is a life long process. We are never cured, nor is there a magic pill to make it all go away. All we have is a daily reprieve, if we choose to maintain and utilize the tools we have been given in sobriety. With quite a few days under your belt, you may have gained back belongings, rebuilt relationships and even started a whole new life that is beyond anything you could ever dream while in active addiction.

But now what? We must keep growing physically, emotionally and spiritually to cultivate and expand on this new found way of life. There are many maintenance tools that a 12-step program will teach you such as: prayer and meditation, working with others, making meetings and talking to another alcoholic/addict. But here are some helpful tips beyond those very important tools:

Exercise:Everyone knows that exercise is good for you, but it also helps break compulsive behaviors. Anything we can do to remove these compulsive actions will prevent relapses.

Eating Healthy:Most addicts/alcoholics spent years with extremely poor eating habits. Getting your body on the right track with the right nutrients and vitamins will not only help your physical health but improve your mood and concentration. Proper nutrition is essential for normal cognition, or thinking skills.

Learn Something New:We must always remain teachable in our lives. It is likely that you were able to remain clean this long because you were able to take some direction and take suggestions. This does not change no matter how many years you have been sober. A desire to learn keeps us humble, and out of selfish thinking.

Live it Up:Just because you are sober doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Take a trip, join a club, explore new hobbies, or start a water balloon fight in your neighborhood. The point is that you can’t take your self too serious. Use everyday to find joy in the little things. One of the greatest gifts of recovery is the freedom to explore what makes us happy without substances.

These are just a few suggestions on how to enjoy your sobriety. Protect your Recovery! Recovery has given you a new lease on life, so make the most of it.