Stress Management
Stress is a part of our daily lives and stress management tools are crucial to achieving a balanced and healthy lifestyle. In the
past we used chemicals to deal with stress, thinking that these chemicals could relax us, Even the media leads us into believing
that alcohol can create relief from tension. As a culture, we look for "quick fixes" to our stressors so that we can work harder
and get ahead. All of life's pressures and stresses must be addressed in a proactive and positive manner if we are to develop a
lasting recovery. Resistance to developing a stress management plan can greatly increase our possibilities for relapse.
There are many stress reducing activities that we can adopt to cope in a functional manner and to avoid relapse. A strong stress management plan needs to be part of your on-going relapse prevention plan. It is also critical, that in recovery, we learn how to manage our time, set goals (both personal & professional), and insure that we take time daily to relax and recuperate from the tension of the day. Being "all or nothing" people, we addicts/alcoholics tend to go overboard and attempt to do too much in early recovery. Often we have the feeling that we must make up for lost time so we overextend with job, family, friends, 12-Step commitments. Then we wonder why it is that we feel irritable, tired and experience urges to drink and use. Perhaps we have done the opposite of over committing ourselves and instead do not go to meetings and avoid building a support network. When this happens we become bored and restless and wonder why we feel so dissatisfied with our recovery. The solution lies in setting realistic goals, following 12-Step directions, and utilizing recovery skills to find the right balance in work, play, meetings, friendship, hobbies, and commitments.
As you return once again to recovery, work on developing a stress management plan. Some activities that are critical for such a plan are:
It important also to know which situations, events times of year, etc., are stressful for you, and develop a way to deal with
those particular stressors. Be willing to ask for help from friends and family. Don't take on too much work or overload yourself
with service commitments. Take time out to relax and have fun. Don't allow boredom to overwhelm you. Pursue fun and satisfying
activities. Be flexible!!!
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There are many stress reducing activities that we can adopt to cope in a functional manner and to avoid relapse. A strong stress management plan needs to be part of your on-going relapse prevention plan. It is also critical, that in recovery, we learn how to manage our time, set goals (both personal & professional), and insure that we take time daily to relax and recuperate from the tension of the day. Being "all or nothing" people, we addicts/alcoholics tend to go overboard and attempt to do too much in early recovery. Often we have the feeling that we must make up for lost time so we overextend with job, family, friends, 12-Step commitments. Then we wonder why it is that we feel irritable, tired and experience urges to drink and use. Perhaps we have done the opposite of over committing ourselves and instead do not go to meetings and avoid building a support network. When this happens we become bored and restless and wonder why we feel so dissatisfied with our recovery. The solution lies in setting realistic goals, following 12-Step directions, and utilizing recovery skills to find the right balance in work, play, meetings, friendship, hobbies, and commitments.
As you return once again to recovery, work on developing a stress management plan. Some activities that are critical for such a plan are:
- Some form of physical exercise
- Regular practice of Step 11
- Sharing and connecting with your support network on a regular basis
- Attention to good diet and healthy nutrition
- Regular time set aside on a daily basis to unwind & relax
- A repertoire of leisure activities
- Regular sleep and rest
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Azure Acres Recovery Center | 2264 Green Hill Road | Sebastopol, California 95472
This website is funded by CRC Health Corporation and does not accept advertisements
