Author: Amy Collet

If you have a past of substance misuse, you aren’t alone. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, some 165 million Americans grapple with substance use disorders (SUD). What’s more, the COVID-19 pandemic has created a mental health crisis and triggered an increase in SUDs, as ABC News reports.

Maintaining your abstinence can be a challenge, especially in such troubling times. However, small but impactful changes to your daily habits can help. Embracing positive mental and physical behaviors will nurture you on the road to recovery and help you improve your overall quality of life.

There are many resources available to help you on your path. Addiction Recovery Coalition of New Hampshire provides long-term aid for SUD persons, including recovery coaching and support groups. Connecting with organizations like this one is a positive step.

Discover more healthy habits and advice on how to successfully implement them into your daily life below.

Make your home a positive space

Healing starts at home. You want a stress-free space that is full of positive vibes to return to at the end of each day. If you feel like your place has lingering negative energy, clear it out now. Give your house a thorough cleaning, remove clutter, and inject positivity. Some cultures conduct spiritual cleanses of their space by smudging the rooms with a sage stick. You might also consider adding decor to create an environment that brings you joy. A space filled with positivity and cleared of clutter will help you mentally turn over a new leaf and can kickstart your path to greater health and happiness.

Nurture your body and mind with healthy food and exercise

Repair your body and mind with a healthy diet and exercise. Nutritious food rich in vitamins and minerals gives your body and brain the fuel it needs for optimal function. Seize control of your diet by getting into the habit of home cooking, which is healthier than eating out or ordering delivery, according to Johns Hopkins University. Meanwhile, research shows that regular physical activity can help people who are striving to maintain abstinence.

Establish a support network you can rely on

If you have trouble motivating yourself to exercise, ask a friend to join you. A workout buddy will motivate you and can also serve as a valuable part of your support network in recovery. A support network provides valuable assistance when you feel your resolve to maintain abstinence wavering. Look for recovery groups in your area for help. Local rehabilitation centers, mental health clinics, and religious organizations may all have resources.

Make sleep a priority by revamping your bedtime routine

Life after SUD isn’t always easy. You may have trouble sleeping, for example. Make sure you are getting the Zs you need by transforming your bedroom into an oasis of calm. Equip your sleeping space with blackout curtains, a white noise machine, and aromatherapy candles or essential oils. Very Well Health recommends scents like lavender, cedarwood, and bergamot to support a tranquil rest.

Consider a replacement approach to decrease temptation

There will come times when you feel temptation. This is a normal part of any SUD recovery. Prepare for such emotions by engaging in healthy hobbies to keep busy. Psychology Today explains that installing new positive habits is one way to kick old negative habits. For example, you might pick up meditation to fill up your spare time that was once dominated by your SUD. Meditation is further shown to alleviate anxiety, a trigger for some people.

Recovery from substance use disorders is challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. The above guide provides tips and tools that can help. Adopting healthy habits like these now will make your journey easier in the long run.

The Addiction Recovery Coalition of New Hampshire is dedicated to helping people recover from SUDs. Find out more about our services online.

About the Author: Amy Collet is the creator of Bizwell.org, a website that helps professionals and entrepreneurs build and strengthen their personal brand. She is also the author of the upcoming book, You, Exemplified: The Role of Personal Branding in Your Professional Life.